Page 16 of Changing the Play

Me

With cheese? You can’t have broccoli without cheese.

Darcy

No can do. I’m no nutritionist, but I hear it has to be plain. Otherwise, it loses all its healthy qualities. Or maybe I’ll bring cheese for myself. I’m not the one who has to eat healthy. No reason to punish myself.

I laugh. I can’t help it. He’s funny.

Me

That’s diabolical.

Darcy

Hey, I’m not the one who decided a life of being a football star was for me. I shouldn’t have to go without just because you can’t eat good food.

I grin down at my phone, my heart doing a little flutter.

Me

So, you’ll eat all the cheese and cookies while I suffer for the greater good? Is that what I’m hearing?

Darcy

The greater good? Is that code for being able to run around in tight pants and knockpeople down?

Back to the tight pants again. My god.

Me

I’ll have you know I don’t knock people down. Didn’t you learn anything from your football lesson? ;)

As soon as I hit send, I regret the wink face. What the hell was I thinking? That was ridiculous.

Darcy

Apparently not. I guess I’ll need another lesson. ;)

Hell yes. I’m definitely down to spend more time with him.

Me

I can’t believe my lesson didn’t stick.

Darcy

Yeah, clearly you’re not as good at tutoring as I am. That’s okay, though.

I bark out a loud laugh, my cheeks aching from how hard I’m smiling.

Me

Sure. That hurts, Darcy. I’m really questioningour friendship.

There are a few minutes without a response, but the bubbles keep popping up and going away like he’s typing. Finally, his message comes through.

Darcy

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