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“Lil’s being evasive again,” Gemma stage-whispers to Mary. “We’ll get the details sooner or later.”

“Come on. You have to tell us!” Mary pouts.

“Can we please talk about something else?”

“Fine. Let’s stop pressing her, Mar. I can just ask my brother if one of his teammates is crushing on a beautiful brunette.”

I shake my head and laugh. “Please don’t. I beg you.”

Mary giggles. “Alright, alright. We’ll let it go. For now.”

“But seriously, Lil,” Gemma says, her tone turning sincere. “If this guy makes you happy, then we’re happy for you. Just be careful, okay?”

Warmth spreads in my body. “I will. I promise.”

“So, speaking of my brother. The game is tonight if you want to come. We always go to support him, and you could cheer for your crush.”

I love that Gemma has such a good relationship with her brother. It kind of reminds me of Lan, Levi, and me.

“Who’s crush?” Jason places his tray next to me.

An awkward silence falls over the table, Gemma and Mary exchanging confused looks.

“Mine.” Mary lies.

“Mind if I join you?” he asks.

“Well, you already did,” Mary mutters.

“Of course not! I’m Gem. Nice to meet you,” Gemma says. “We were just talking about going to the game tonight. Will you be there?”

Jason nods, taking the empty seat beside me as I avoid his gaze. “I have to be there early for the prep, and then, of course, I’m on the field for the game.”

“You play?”

“Yes,” Jason says.

Gemma and Mary share a knowing look and grin at me. Oh no. Not him. Of course, they would think that it’s Jason.

“You should come,” Gemma says. “It’ll be fun, and you can cheer for Jason.”

“Lil never goes to games,” Jason says nonchalantly.

“Oh. You don’t?” Gemma asks.

“No, I don’t usually go to games,” I say. “Too loud and crowded for me.”

Gemma’s eyes sparkle. “But it’s the perfect opportunity to, you know, show some support for the team. And maybe catch someone’s eye while you’re at it.”

Jason studies me. He’s already suspicious because I’m such a bad liar. I should read some books on how to get better.

“Please?” Gemma says. “For me?”

Heat rises in my cheeks. “I’m not sure yet. I have a lot of studying I should really be doing. I’ll think about it, but thanks for the invitation.” It’s not exactly a lie, but it’s not the whole truth either.

“Okay. Let us know if you change your mind. We’ll be there. Can’t leave my brother hanging,” Gemma says.

“Your brother?” Jason asks.

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