Page 13 of Your Secret to Keep

A bubble of rage starts small before filling my chest. Would these be the same things I’d worry about if I was a man? Would a man be taken less seriously in their job based on who they were dating? In most cases, like we know already, the answer is no. Bullshit or not, it’s the world we live in, or the world I live in at least. Maybe men get a little more leeway than women but how much am I willing to risk?

Wow, talk about getting ahead of myself.

you’re actually asking me out?

yes. one hundred percent.

this time, without the loser you were supposed to be out with

My heart races in my chest like it has somewhere to be. My night with Brooks was unexpectedly fun. Gone were the typical first date nerves, replaced with the suggestion of being comfortable. The idea of him wanting me, like that, has me blushing alone in my studio apartment.

we’ll see

i can work with that

because it’s not a no

I save Brooks’ number in my phone, and when I see our updated text thread with his name associated with it, I let out a small scream and kick my feet.

Chapter 9

Brooks

“Didyouseethenew media hire? You ever meet someone with blonde hair and green eyes?” Jalen asks.

It’s Monday morning and the locker room is empty besides the two of us. We’re an hour early since I had the itch to get extra shots up today before practice. One of Jalen’s best qualities is how he’s always down for extra work.

I shoot him a look while I tighten the laces on my shoes.

“What? She’s pretty, that’s all I’m saying.” He lifts his hands like he’s surrendering. “You know I’m taken.” He wiggles his left hand, a silicone wedding band on his ring finger.

My shoes are the only thing I can focus on. Otherwise, I’m going to spill the details to Jalen. I have no idea if there’s anything to keep secret at this point, but I don’t know if I want to take the chance.

We’re walking to the court when Megan passes us. “Brooks!” she calls. “Before I forget, can you pop by my office after practice? I want to get our schedules aligned for the project we’ve been planning.”

“You’ve got it.”

“Plus, we can get Lia up to speed.”

“Lia?” Jalen asks.

“Yes, she was with me Saturday. The new media hire. Did you have too much fun last night?” She steps in, looking at his eyes for signs of a hangover—something she won’t find.

“No, I remember her,” he answers, his brain trying to connect the dots.

Megan nods in agreement and says, “She’s smart, loves basketball, and seems like she can hold her own. I think it will be perfect.”

So do I, but for many different reasons—ones I don’t share aloud right now.

Megan’s phone rings and she pulls it from her pocket while already walking past us. “We can chat more later.” Her phone is to her ear before I have a chance to respond.

“Why does your face look like that?” Jalen presses, ducking his head and focusing on me. “Lia. Why do I know that name?”

“It doesn’t look like anything.” I try to keep us moving but Jalen isn’t having it. He puts a hand on my chest to stop me. Trying to shrug him off, I say, “You probably know a lot of names.”

“You, my guy, are the worst liar,” he laughs. “Your face is red, and your forehead looks all clammy.” He feels my forehead with the back of his hand, then emphasizes shaking off the sweat when he pulls it away. His eyes light up and he snaps his finger. “Lia is the name of your mystery girl!”

I suck in as much air as my lungs will allow, resting my hands on my hips. My neck tenses as I look at the ceiling, trying to get as much time as possible before I decide what to tell him. Finally, I look at Jalen and I know he’s right: I’m a bad liar.

---