Page 98 of How to Score Off Field

Tess: Ha ha, don't worry, you're not getting rid of me that easily. School has been stupid the past few days, and then my car decided to do a dramatic breakdown on the busiest street in town. So you know, just your typical comedy of errors.

Why am I lying?

God will strike me down for making up bullshit to this caring, sweet guy.

Ugh.

I hate myself, but he’s going to hate me more when he finds out the truth.

Drew: A dramatic car breakdown? Dang, what ended up being the problem???

Tess: Nothing serious—I, um, ran out of gas? Miranda came to my rescue, but it took hours, and the whole thing was a nightmare.

Drew: As long as you're not mad at me

Tess: Nah, you're in the clear, Drew. No secret grudges being held here. Just life being its usual unpredictable self.

I sound like a robot giving him scripted answers.

Drew: Glad to hear that! I was starting to think I accidentally offended you with my bare chest or something. So when can we officially declare war on the chaos and grab a coffee?

Tess: Ha. How are we going to grab coffee when I’m here and you’re there? Were you planning on coming home this weekend?

Drew: I wish. No, I was thinking it might be fun if we had a date—like an actual date. We could both go to a coffee shop, get something to drink, and sit and talk while we video chat?

WHY IS HE SO NICE?

Tess: That is such a cute idea. I’ll let you know. I’ve been crazy busy.

Drew: Ahh, gotcha. Well. Let me know.

I feel like I just kicked a puppy.

Tess: I will. I’d love to catch up, Drew. Thanks for understanding and being your awesome self.

Drew: Thanks for understanding and being my awesome self? Um, are you sure you’re alright? Nothing else is bothering you?

Yes, something else is bothering me but telling him in a text message is not the way to do it.

I have to find a way, but I also know I should wait.

I’m not far enough along to be confident that it will stick; everything I’ve read said to wait until you’re at least ten to twelve weeks, so that’s what I plan to do—no matter how hard it will be.

CHAPTER36

DREW

I’M FULLY COMMITTED TO OUR RELATIONSHIP OR REPEATED ONE-NIGHT STANDS.

My heart racesas I stare at my phone.

Fuck.

Grady Donahue is calling me, his name flashing on the screen.

He never calls.

I mean, who even does that in this day and age? If you need something and it's important, everyone knows you’re supposed to text that shit.

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