We have late start every Friday, meaning school doesn’t begin until nine-twenty and lots of people meet for breakfast so they can hang out. Jonah and I used to meet up for breakfast last year when we were still together.
But the whole point of late start Friday is to sleep in, so I’d always beg off of meeting before school started because…what can I say.
I like my sleep.
Plus, I didn’t want to run into Beck and Sasha anywhere.
God, I annoy myself sometimes.
“We can discuss it later,” I tell Liam.
“Tonight at dinner?” He sends a look in Beck’s direction, who’s currently watching me.
“Sure,” I say weakly. When Liam doesn’t budge from his spot at the head of the table, I keep talking. “Why are you in the library anyway?”
“Oh, I’m an aide in the office this period. Had to run something to Miss Smith.” She’s the librarian’s assistant.
“Probably should head back to the office before they send out a search team,” Beck practically bites out.
Liam ignores him, offering me a soft smile instead when he says, “I’ll see you after practice, okay?”
“Sure.” I smile in return. “See ya.”
“Bye, Addie.”
Once he’s left the library, it’s as if all the tension bleeds out of Beck. His shoulders relax and he slouches in the chair once more, kicking his legs out. I like it when he does that. He’s so long. And broad. It’s like he’s everywhere at once and I can’t help but wonder what it would feel like, to be completely surrounded by him. To have him hold me. Crush me to his chest. Press his mouth to mine—
“Rumor has it you two are officially talking,” Beck says, sounding like a sullen little boy who just got his favorite toy taken away.
Hmmm.
“Well, we’re talking, but I don’t know if it’s official…” Liam has never said anything about it, and I’m not about to bring it up because honestly? I don’t want to be officially talking to Liam.
I’d rather be official with the bonehead currently sitting across from me at this table.
Though if I’m being real right now, I’ve been a complete bonehead as well.
“You’re really going to dinner with him tonight?” Beck asks, his eyes narrowed as he contemplates me.
“Yeah, I really am.” I smile.
Beck scowls.
Realization dawns.
Beck Callahan is…
Jealous.
“I thought you two were friends,” I say, because I want him to explain himself and why they’re acting like they’re not.
Beck shrugs. “Kind of. Lately he’s been a prick.”
“Uh huh.” I nod, contemplating him. Wondering if I should try and push his buttons.
Yeah. Maybe I should. Just a little.
“Liam is really nice.” I press my lips together, waiting for his response.
“I’m sure,” Beck mutters.
“We’ve been talking a lot lately.”
“That’s great.” He glances toward the front of the library, like he’s bored with our conversation.
“He even FaceTimes me,” I say, just to rub it in.
Liam FaceTimed me once. Just to show off his shoe collection. He talked about himself the entire time.
Beck winces and grips the back of his neck, his gaze sliding to mine. “Sounds kind of official to me.”
“I’m not sure if I’m interested,” I admit.
He goes completely still at that truth bomb. “What do you mean?”
“I mean exactly what I said.” I shrug. “Liam is nice. We talk a lot. But I don’t know if I’m interested in him in…that way.”
“You’re going to dinner with him. And you might wear his jersey tomorrow.”
“For a scrimmage game,” I stress, barely able to contain the smile that wants to burst through. “That doesn’t really count, remember?”
Beck never breaks eye contact, some of that tension easing away once more, and his bluish-green eyes sparkle. “Nah, it doesn’t count at all. Such bullshit. They don’t even let us keep track of the score.”
“I know. And why not? Who cares?” I roll my eyes.
“I don’t know why. But I always keep score.” He taps his temple with his index finger. “Up here.”
We stare at each other for a little while in silence, and I’m so tempted to say something. Anything.
What about me?
What about us?
We’d make a good couple…right?
I’d wear Beck’s jersey in a heartbeat. For a scrimmage, for real games, for all of it. I’d paint his number on my face and jump up and down in the stands every time he was on the field, screaming his last name as loud as I could.
I can envision it all now.
But can he?
Does he want to?
I don’t know.
The jealous thing though? That’s real. He doesn’t like the idea of me with Liam, but is he that good enough of a friend that he won’t play interference and ruin Liam’s chances with me? If that’s the case—which it might be—then that’s so sweet. Beck Callahan is a good guy.
I want him to be mine.
And maybe that’s why I’m putting so much on this. Maybe Beck isn’t jealous at all. Maybe he could give two shits about me.
Nahhh, as he would say.
I’m pretty sure he likes me.
“Can I offer you some advice?” he asks, his deep voice knocking me from my thoughts.
I slowly nod, unable to look away from his eyes. I knew they were beautiful, but they are extra swirly with color this afternoon.
“Watch out for Liam. He’s my friend but sometimes—he doesn’t treat girls well,” he admits gruffly.
Is he just saying that because he doesn’t want me with Liam, or is he speaking the truth? “Thanks for the advice.”
“You’re welcome. Just watching out for a friend,” he says before he tears his gaze from mine and stares at the table.
My heart sinks. Friend. I hate that word.
Especially when it comes to me and Beck.
“Girl, you can’t concentrate for shit today,” Emma yells to me after I serve the ball like absolute crap, yet again.
“Thanks for the reminder,” I call back, annoyed at her for pointing out all my faults, though deep down I know I’m overreacting. Usually, she’s so supportive of me, but I’ve noticed that she’s become more competitive since practice this summer.
This is our senior year. We all want to look good. I get it. But she doesn’t need to show off or call out my faults to make herself look better.
“You’re doing fine,” Tori whispers to me, always encouraging. “You’re probably tired because of the long day at school. We need to get used to it. That’s what my mom always says.”
“For sure,” I tell Tori, smiling faintly at her. “And thanks.”
This time, my serve is good and aimed right at Emma, who’s standing on the other side of the net. She bumps it neatly, sending it over to our side, right at Tori, who bumps it as well, the ball flying high into the air before another teammate sends it back over the net.