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“The team gets in Friday afternoon. We’ll have a quick practice and then be dismissed to our hotel rooms for the remainder of the evening.”
“And you’re telling me this why?” I turn my attention back to the sketch, which I’ve barely made any progress on at this point.
“Why don’t you meet me after practice for dinner?”
“Why on earth would I do that?” I try to ignore the slight shake of my hand as it moves across the paper.
“Why not?”
I stop mid-stroke to glance up at him.
“You could use it as an excuse to do more research. You are supposed to be getting to know me, remember?”
This isn’t the first reminder he’s given me about this fact. As if I need him to remind me when this stupid project is practically the only thing I can even think about even more. And not because I’m worried about my grade or anything. No, it has nothing to do with the assignment part at all and everything to do with who my partner is.
“During our scheduled times,” I correct.
“There’s nothing that says it can only be during scheduled times. Maybe you’d see me in a different light if you spent time with me outside of this classroom. Besides, you’d be doing me a solid. I could use a distraction the night before a big game.”
“Is this game big?”
“Every game is big at this point.”
“What about your parents? I thought they came to all your games. Maybe your time would be better spent with them.”
“I said most of my games. And this just happens to be one they can’t attend.”
“Well, I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding a distraction somewhere else if that’s what you’re in the market for. Besides, I’m going there for Alina.”
“Who will no doubt be with Enzo the whole night. When the girlfriends road trip down, they usually don’t spend any time together outside of the actual game. Surely, you knew that.”
“I did,” I lie. “Gives me time to catch up on a few things.” I resume working.
“Like those precious designs you’re always sketching in that notebook of yours.”
“How do you know...” I trail off.
“I know more than you realize.”
“Careful, I might think you’re stalking me.”
“Would you like it if I were?” He almost purrs. “Have dinner with me,” he quickly adds when I keep my eyes focused directly in front of me.
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” I admit, using my fingers to smudge the pencil line I’ve just drawn.
“Why?”
“Because.”
“Because isn’t an answer.”
“Well, it’s my answer.”
“What are you so afraid of?” This has my gaze slicing to him in an instant.
“I’m not afraid.”
“Prove it then. Have dinner with me.”
