Page 30 of Fake Dates and Home Plates
She’s right. There’s nothing riding on this meet; it’s a friendly. It doesn’t count as a qualifying race for team or individual status.
“Yes, Coach,” I say, and she gestures to the rest of the team.
“Try and get them to chill out, will you?”
I nod and put my headphones and phone away.
My hair has been slicked back into a ponytail then braided, with the intention of keeping it out of my face. My stomach’s already doing that fun thing where it knots up even though I ate the exact same thing I always eat before a meet.
“Hey, circle up,” I say, just loud enough for the team to hear me.
Lily bounces next to me, doing high knees. “What’s up, Cap? Ready to show the underclassmen how it’s done?” she asks with a grin.
“Only if I don’t throw up first,” I mutter.
The team surrounds me in a huddle of orange and purple, and I manage a tight smile. “Listen, this is a friendly. Take it seriously, but there’s no reason to overdo it. Watch out for the terrain transitions and stay focused. Look over the route one more time, know when you need to stride it out and when you need to kick your ass into gear.”
It’s not inspirational, but it’s the best advice I have.
The girls around me are taking me seriously, though, and no one looks like they’re going to cry anymore. In fact, half of them are now looking at the spectator section.
One of the freshmen, Lauren, shouts out, “No way!”
When I look over, I see exactly what everyone is staring at. My face burns with heat, and I know my skin has to be bright red in a full-body blush.
Theo Barlowe.
Wearing a t-shirt withmy faceon it.
Not like a little face either. No, this is a full portrait of my face, taking up the entire front of his chest. He must have gotten the photo from my social media profile.
He’s also holding a neon sign that reads in huge block letters:HENLEY HARKIN FAN CLUB.
My entire body just…malfunctions.
“What the hell is he wearing?” Maddie asks, nearly choking.
I shake my head. “Ican’texplain that.”
Theo spots me and grins, as if this is totally normal. It’s not. It’s fucking insane.
I jog over, fully aware I’m supposed to be warming up. “Theo, what are youdoing?”
He just grins, giving me an up close and personal view of his craziness. “I’m here to cheer on my girl.”
His girl.
Not his girlfriend. Not his fake girlfriend.
I kind of like it.
But then I remember what he’s wearing and the sign he’s holding, and I want to melt into the dirt. My teammates are absolutely losing it as they watch on. Someone snaps a picture I’m sure will be posted within minutes.
“You don’t think this is a little…much?” I ask him, gesturing up and down at his entire body.
He leans in slightly, low enough that the others can’t hear. “No matter what, I’ve got your back, Getaway Girl. The whole world should know it.”
I stare at him. He looks so stupid in that shirt, so smug and ridiculous and proud.
