“And if you make it?”
“Then when you’re back from your road trip, we have a real conversation about suspending this rule of yours. And maybe we kiss some more.”
She looks dubious. “Just more kissing? That’s all you want?”
“Avie baby, it’s not about me. It’s about what the universe wants.”
She shakes her head, a smile creeping on her lips. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Okay, so are you in?”
She takes a solid seven seconds to decide. I know because I count each one.
The fact that she’s even considering this is reassuring though. I know I’m not wrong; she’s attracted to me.
And if that means we hook up for a while during this fake dating thing, I’m going to be totally on board. She’s sexy, hanging with her is fun, and we’re stuck with each other.
I just need to guard myself from getting sucked in any deeper than that. Well, any deeper than I already am.
“Yes,” she finally says.
“Yes?” I double-check.
“Yes, take the shot.”
Please,pleaselet me nail this.
I pivot so that I’m facing the basket and dribble four times.
Come on, come on, come on.
I position the ball in my hands so it’s oriented the ideal way to rotate in the air, bend my knees, and let it go.
Come on, come on, come on.
A shot like this, the flight time is just a second or so. And I feel every part of it.
Come on, come on, come on.
The shot is—fuck. Not perfect. It bounces on the rim, touching the backboard at the same time.
Come on, come on, come on.
It rolls along the rim, maybe a third of the hoop, and then?—
Come on, come on, come on.
It falls in.
“Yes!” I put my arms in the air before turning to face her.
She’s got a small smile on her face, her arms crossed.
I debate going over and grabbing another kiss—but no, I’m going to play it cool.
“The universe has spoken. Are you okay with that?”
It’s hard to read her expression, but that hint of a smile is still there.
