Page 91 of Call the Shots
I groaned. “You’re sogood.”
“Thank you. I asked if she’s busy Thursday. There’s a park downtown that plays outdoor movies, we could bring blankets and a pint of ice cream.”
Denali rolled his eyes.
“I said her name’s beautiful and asked where it’s from. She said it’s Choctaw, I asked ifshe’sChoctaw, she’s not, she’s Cherokee, I fucked up.” He shrugged. “Her being native has nothing to do with her name, her mom picked it because she likes Hitchcock movies. That’s on me for assuming.” Fridgerelaxed in his chair, waiting for Montoya to finish writing notes. “I said I’m sorry and the conversation kept going. Don’t be afraid to apologize. That’s where most dudes fuck up. If you can say ‘I’m sorry’andwash your ass, you’re ahead of ninety percent of the competition?—”
“That’s enough.” Denali folded his arms over his chest.
“I want to learn,” Montoya whispered.
“Learn from somebody who won’t have you simping for pussy.”
Fridge narrowed his eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means you’re doing too much. It’s cringy as fuck, dude.”
“Cringy?”
Denali turned to Montoya. “Even if you put in effort, girls will say no anyway, so you don’t?—”
“Wow.” Fridge whistled. “Are you single?”
Denali shifted. “Why would I want a relationship? I don’t have time to waste?—”
“Aw. Man.” Fridge tsked. “Montoya, don’t listen to Bitter Dude With A Shitty Attitude over there.”
“Listen to Denali abouteverything elsebut love,” Elijah warned. “Love is like floating on a giant garbage island but it’s the greatest thing that’ll ever happen to you. When you find that somebody…” He held up his fist and spread his fingers in a burst. “It’s lightning.”
I knew exactly who he was talking about, the waitress, Sloane, atGianna’s. They had an on-again, off-again thing that drove Elijah’s twin sister crazy. I smiled. “Sometimes I forget how much of a romantic you are.”
“He hangs out with his girlfriend all the time,” Montoya said.
I paused. “Girlfriend?”
“There’s no way you have a girlfriend.” Bear chuckled. “I don’t believe it.”
Elijah cleared his throat. “Uh…”
“No, they’re dating, look. Her name’s Willow. She’s really nice.” Montoya showed a photo of Elijah, with a gorgeous Black girl pressed against him, cheek to cheek. I stared, confused. Elijah likedSloane,so who was this? I didn’t recognize her.
“There’s no way you’re datingher,” Nick laughed. “You two?How?”
“Brain damage,” Bear said gravely.
“Nope.” Fridge shook his head. “Women date below their level if they see other attractive attributes. That’s why it’s good to have hobbies and be able to hold a conversation. You can look rough and still bag a hot girl if you’re funny.”
“I have fucking feelings, guys,” Elijah interjected.
My phone buzzed along with everyone else’s. We glanced at each other and checked the message.
“What fresh bullshit is this?” Elijah muttered.
I stared without comprehension at our main chat—Gladiators and Staff Official Chat. It was a picture of a flyer, hung up in one of the gyms.
“Oh, shit,” Fridge muttered.
“Are we in trouble?” Montoya whispered.
