Page 31 of Off Pitch

“Damian’s good, so that’s a real possibility,” Harlow replies. “I’ll just be rooting from the sidelines for you to avoid the sweep.”

Lucia interjects, “How did we end up here with froyo instead of ice cream? Who goes for froyo?”

“That would be your best friend,” I laugh. “But I’m not complaining. Froyo is so much better than ice cream.”

“Excuse me?” Lucia says, pretending to look offended. “Lo, I’m sorry, but this won’t do. You need to break up with him immediately.”

“Well, Harlow,” I say, turning my attention to her across the table from me. “We had a good run, short as it may have been.”

“You’re both completely fucking ridiculous,” she says, trying so hard not to laugh. “Lucia, I will not be breaking up with him over froyo because your best friendalsoprefers froyo to ice cream.”

“It’s like I don’t even know who you are, Harlow Pierce,” Lucia says, hand to her chest. She’s serious for a moment before both she and Harlow burst out laughing.

“Get used to it, Fort,” Cole chimes. “This is how they always are. Add Rory and Ella, and they’re an insane quartet.”

“Hey,” Harlow says, shoving Cole’s shoulder. “My friends are more fun than yours. Your friend group has Knox, and he never talks to anyone.”

“What the fuck?” I say. “I thought we all agreed I’m socializing more now.”

“Like you said earlier, I’ll never take it easy on you.” She laughs and winks.

“What did I get myself into?” I grumble, scrubbing my hands over my face.

“The best relationship of your life.” Harlow bats her eyelashes at me this time before dissolving into laughter.

She’s going to be good at giving me hell; I can feel it. But that should make things more interesting. It’ll be more fun to do this with someone who isn’t afraid to take jabs in the name of a good time.

I welcome that.

fourteen

Harlow

“Hey,” I hear Rorysay as she opens the door to our hotel room after I jump out of the shower.

“Hey, Rory,” I hear from a familiar voice.

Knox.

What’s he doing here at eight in the morning?

“You can come on in,” she says as I hear footsteps from two people in the small entryway outside the bathroom. “Lo should be done with her shower in a minute. I was just heading out to help Lane with Sage, but you’re welcome to wait here for her.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that.” The next sound I hear is the click of the hotel room door as Rory heads out into the main hallway, padding off toward Lane’s room.

I hurriedly put on my clothes—dark gray leggings and a navy blue Stars crop top—and brush out my wet hair. I curse internally that I haven’t gotten a chance to put on my makeup yet so you can see every one of my freckles, but this will have to do for now.

I exit the bathroom and find Knox sitting on my bed, leaning back against the wall as he waits. He looks so damn handsomewhen he’s at ease, unworried. I hope that I can help him feel that way more often.

“Hey,” I say as I step toward the bed, and his eyes shoot open. “I wasn’t expecting you this morning.”

“I know,” Knox replies, rubbing his hand over his neck. “But we’ve spent a lot of time together this week, and you’re not bad to be around. I thought you might want to have some breakfast before I head in for practice shortly.” He gestures to the bag beside him, showing me breakfast has already arrived. I didn’t notice it before.

“That’s very kind, Knox,” I say as I move to sit beside him on the bed. “Thank you.”

“It’s no problem, Harlow.” He gives me a slight smile. “Cole told me you like French toast, so that’s what I grabbed for you.”

“And just like that, you’ve found the way to my heart,” I joke, causing Knox to fully smile.

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