Page 27 of Sidelined Love

I chew on her words for a moment, but I’m not sure I completely agree with them. We’re both students at Crestwood. While I might not be in the same clubs and have the same interests that she does, we still attend the same school, and I'm sure we have other things that connect us. “Excuse my ignorance, but I don’t understand what you mean.”

Hailey’s lips part as if she’s about to speak, then close again. She gathers her thoughts before her gaze meets mine once more. “You’re in the spotlight. People love you and they celebrate every goal you make and every game you win. That’s your world.”

“And what’s yours?”

She leans her head back and looks up at the sky as if it holds the answer to my question. “My world? It's quieter. It's learning about the ways to protect the environment, shifts at the coffee shop, and running the chess club.”

I don't let on that I already know she is president of the chess club. That piece of information has been sitting in my pocket since Wilder told me about it. Now the more I talk to her, the more a plan is forming in my head about how best to use it.

I nod as I get what she's saying. “I see your point, but maybe our worlds aren't so different.”

“Maybe or maybe not.” She stretches her hands over her head and says, “Listen I have to go. Long day ahead tomorrow.”

I watch as Hailey stands up and I follow suit to help her gather her belongings. Once we're done, she starts to walk away before I call out.

“Wait. Did you drive here? Let me walk you to your car.” It's the gentlemanly thing to do, after all.

“I didn't drive because my apartment isn't too far from here,” she gestures behind her. “Thanks for the offer, but I'm good.”

“Okay then. Good night, Hailey.”

“Night, Levi.” And she turns and walks away.

I'm left staring after her for a moment before I head to my car to drive home. While I'm still tired, the time I spent with Hailey energized me in a way I can't describe. Having her let me in, ever so slightly, felt wonderful, and lets me know I haven't been imagining our chemistry.

Chatting with her helped me come up with a plan for how to show Hailey that she and I aren't that much different after all.

11

HAILEY

Acouple of days later, I’m sitting at a table on the main floor of Ramsey Library, with both Jade’s and my things spread out across it. We both needed a break from our apartment, so we chose the library as the place to do our homework today. Instead of working on one of the quiet floors, we pick the main floor because we can at least talk softly here.

“Seriously, how do these equations even make sense?” Jade grumbles, her curly hair bouncing as she shakes her head. She squints at the calculus problems before her as if that will help.

“Because some masochist centuries ago thought this would be an excellent form of fun,” I toss out as I tap my pencil on the open textbook.

Jade laughs before she says, “Before we attempt to get back to work, did you have any more details about the event you want to pull together at Gran's retirement home? Do you need anything from me?”

I rub a hand against my face as I think about the chess event I've been planning for the residents at Oak Terrace, Jade's grandmother's retirement community. “I think it's coming together?”

“You don't sound confident.”

“Look, I think it's a great chance for us to connect with the community outside of Crestwood's campus. It's just a little more work than I thought it would be, which is being added to my already busy schedule.” I bite my lip before I continue. “I did have a call with the activities director, and we have the main common room booked so there's that.”

“You, my friend, are a force of nature. If anyone can pull this off, it's you.”

I chuckle, despite the mild panic that has risen in my chest. “What would I do without your unwavering faith in me?”

“Crash and burn?”

I roll my eyes as she continues to speak.

“But seriously, Hailey, if you need help with organizing or setting up, just say the word. Gran's already excited about the chess night. She keeps bragging to her friends that she's going to win every match she plays.”

“That's adorable. And I'll take you up on that offer. You might regret it later.”

Jade tucks a curl behind her ear. “Never. Not when it comes to this. Anyway, sorry to distract you. We should probably get back to work.”

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