Page 5 of Depths of Desire
“Good.”
She narrowed her eyes. “That’s it?”
“Coach said it was one of my best days this month.”
Her smile turned genuine. “See? I told you the back-to-back sprints were worth it.”
I didn’t answer, but she knew I agreed. She always knew.
She let me eat a few bites in peace, then said, too casually, “So I figured you wouldn’t book your ticket home.”
I looked up. “I haven’t had time.”
“Mmm,” she said, smug. “That’s why I already arranged your ride.”
My fork paused midair, rice crumbling back onto the plate. “You what?”
“Yup.” She popped thepand looked far too pleased with herself. “You have a ride. Thursday morning. Leaves early. And no, you don’t get to complain.”
“Lena,” I said slowly, “I didn’t say I wasn’t coming. I just…”
“You were stalling. You always stall. Last year, you ‘forgot’ until the tickets were three hundred dollars, and you blamed it on training.”
“I was training.”
“You always are. But not this time. You’re coming home, and you’re not allowed to back out. Ride’s already confirmed.”
I sat back, suspicious. “With who?”
She hesitated just a second too long. “Lennox.”
“Lennox Ellery?”
She nodded, eyes all fake innocence. “Yup. His sister and I were talking, and it came up. He’s driving. He’s got space. It’s not a big deal.”
It sounded like a big deal. Lennox Ellery was…memorable. All easy charm and bright smiles, the kind of guy who seemed to glide through campus with sunrise in his eyes. I’d seen him around. He was big on the hockey team, everyone liked him, and he moved through people like they didn’t weigh him down.
The opposite of me.
Still, a ride was a ride.
“I could’ve booked a flight, Snip,” I said.
“But you wouldn’t have.”
She wasn’t wrong.
I sighed. “Fine. Send me the details.”
“They’re already in your inbox.” She grinned like she’d just won something. “Thursday. Don’t make him wait.”
I shook my head, but I felt the corners of my mouth twitch. “You’re a menace.”
“And you’re predictable.” She stuck her tongue out at me. “But seriously, come home, Ollie. You need the break.”
I didn’t. Not really. Especially not there. But I didn’t say that.
“I’ll see you Thursday,” I said instead.
