Page 55 of Totally Played
“I don’t know. I think I might like receiving, but I think I might like…giving, too.”
“Then have that conversation now. Well, maybe not at one a.m., but soon. Then you both can figure it out from there.”
“Thanks. I know this is probably one of the weirdest conversations we’ve had, but I just needed to tell you.”
“Ride or die, remember.”
“Yeah, ride or die,” I say, and we bump fists and head to bed.
I lie there awake, unable to get the question out of my mind. What if we’re both tops or bottoms? Does that mean we won’t work? I don’t know if I could walk away now.
I grab my phone and shoot off a text to Ash.
CALVIN: I know you probably won’t see this until morning, but if I don’t ask now, I might chicken out, and I’m told it’s maybe an important thing to know. So here goes. Are you a top, bottom, or vers? I have no idea what I am yet, but I’ve been imagining trying all sorts of things with you.
I hit send before I can think it over too much, and then I pop the phone face down on the bedside. I’ve barely closed my eyes when it vibrates.
ASH: Vers, and hard again after your text. I can’t wait to hear more about what you’ve been imagining, but you need your sleep; you’ve got a game tomorrow. How about we discuss it in detail after the game at my place?
CALVIN: Can’t wait.
Chapter eighteen
Ashley
“Youwantedtoseeme,” I say, walking into Redmond’s office. It’s set up like some frat house common room, with a foosball table and sports memorabilia adorning all the walls. Not that Redmond or I were ever in a fraternity. I thought about pledging junior year, but then Redmond and I became best friends, and I didn’t want to room with anyone else. We still hit up their parties, when I could drag Redmond away from his computer, that is.
He’s sitting at it now, and although he probably has a bunch to do, he turns his full attention to me.
“You have a lot of explaining to do,” he says, folding his arms over his chest and leaning back in his oversized black leather chair. It’s a gaming chair that he had designed to perfectly fit around him for all the long nights coding. My stomach churns. What the fuck have I done gotten myself into? Shit. Did the DeVos deal fall through?
“Ahhh, I’m sure I have a great explanation for whatever it is,” I say nervously, sitting in one of the brown leather chairsopposite him. He’s got one eyebrow raised and a stern lip. I’ve rarely seen him like this. He’s usually super happy to see me. What the fuck have I done?
“Great, well go on then, explain this,” he says, turning the laptop around. On the screen is a still shot of the Banana Ball game, but it’s not of the field, it’s of the stands, the family section, and there I am, fist raised in the air, cheering with Calvin’s family.
“Oh, fuck is that all?” I ask with a relieved sigh, slumping back against the chair. “Fuck man, I thought I really messed up.”
“You have. What the fuck is this?”
“I, sort of, maybe went to a game. You were right. It’s pretty fun.”
“I thought when you turned your phone around the other week, I recognized the guy on there. Are you dating Tony Parks?” he asks, smiling wide.
“Ha, no.”
“You’re standing with his family.”
“That doesn’t mean I’m dating Tony,” I say with a chuckle.
“Come on, man, I’ve been obsessed with this game for years, we moved here for this game, and you’re secretly dating a player and sitting in the best seats in the stadium cheering along with the families and friends. How did this happen?”
“I’m not dating Tony. But I’ve met him and his family. Actually, I’ve met a few of the guys, but I’m not sure I can say more.”
“I’m your best friend,” he replies, a deep frown etched into his brow.
“Okay, if I tell you, then you have to keep it to yourself. Swear it.”
“I swear. Who would I tell anyway? I only really talk to you.”
