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I smirk, then pass him the ball. “Sure.”
He captures the bounce easily, making me think he’s underselling his skills.
“Hey! Cassia!”
I turn, automatically smiling when I see Harrison walking over. “Hey!”
He opens his arms and I step in for a quick hug.
“How’ve you been?” he asks once we separate.
I keep the smile fixed on my face, aware he’s studying me more intently than I’d like. “Same old. How about you? How was LA?”
He’s been gone for the past month, staying with his grandparents in Southern California.
“Good. Flight took forever. I learned to surf.” Harrison glances at Brooks, then holds out a hand. “Hey, man. I’m Harrison.”
“I’m Brooks.”
Harrison glances back and forth between the two of us, the question clear on his face. I’m relieved when Brooks elaborates.
“I go to Arlington with Finn. He invited me.”
“Oh. Nice. You from the area?”
Brooks rolls the ball on his hip, shaking his head. “San Fran, actually.”
“Nice. I’ve never been up that far north.”
“It’s a cool city.”
An awkward silence falls. “Want to play H-O-R-S-E with us?” I ask Harrison. “We were just about to start.”
“Nah, I’m good, thanks. Just wanted to say hi. Gotten my ass kicked by you before, Cas.”
I roll my eyes. He’s neglecting to mention that was a team’s round, and most of the credit belonged to my partner.
“See you later,” Harrison continues. “Nice to meet you, Brooks.”
“You, too.” Brooks glances at me, one eyebrow raised as soon as Harrison walks away. “Ex?” Then winces. “Sorry. I swear I’m not normally this nosy.”
I smile. “It’s fine. And no, we’re just friends. It’s a small town thing, I guess. Everyone kinda keeps track of each other.”
His hum sounds a lot like a disagreement, but Brooks says nothing else. He takes his first shot, which is a near miss.
I retrieve the ball and take my first shot. My unlucky streak finally ends, the ball falling through the hoop with a satisfyingswish.
Brooks groans. “Knew it.”
I grin. “Good luck.”
He misses making the same shot, but it’s close. And he’s a good sport about it, which is more than I can say for a lot of guys.
By the time he hits E, we’re both breathless and laughing.
“Good game,” Brooks congratulates. “Rematch?”
I smile but shake my head. “I should head out soon. Just going to grab some more water before I do.”
