Page 142 of How to Score Off Field

“Just don’t ever say super sperm again.”

“I’m sayin’ it over and over, starting tomorrow.”

We keep laughing, the mood lightening.

I take a deep breath.

“We should make a pact, eh?”

“What kind of pact? Like the pinky promise kind?”

“Sort of.” I laugh. “No matter where life takes us, we’ll continue to be a part of each other’s journey. We’ll share successes, our challenges—everything in between. Distance doesn’t have to define our connection.”

I mean, she’s basically part of me now.

There’s a brief silence, and then I hear Tess’s voice, soft yet determined. “You’re right. I don’t want to lose what we have just because circumstances have changed.”

“We won’t lose it,” I reassure her. “So let’s keep talking, keep sharing, and keep supporting each other, no matter the miles between us.” I hesitate. “You know, if Drake were here, he’d be making barfing sounds in the background.”

“Whatever, he’s an idiot. This is nice, and now I won’t feel alone.”

I know she’s not actually alone, but I get what she’s saying. Miranda and her parents and her other friends won’t ever know what we went through.

Only I do.

“You know what you need to do?” I say, feeling daring. “You need to come and see me. Are you up for it?”

There’s a moment of anticipation as I wait for her response, the excitement in my chest threatening to burst free. The seconds stretch as she considers it.

“It might be exactly what we both need.”

My breath exhales.

I’m glad she agrees because I’d feel like an ass having suggested it.

“I’ll take you on a date,” I announce. “Like a real one.”

“A real one? We haven’t been on a date, period.” She sniffs, affronted. “The least you can do is take me somewhere with desserts.” A pause. “I’ll probably get two.”

“You can have as many desserts as you want.”

“Okay. Yes. I’ll come and see you.”

CHAPTER49

TESS

DAMN. I REALLY MISSED HIM.

I can’t believeI’m here.

In Illinois, I mean.

My parents offered to pay because they thought it would be good for me to visit Drew, too, but he’s the one who bought my ticket.

First class.

“You realize our families might have something to say about it, right?”

---