Page 49 of Between the Blue

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If I shouldn’t have come here at all.

eleven

HIM, THIRTEEN YEARS EARLIER

She didn’t come.

I couldn’t be sure. I was focused on the game. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t scan the crowd any chance I got.

There was no sign of Jules.

And I know I couldn’t have missed her.

Between that pale red hair like none other I’ve ever seen and the magnetic energy she seems to produce out of nothing, there was no chance.

I wish I could say I’m surprised.

But I’m not. Not really.

But I am disappointed.

She almost had me.

But I’m not sure I ever had her.

Then again, I’m not sure Jules is even the type of girl that could be had. You know?

I finish drying off from my post-game shower. Get dressed. Grab my phone from my gym bag. I wonder if she may have texted me an excuse.

But I know she didn’t before I even see the blank notification screen.

I’m about to lock my phone again, but then it buzzes.

Rhett Sutton: Parents out of town. Party at my place tonight. Say you’re in.

I shake my head. Start to type a reply. Before I can get it out, another set of texts pop up.

Rhett Sutton: Julia might come.

Rhett Sutton: ;)

And that’s all it takes.

Me: I’m in.

An hour later, I’m there.

And she’s nowhere to be found.

I grab a beer, hang out in the corner for awhile.

After an hour of that, I’m ready to go.

I try to discreetly make my way to the door. Of course, Rhett catches me on my way there.

“Whoa, whoa. Jamesy, where the hell are you going?” he asks. Grabs me by my shoulder.

“Getting late,” I shrug.

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