Page 29 of Strike Zone

She’s right. I should. Yet, I’m not sure that I am. “When are you free?” I ask.

We go over our schedules. Wren pencils in all my practices and games into her planner. The image sparks something deep inside of me. Having my name written on the pages of a book that is her entire world makes me feel like I’m a major player in her life.

That we have a real friendship starting.

That there’s something happening between us beyond this scheme.

A feeling I can’t put my finger on shifts around in my gut. It makes me question the decisions I’m making.

She looks at me across the table and her electric blue eyes rattle me further. There’s a slight hesitation hidden in their depths. Wren is holding back. That isn’t something she does.

What are you hiding from me, birdie? And why does this interest me more than getting together with Charlie?

7

WREN

The campus cafeteria is bustling as usual. I weave my way through students congregating around tables until I reach the line for my favorite Mediterranean cuisine.

The Newhouse cafeteria is set up similar to a mall food court but on a smaller scale. They have everything from pizza to Asian fusion. After three years here, I have a favorite dish at each restaurant and keep them on a rotating schedule.

My phone buzzes a few times in my bag while I’m waiting in line. What does he want now? I’ve been attempting to put some distance between Wyatt and me the last few days.

Not that he took the hint.

There was something about the last conversation we had that left me feeling out of sorts. I know Wyatt isn’t attracted to me, nor am I him. He isn’t my type.

But I can’t deny the way I feel around him. My body begins to hum below the surface and becomes hyper aware of his proximity.

The fact that he is interested in Charlie should be reason enough to shut down these irrational thoughts. Not to mention that I find him annoying and reckless.

Then I see the way he stresses over his family and I wonder if I’ve misjudged him some. It makes me want to help. But helping will bring us closer together.

That’s the last thing we need.

Once my lunch order is ready, I secure a table in the very back of the dining area. It’s much quieter in the corner away from the main thoroughfare and the students who prefer to socialize over eating.

I remove all the food from the tray and pull my planner out of my bag. My phone continues to buzz. I’m not ready to see him. As it is, I have to plan a movie day for him and Charlie. He will be in my personal space this time, and I don’t know how I feel about that.

“Did you leave your phone at home?” Wyatt drops into the seat across from me. His tray is loaded with a giant cheeseburger and a basket of French fries. “I’ve been texting you.”

“How did you know I was here?”

He rolls his eyes. “You eat in the cafeteria every Thursday. Mediterranean this week. Nice. Here.” He pushes the basket of fries to the middle of the table so I can reach.

Wyatt shakes pepper on to the fries, while I squirt ketchup into the side of the basket.

“Do you think it’s weird you know my schedule?”

“No. You know mine too.” He waves a fry in my direction.

“You gave it to me. I didn’t follow you around campus like a weirdo memorizing it.”

He tilts his head. “That’s not what I thought you’d say. I’ll take it.”

“Why are you here?” I dredge a fry through the ketchup and take a bite.

“Lunch.”

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