My phone buzzed from where I’d tucked it under my thigh. Immediately, my heart skittered in my chest like I’d spotted a bear who was ready to make me dinner. Apparently, my body couldn’t decipher between a life-or-death situation and a text from my parents.
I discreetly pulled my phone out and looked at the screen.
Mom:That’s wonderful, honey! We can’t wait to see you. Maybe we could come to a game?
I swallowed past the sandpaper in my throat. There it was — exactly what I expected.
That’s wonderful, honey!
On the surface, it looks kind and genuine, like they’re excited for me. But I knew what laid beneath the surface.
At least I didn’t have to witness the Huxley Pause in person when I delivered news like this through a text.
And I didn’t miss the noncommittal promise in that last part.
Maybewe could come to a game.
Notwe’ll be there.
Just maybe.
I double-tapped her message, which made a little heart appear at the top of her speech bubble, before I tucked my phone away again.
She and I were both good at playing the “I see you, I’m communicating, but I’m not making any concrete plans” game.
“I heard some of the players will be at the flag football event next week,” Darcy said excitedly, pulling me back to the present. “It’ll be cool to get to know them a little more.”
“Just don’t get to know themtoomuch,” I warned playfully. “Wouldn’t want Claire to come after you for breaking the no fraternization rule.”
“Yeah, right,” Marcus said, waving his hand. “They’re crazy if they think I’m not here to find a husband.”
“But you can’t! It’s against the rules!” Darcy looked concerned that Marcus was serious in his statement. Honestly, I was fairly certain he was.
“What they don’t know won’t hurt them, South Dakota.” He gave her the same wink he’d just hit me with, and the poor thing looked like she was about to pass out.
“Ignore him,” I said, reaching over to squeeze her wrist. “He’s only joking.”
“Am I? News to me.”
I rolled my eyes before addressing Darcy again. “You have to forgive us. Marcus and I aren’t used to playing by the rules.”
“But you have to,” Darcy said, almost pouting. “You two are my only friends here. I… you can’t get kicked off the team. I’d be miserable without you.”
I frowned. “Babe…”
“I mean it,” she said, her eyes drifting to the table instead of us. “My first best friend moved away the summer before we were supposed to go to high school together. It sucked so hard to lose her like that, to have to face those halls alone. I survived, thinking college would be a fresh start, but it’s hard to make friends when you’re introverted and living at home with your parents instead of on campus. All I had was dance, but I just never quite fit in with anyone. I…” She swallowed, her eyes welling with unshed tears. “Just, please don’t be stupid. Don’t get kicked off the squad. Okay?”
At that, Marcus and I shared a look before I was climbing into Darcy’s chair to hug her. I sat in her lap as Marcus wrapped us both up from the other side. “Hey,” I soothed, petting her hair. “We’re not going anywhere, okay? We love this team and are honored to be on it. We just like to have a little fun.”
“I talk a big game but I wouldn’t ever jeopardize my position,” Marcus assured her. “We’ll be good. I promise.”
Darcy seemed placated, nodding as she accepted the mimosa Marcus offered her when we took our seats again.
“Also, even if I wasn’t on the team, just know I’m your friend for life,” I said, cheersing her glass with mine. “Roomie.”
“Me, too,” Marcus promised.
Darcy beamed, her cheeks flushed as she gave us each a watery smile.
