Page 36 of The Girlfriend Zone

But I don’t want it to happen with me. I’ll have to do better with communication with her—make sure I’m speaking at a reasonable volume for her. But I also want to communicate well inthisway. “I don’t want to go on a datewith her,” I say because it feels important that Leighton knows where I stand.

She gives a resigned smile. “You should, though, Miles.”

My jaw clenches. I want her to be as annoyed as I am. I want to know she can’t stop thinking about me either. I want to know our one date fucked her up too. And I also want her to be happy. I drag a hand through my hair. “I’m not going to,” I repeat.

“She won a date. You should.” She sounds like she legit means it.

“I won’t like it,” I say.

“Maybe you should try.”

“What about you? Are you trying?” The words spill out before I can stop them.

“Are you asking if I’m seeing someone?”

The thought that she might be makes me want to throttle…well, the world. “Are you?” It’s like eating nails.

Gently, she shakes her head. “I’m not.”

“Me neither.” I don’t even know why this matters—we can’t be together. But maybe I can get the closure I need if I admit it to her. “I’m still hung up on someone else.”

I feel lighter. And then entirely thrilled when she says, “Same here.”

A couple weeks later, in February, I go on the date with Natasha, and we talk about hockey the whole time. It’s completely platonic—so platonic that I break my no-texting rule.

Miles: It wasn’t like going out with you.

Leighton: Good.

I try, I swear I try, to forget her. It would be easier if I didn’t see her at a game next month, hanging out with Asher’s temporary wife, Maeve. She’s become friends with Maeve, as well as Everly, who’s now with Max officially. So Leighton’s around more. I see her more.

During warm-ups, I catch myself staring at her, wondering what it’d be like if she were here to see me play. Asher catches me and gives me a look that says “Are you going to keep doing that?”

It’s a valid question and the answer really should be no.

And itmostlyis no, until the end of the summer when I get a text from Asher inviting me to his wedding party. He and Maeve accidentally got married after the player auction and stayed married, falling in love for real over the last several months.

Now Maeve’s aunt is hosting an official party for friends and family.

Including Leighton. And the whole team. Which means Coach will be there.

I almost don’t go. But after one year in human years and seven in hockey-player-dog years, this will be my proof that I can handle it. I’ll go to this party and finally put her behind me for good.

NOW: WHEN WE RESIST

The End of This Summer

13

LITTLE DICKS

Leighton

When I walk into Moon Over Milkshakes, an oldie-but-goodie is blasting louder than usual at the retro-themed diner, and I wince. The song isn’t bad; it’s just that loud music and I don’t play well together.

I scan the room for my friends, since we’re meeting for a pre-wedding party lunch. But as usual, I’m the first one here since I arrived early. I like to pick the table if I can, especially with this song about beaches and California sunshine blaring. A booth in the back opens up as a group stands to leave, and when the hostess swings by, she asks, “How many?”

“There’ll be five of us,” I say, pointing. “Any chance we can snag that booth in the back?”

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