Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 94579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 378(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 378(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
And winks.
SECOND FRIDAY
“The Friday Where the Real Games Begin.”
Scarlett
Me: Hey Tess, you guys hitting Jock Row tonight?
Too desperate sounding?
I delete the message, bite down on my bottom lip, and start the message over, trying not to sound obvious. Like I’m fishing for an invitation to go out with them again.
Which I am.
Me: What are you and Cam up to tonight?
Tessa: We’re hitting Jock Row—Cameron is still totally into that Derek guy. Even though he was kind of an asshole to you last weekend?? Sorry bout that.
Kind of an asshole is kind of an understatement, but I let the comment slide. Tess has apologized a few times, even though none of it was her fault.
Me: I was thinking maybe I’d…
I hit send, even though I haven’t finished the sentence. Dammit, how do I tell her I want to go back to the house even though they kicked me out last weekend?
She spares me from asking.
Tessa: You want to come with us?? It would be so fun!
My stomach betrays my best intention to remain calm, rolling with anticipation.
Me: Would that be weird? Seeing as how they were calling me Cock Blocker and made me stay on the porch?
Tessa: I don’t think so. Those parties are so fun and there are cute guys everywhere.
Me: There sure are.
But there’s only one I’m interested in seeing tonight.
Tessa: Are you willing to take the chance that they’re not going to let you in?
Yes.
All week, all I’ve been able to think about is the guy on the porch—Rowdy, as I noticed he called himself. All week long, I’ve looked for him on campus. In the quad and in the cafeteria. The library the one night I went to study. Stared a little too long at the entrance of the workout facility, hoping for a glimpse.
All week long, I’ve been looking forward to Friday.
Me: The porch wasn’t the worst.
Tessa: Um, if I had to stand outside with that hot guy, I’d go back too. Like, twist my arm why don’t you, haha.
Me: So you don’t think it’s insane if I go back? I won’t look desperate?
Tessa: You’re the only SANE one between the three of us, Scarlett. Of course you should come. But maybe…
Me: Maybe what?
Tessa: Maybe dress warm? JUST in case, if you know what I mean? lol
Me: TESSA! lol. Do you really think they’ll keep me outside again?
Tessa: Do you care? Will it matter?
No. It wouldn’t matter if I had to stand outside again—that boy is worth the cold and suffering.
But god, the thought does makes me nervous.
Me: I want to see him.
There, I admitted it.
Tessa: All right, then we’ll make ourselves scares when we get there. Deal?
Me: Deal.
Me: You know, I’m still a little bitter you and Cameron fell for every one of their dumb lies. You can do WAY better than those two jockholes.
Tessa: Try telling that to Cameron. She’s been creeping on Derek since last Friday night. I swear, her fingers are going to fall off from all the Insta-stalking.
Me: All right. I know it’s crazy but I’m coming tonight.
Tessa: Well it’s not like you had anything else going on, right?
Scarlett: #realtalk
Tessa: There are worse things in the world than being stranded on a front porch with a total hottie *preach hands emoji*
Rowdy
“Rowdy.” A hand claps down on my shoulder with a jostle, prompting me to turn. “Hey man, the guys wanted me to come get ya.”
“What do you want, Keats? Spit it out.”
The rookie freshman stutters when I pin him with a hard stare for interrupting my conversation with a guy from the rugby team.
“Th-That girl is back.”
I stand a bit taller. Yank at the hem of my shirt, trying to smooth out the wrinkles.
“Which girl?” I know exactly who he’s referring to. “You’re going to have to be more specific.”
“Uh…Ben called her Cock Blocker?”
“Well?” I crane my neck, height easily affording me an bird’s-eye view of the crowded room, scanning for any signs of the girl with the glossy ponytail and the dimple in her cheek. “Where the hell is she?”
Tony Keats gives a jerky nod toward the foyer. “Porch. The guys stalled her outside in case she wasn’t allowed back in tonight—no one knew what you’d want us to do.” His hands jam inside his pockets. “Her friends are flirting with Brinkman.”
“Brinkman?”
Brinkman is a sophomore and a total douchebag who loves attention from girls, guys, and anyone with a pulse. I hate that he made the team and that our coach signed him, but we’re stuck with him, girls love him, and he’s a fucking fantastic outfielder.
Kid might have a thirty-eight-inch vertical, but the tidy package includes a few STDs.
“Brinkman, huh? I thought the blonde one had a boner for Derek.”
“They’re both blonde,” Keats points out. “But ya know chicks love Brinkman, and he’s probably their best chance at getting laid tonight. No one wants to hit it with Cock Blocker’s friends after last weekend.”