Page 21 of Once Upon a Fake Date

I nodded, because what else could I say? “It’s been an adjustment, but I like it here.”

Surprisingly, that was true. I liked being a part of the Castleton Chipmunks Lacrosse team, too. The guys were cool. I’d been keeping my distance because of what happened last year, but that wasn’t fair to them. I’d make more of an effort this semester.

And maybe I’d bring Audrey along as a buffer. As afriend,I reminded myself. Nothing more.

“Still nodistractions, right? Like we talked about?”

I swallowed roughly. “No, Coach. No distractions.” No girlfriends. I had enough on my plate with classes and lacrosse. My schedule for this semester was already full.

Never mind that a beautiful blonde in pink came immediately to mind.

“Good.” He hummed, tapping on his desk with his fingertips. “I want to see you out with the team more. Not just at practice or in the weight room.”

“Okay.”

Coach Holmes looked surprised at how easily I agreed. “Alright. You’re free to go then. See you next practice.”

“See ya, Coach.” I grabbed my bag, heading outside. I had another class before my day was over, and then I planned to hit the gym. But all I really wanted to do was see Audrey.

Parker

Dinner later?

Audrey

Don’t you have practice?

Not tonight.

Okay. Ella’s busy with Cam anyway. What time?

Seven? I’ll meet you at the house and we can walk over together.

Okay.

What would have happened if we’d stayed in contact all those years? I could have come to Castleton from the start. We could have gone to college together. And even just thinking that was like a punch to the gut, because it wasn’t like I’d intended to go nine years without talking to my best friend.

Maybe we would be together instead of being deep in the friend zone. I sighed, looking up at the sky.

It was worth it, though—being her best friend and a safe place for her. No matter what happened, that was what I wanted to be for her.

This place was becoming my home. Maybe it was Audrey; maybe it was just that I liked the way when the breeze rolled in just right, you could smell the ocean—a reminder that it wasn’t too far away—or maybe it was that it finally felt like that fresh start I’d so desperately needed.

So instead of pulling my phone out, I left it in my pocket as I walked back towards the lacrosse house, taking in this place like it wasminefor the first time.

Like the sun had parted for the first time, and I could finally see.

Staringup at the pink sorority house, I waited for her to come outside. We’d agreed to walk to the dining hall together to grab dinner, and I’d come over after a quick shower post-lifting weights. I’d pulled on a pair of dark wash jeans, a black long-sleeved t-shirt, and my favorite red hoodie.

When Audrey came out, she was wearing a pink sweater dress with tights and riding boots, all bundled up in a fluffy coat.

“Rosie.” My heart thumped in my chest, and I rubbed at it. “Hey.”

“Hi.” She smiled, and it was like my entire world lit up. That was what her smile did to me. “How was your break?”

“You know, the usual.” Boring. “How was yours?” I asked. Like we hadn’t talked every single day. Like I didn’t wait by the phone for her to text me back.

“It was… pretty great, actually.” Looking down at her feet, she fiddled with the hem of her sweater. “I’m happy to be back, though. There’s just something about being back on campus that I love.” She inhaled deeply, like she was taking all of it in.

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