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Paul looks at me like I’m a dumbass. “They do; you just don’t pay attention.”
Ouch.
“If it’s itchy, put some lotion on it.”
“Ugh!” I drop my head back on my shoulders, and Jeremy chuckles. “What are you laughing at? Why isn’t yours itchy?”
“Because someone makes sure it’s taken care of.” Preston’s tone is a little condescending, but I scoff anyway, trying not to look at Paul.
“Gotta make sure it heals so you can leave new imprints on it, right?” I wag my eyebrows at Preston, half hoping he’ll swing at me to distract me.
When he just looks at me like he’s bored, I smile. “I should bite him, and we can compare the marks.”
I’m smacked upside the back of my head, and I turn to glare at Paul.
“Don’t be an idiot.”
“Good hustle out there today, boys!” Coach hollers through the locker room as we get changed after practice.
I’m pulling on my shoes when my phone goes off with a social media tag.
Paul, Preston, and Jeremy head out, so I follow along behind them while I check the notification on Instagram.
DarbyUFan4Lifeposted a picture from the stands during practice. Most of them are of me, though. That’s kinda cool. I’m not a star player, so having someone notice me is pretty awesome.
I like the post and shove my phone in my pocket with a little extra pep in my step.
Jeremy and Preston are holding hands, and while I love it for them, I hate that I can’t. I mean, I could, but not with Paul.
Are we at the casual hand-holding stage? I tattooed his teeth on my neck. That should say something, right? Or is that just being brushed off as me being extra and over the top?
The idea hurts. I hope he knows it’s more than that.
Back at the dorms, Jeremy and Preston head out with their families, so Paul and I grab our homework and settle on his bed.
I’m halfway through my business class homework when my phone goes off with a Snapchat notification, and I groan. Paul snorts as I pick it up and open the app. Nikki has sent me a picture of herself in the library with stars around her head and her eyes crossed with the caption “studying has me like.”
I type out a quick “me too” and toss my phone, hoping that’s the end of it.
Of course, it’s not.
NIKKI: Where are you? I don’t see you.
BRENDON: In my room, it’s almost lights out.
Please please please don’t show up.
NIKKI: Oh! I can head over there if you want a study partner! We can quiz each other!
FUCK.
BRENDON: I’m studying with my roommate.
She sends back a bunch of crying emojis, and I want to throw my phone out the window.
NIKKI: I wish he liked me.
Insert eye roll here.
