Page 17 of Changing the Play

Is that what we are? Friends?

My brows pull together. I mean, I’d like to be his friend.

Me

Yes?

Darcy

Okay.

My heart speeds up a bit as a breathless laugh leaves my mouth. I’m so ridiculous, acting like I’ve never had a friend before.

Me

Okay. When do you want to learn more about football?

Darcy

Tomorrow?

Oh. Yes.Hellyes.

Me

Works for me. Same time as before?

Darcy

I’ll be there.

Chapter 6

Darcy

The coffee shop is a little crowded today. It’s strange for a Monday, but that’s alright. I tucked myself away in the corner, and haven’t been bothered since the barista brought my tea to me. Since I had a couple of hours before my first class, I figured now would be as good a time as any to work on a strategy for West.

I glance at my notes with a smile on my face.

There’s still a lot I need to learn about football to feel like I can use this to our full advantage, but I think I’ve got a good start. I’ve made little diagrams, breaking down historically significant events into “quarters” and have broken those down even smaller into “plays.” I’m not overly artistic, but I didn’t really need to be.

Googling what the play looked like on paper made it a lot easier to make x’s for each figure who had a role in the events. Adding little notes about each one was the icing on the cake.

I want to roll my eyes at myself. I really am a freaking nerd.

The truth is, I really do simply enjoy helping other people. And I get to hang out with West learning about football? Win. I was not kidding about those pants. I wonder what West looks like in his. I let out a little sigh that quickly turns into a yelp when someone squeezes my shoulder.

Parker’s obnoxious laughter echoes behind me and I turn around to glare at them. “You scared me half to death, Park.”

“I can tell. What are you working on?”

Parker peeks over my shoulder, so I cover the notes with my hands. Wrong choice, clearly. Now I’ve made it a game, and it’s going to be even worse.

“Oh. You’re blushing. Now I really have to see. You never blush.”

No freaking way. “Nope. None of your business.”

They stick their lower lip out in a pout. Ugh. “Fine.” I gesture to the seat across from me and hand over the notebook.

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