Page 86 of Sidelined Love

Jade taps her chin thoughtfully. “Hmm, good point. Let me think about what we could do…”

We sit there in silence as I join her in trying to figure out a way we can be more incognito. It's hilarious that we are spending this much time thinking about it while we probably have more important things to do, but it is what it is.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Jade jerk as if someone has scared her, and then she turns to me. Her movements cause me to give her my full and undivided attention, and I notice that her eyes widen before she jumps up and sprints out of the room.

“What the…” I mumble to myself before I yell out, “Jade? What happened? What are you doing?”

“Give me a second. I'll be right back.”

This is the most déjà vu thing I've experienced in a while, but I don't say a word. Instead, I wait for her to come back, and when she does, she has her phone in hand.

“What's up and am I going to need a drink for this?”

That forces a laugh from Jade. “No? I don't think so at least.”

I try to tame my involuntary reaction to it, but goosebumps appear on the back of my neck. “I don't like the sound of this.”

“I promise it will be fine,” Jade says as she waves me off, but her eyes don't veer from her phone.

“So you're not going to tell me what this is all about?”

Jade looks up from her phone and I can see the excitement in her eyes. That has me concerned even after she starts speaking.“Okay, so I think I figured out a way we can go to the game and not draw any attention.”

Her phone buzzes in her hand before she turns her phone screen to face me. I realize she's showing me a text message conversation between her and Wilder.

Jade: Hey, can I ask you a favor?

Wilder: Depends… and you might owe me depending on what it is.

Jade: If Hailey and I wanted to attend a game without drawing attention to her, how could we do this? Also this is a surprise for Levi so DON'T tell him.

Wilder: What if you and Hailey wear jerseys (pick someone besides Levi) and wear baseball caps? That way you'll blend in with the crowd more. I can give you one of mine and I'll grab someone else's along with tickets to the game. Levi won't suspect anything. And don't worry, I'll keep all of this quiet.:)

Jade: OMG Wilder you're a genius!! I knew we could count on you. Thank you!!

Wilder: You're welcome and you owe me.

My eyes widen. “That's actually brilliant. As rude as this sounds, I'm surprised he came up with it.”

Jade beams at me. “Right? He really came through.”

“What are you going to owe him for this?”

She shrugs. “He always says things like that and never mentions it again. I'm not worried about it.”

I tilt my head because I find this weird. “As long as you're fine with it, I guess.”

Jade places her phone screen side down on the coffee table before looking back at me. “So what do you think? Want to do it?”

I don't say a word about the obvious change in subject. Instead, I can't help but laugh at how dramatic this all is, but hey, it just might work. I take a deep breath, feeling the nerves and excitement swirling within me. “Let's do it. But I still might need a drink in order to pull this off.”

33

HAILEY

I've lost count of the number of deep breaths I've taken within the last ten minutes, but they've been warranted. I'm about to walk into the Crestwood Arena for the first time ever.

Every inhale is an attempt to prevent my heart from slamming into my chest, but it does little to help. As I leave the cold air and walk inside the warmer venue, the butterflies in my stomach only increase. Why does it feel as if the chances of me making it out of this without suffering from a panic attack are slim to none?

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