Page 96 of Sack

“Don’t be afraid to make a mistake,” he said loudly for the whole class to hear as he walked toward his desk. “The only way to learn is to try and try again.”

Lost in her work Ivy was able to put Colt and his mystery message out of her mind, but as soon as class ended, her cell was the first thing she reached for.

“Hot date tonight?” Cassie motioned to the cell clutched in Ivy’s hand. “You’ve been dying to listen to that all through class and that could only mean two things. New guy or ex guy. Seriously, your willpower is better than mine. I would’ve snuck to the bathroom after ten minutes of class.”

“Not a date.” Ivy hiked the strap of her bag higher on her shoulder.

“Ah, so the ex.”

Ivy didn’t answer as they started walking for the door.

That must have been answer enough or Cassie was just that perceptive. “Fresh breakup or is the guy just not getting the memo?”

Cassie was sweet so Ivy didn’t want to be rude, but she also didn’t want to share. She tried for vague. “Neither. I have no idea why he’s calling.” But she wanted to find out. And unfortunately, she didn’t see that happening anytime soon with Cassie glued to her side.

“My last boyfriend didn’t get the memo,” Cassie said as they made their way down the stairs. “He texted for weeks after we broke up, wanting to get back together. I thought I’d need to get a restraining order.”

Worried, Ivy asked, “He’s not still bothering you, is he?”

Cassie waved a hand. “Oh, no. This was last year. He stopped after hooking up with a girl from our Lit class.”

Ah. High school. Over-the-top teenage angst and drama. Ivy had forgotten how young Cassie was.

“Whelp, as much as I’m dying to know about your mystery message, this is my next class.” She stopped in front of a door on the first floor. “But just a warning, I’ll be asking about it next week.”

Ivy laughed along with her and waved goodbye, heading out of the building. She made it halfway home before she couldn’t wait any longer, stopping in the shade of a tall building to listen to Colt’s message.

Her eyes got glassy, and her hand tightened on her phone at the sound of his deep, rumbling voice.

“Hey, um… I was wondering if you could come to the championship game. I know it might still be too soon, but I’d… really like you there. We’re playing in Phoenix on the sixteenth. If you can make it, call me and I’ll arrange the flight. I, um, hope to hear from you.”

Standing on the sidewalk, watching the traffic zip by, Ivy listened to Colt’s message three more times. Then she pulled up her contacts but instead of dialing Colt, she called Emerson.

“Are you going to the championship game?” Ivy asked by way of greeting after Emerson answered.

She heard an exasperated sigh. “No. I can’t get away. Matt will be out of town for a wedding, and with what’s been going on here lately, I don’t trust this place with anyone else. Why? Are you going?”

“Wait. What do you mean by what’s been going on? Has something happened?”

“It’s not a big deal. I’ll tell you about it later. Right now I want to know if you’re going to the championship game.”

She started walking as she talked. “Colt called and asked if I would.”

“You talked to him?” Her voice went up an octave, but Ivy couldn’t tell if it was from surprise or concern.

“He left a voicemail. I haven’t called him back yet.”

“Do you want to go?”

“My first thought was no, but then after listening to his message four times—”

“Wait, you listened to it four times?”

It was Ivy’s turn to sigh. “I missed the sound of his voice.”

“Oh, hon, I’m not sure if it’s a good idea you go. It’s still too soon.”

“He’s never asked me for anything. There has to be a reason he’s asking now.”

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