Page 146 of Off Pitch

“Well, he’s very nice in bed, too,” I laugh. “Very,verynice.”

Rory sighs. “I need to find someone like that. Every man I find is shit in bed.”

“What about the man you’re totally not crushing on?” Lucia smirks. “How do you think he would be?”

“W-what are you talking about?” A dark blush spreads across Rory’s cheeks. “I’m not crushing on anyone.”

I walk over and wrap my arms around her. “I’m sure you’re not, Ror. But if you were…” I look her in the eyes. “You should probably just go for it, don’t you think?”

Lucia stifles a laugh. “I agree with Lo. Nothing should hold you back, right?”

“Hang on,” Ell says, holding up her hand. “Rory likes somebody, and I don’t know about thateither? Do you guys tell me anything anymore?!”

“I don’t like anyone,” Rory says softly. “They’re, uh… reading into things.”

“So,” I say, changing the topic to ease Rory’s discomfort. “Do we think this dress will sweep Knox off his feet?”

“Off his feet and right into his bed,” Lucia says.

“Let me get through the date before I start trying to get him into bed, Luc,” I laugh.

“Fine,” she replies. “Now go change. I’ve got another stop we need to make for you.”

fifty-two

Harlow

Lucia’s other stop?

The lingerie store.

She said I need something hot to surprise Knox for when he decides to ravish me tonight. Her words, not mine.

But I did pick out a cute set: a matching light green mesh bra and thong. Lucia and Rory both tried to talk me into something a bit more risqué, but if tonight goes well, I’ll have plenty of time for things like that. Starting off small is the better way to do this.

When I get back to my apartment after we finish shopping, I’m still riddled with anxiety over tonight. I should just be happy, but I can’t shake all of my worry. So, to clear my head, I decide to go for a jog.

A jog.

Me, jogging.

Me, someone whose physical activity doesn’t exist outside of walking around the stadium.

I circle the neighborhood a few times before giving up. It’s not working, and I’m practically out of energy already. I’m dying fora bubble bath to soak in right now and mentally cursing myself for choosing an apartment with only a shower.

During my shower, though, my head finally seems to stop racing. It’s like I’m finally realizing that even after everything last month, Knox stillchoseto ask me on a date. Why am I so worried when it’s clear he doesn’t honestly believe any of this is fake anymore?

With a calm mind, I get ready for our date. I dry my hair so it settles into my signature waves before fixing my makeup—eyes neutral with a bit of blush pink and that cherry red lipstick Lucia had me wear out for her birthday.

I slip into the off-white lace dress I bought this morning and pair it with nude strappy heels and the baseball necklace I’m still wearing.

I give myself a once-over in my floor-length mirror, and I can’t help but smile. I look good. Ifeelgood.

And I finally have a good feeling about tonight.

Right as the clock hits seven, I hear a knock at my door. Knox is here precisely when he said he would be.

I pad over to the door and take a deep breath to calm any remaining nerves before swinging it open.

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