Page 57 of Don't Puck the Wrong Brother

Name the time and place, I respond.

I'll let you know. How was practice?

Good. Coach actually complimented me. Mark it on the calendar.

Must be your lucky day.

Just riding the high from our non-date. You're my good luck charm, Banana.

That's a lot of pressure to put on an extended social interaction.

Just stating facts. My hockey skills are directly proportional to the quality of my hang time with you.

In that case, you're welcome for the assist. The entire team can thank me later.

I grin, typing:I'll pass along your contribution at the championship ceremony.

"Sexting in the locker room?" Miller asks, peering over my shoulder. "Classy."

I lock my phone. "None of your business."

"Must be the drive-in girl," he says knowingly. "You never smile at your phone like that."

"Don't you have a girlfriend to bother?" I deflect, shoving my gear into my bag.

"She's at practice. Besides, your love life is way more interesting right now."

I roll my eyes. "It's not a love life. We're just…"

"Just what?" Miller prompts when I trail off.

"I don't know," I admit. "Talking? Hanging out?"

"Whatever you call it," he says, slapping my shoulder as he walks past. "Never seen you this wrapped up in a girl before."

He's right, annoyingly enough. I've never been this caught up thinking about anyone. I've never planned dates or remembered favorite ice cream flavors or cared so much about making a good impression.

It's unsettling. And kind of awesome.

Back at my apartment, I try to focus on my Economics paper, but my mind keeps drifting. I finally give up after an hour of minimal progress and decide to hit the gym. Maybe more physical activity will help clear my head.

No such luck. Even as I push through sets of bench presses and squats, Hannah occupies a corner of my brain. What is she doing right now? Is her study group productive? Is she thinking about me too?

I grab my phone between sets and send her a picture of the gym's smoothie bar.Post-workout fuel. What's your flavor?

Is this research for our next extended social interaction?she responds.

Maybe. Answer the question, Banana.

Strawberry banana. Basic, I know.

Noted. And not basic. Classic.

I order exactly that, snapping a picture of the bright pink drink before taking a sip.Not bad. Though I usually go for chocolate peanut butter.

Of course you do. Maximum protein for maximum gains.

Are you mocking my athletic lifestyle?

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