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Driving to Tennessee is a reminder it’s been too long since Quinn and I took a road trip. We perfected the art of long distance driving when we started our college scouting trips. Snacks, playlists, games, and rest areas are all mapped out. No matter where we’re going, at the halfway mark, we switch drivers so the other can rest, read, or do homework.
Even with our usual routine, the drive today seems excruciatingly long. It’s only been a week since our trip to Virginia Beach, but something weird happened during that weekend.
As predicted, it was too cold to go to the actual beach, but we spent the three days exploring the boardwalk, visiting the museums, walking through an outdoor festival, and even went to the zoo. While we were at the zoo, Bryce got a call from the leader of his ROTC unit, asking him to come to a meeting when he got back to Knoxville. Usually, this would not be weird, but Nate didn’t get the same call. They exchanged a look but didn’t say anything else.
Each time I ask about his meeting, he tells me we’ll talk about it when I get to his place. So I’m anxious to get there and find out what’s going on.
“You know it’ll be fine, right?” Quinn states matter of factly. She knows how worried I’ve been.
“Yeah.”
“Wanna play our game to get your mind off things?”
“No, honestly, with the way everything with Bryce is so perfect, it’s easy to forget about the loser list.”
“Gag! It’s official. You’ve turned into that girl. The girl with the annoyingly perfect boyfriend with stars in her eyes.”
“Isn’t it great?” I smile at her as she rolls her eyes.
“There’s got to be at least one thing wrong with him.”
“Not to me,” I answer dreamily.
“I’ve got one!”
“What could you possibly find wrong with him?”
“He’s disgustingly, head over heels, pussy whipped in love with you.”
“Quinn! Why is that a bad thing?”
“It’s not terrible, but he’s lost some of his man appeal.”
“You’re such a bitch.”
“Call it like I see it.”
“Well, get my ass to my ‘head over heels’ boyfriend.”
We laugh and she turns up the radio and sings to the top of her lungs. After two songs, I join in and we car jam our way into Tennessee.
When we finally pull up in front of Bryce and Nate’s apartment, my worry from earlier is gone. Bryce meets us outside to help unload our bags. Quinn is staying tonight to break up the trip. When he gets to my side of the car, he picks me up and cradles me in his arms. I start to laugh, but his mouth covers mine and cuts me off. I grip his neck tightly, kissing him passionately back.
“I’m adding lovesick fool to my list,” Quinn shouts.
I pull back and wink in her direction.
“I’ll own that title.” Bryce laughs.
“Of course you would. You’re so far gone.”
“Quinn, tell me something I don’t know,” he responds, putting me down and lifting my suitcase before leading me into his apartment.
Nate calls and tells us to meet him and a few of their ROTC friends at a sports bar.
When we get there, the place is packed and every television set is on a March Madness game. Nate and his friends have pulled several tables together in the back and, by the looks of it, have already polished off a few pitchers of beer.
It must be an inside joke between the guys, because when I’m introduced as the sister and the girlfriend, they give Bryce a funny look. Being around all the testosterone doesn’t change Bryce’s attention toward me. He still holds me close to him. Even when we sit down, he drapes his arm around me so I’m nestled into his shoulder.
