Page 20 of Love on the Waiver Wire

“Yeah, me too,” is all she says as the awkwardness settles around us.

As I get to the door, I hear a commotion outside as Leo likely tries to unlock the door drunk. I’m not sure if he has someone with him, though I hope to god he doesn’t for his parents’ sake. Not that I’m staying around to find out.

The second I hear his door close, I open the door without a word and leave, booking it down the hallway in case someone decides to peek out into the hallway.

Nah, that’s not why.

It’s because I needed to run away. Like a loser.

Why can’t I just keep my damn mouth shut like a normal person? It doesn’t happen often. Or at least, not as often as Leo blurts out stupid shit. But it happens often enough that I actively think my words over multiple times before I say them sometimes.

Breathing a sigh of relief as I get to my car parked down the street in a different garage not owned by the building—the last thing I need is Leo asking why my car is there—I quickly put it in drive and head home.

* * *

Monday nights are for partying.

Leo and I met up in the parking lot of the training facility Monday morning for our usual Monday lift. Since we won yesterday, all we have to do is stop in and lift.

“I think we did really well yesterday,” Leo says as he tosses his bag over his shoulder.

I nod, watching the ground as we make our way into the building. We’re here early, and most of our other teammates were out late. They probably won’t roll in until around eleven.

“I think winning by thirty points counts as really well,”

I can feel Leo’s grin before I see it. “I think this is our year, man,” he says excitedly, his nose scrunching at the prospect.

“I think so, too.”

“You doing okay?”

I sigh. “Yeah, just ready for tonight,” I tell him simply, hoping he won’t pry too much.

“Tonight’s going to be amazing,” Leo says without a care in the world. “I think I’m inviting Victoria out.”

“Weren’t you with her last week?” I ask, thoroughly confused.

“I can see a girl for multiple weeks, you know,” he shoots back.

He can. He has before. But often? No.

“Who are you and what have you done with Leo?” I chuckle.

He laughs back. “It’s a brand new me.”

We change and get our lift in before talking to our coach for a couple minutes. He congratulates us both on the win again, letting us know that if we can keep it up, he can see us going all the way this year.

As we’re leaving, Leo asks me what my plans are. “Are you just meeting us there?”

“I think so,” I tell him. “I need to get some things done at home. But I’ll be there when you guys are.”

With a wave, Leo gets into his truck, quickly backing out of his spot and racing down the road.

All I can do is hit my head against the back of my seat, thinking about how screwed I am that all I can think about is his sister.

10

ISLA

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