Page 87 of Blindside Me
Before I answer, the barista yells our name, saving me for now. We grab our drinks and scan for seats.
“There’s Amanda Hoyt and Maddy Grimes from the rink.” I point to the two girls sitting near the back room.
“Are they puck bunnies?” Callie’s nose wrinkles like she smelled something foul.
“No. Girlfriends. Should we go say hi?”
She hesitates, which is weird for her. “Nah, they look busy. Let’s grab a table.”
We find a spot, and the moment I sit down, she leans across the table.
“Don’t think you’re off the hook.” She tears off a piece of croissant. “You’ve been checking your phone every thirty seconds.”
I roll my eyes, but there’s no real annoyance behind it. “You’re insufferable.”
“I’m observant.” She pops the croissant in her mouth. “And you’re dodging the question.”
I ignore her and flip my phone face down.
It buzzes again.
Callie’s eyebrow quirks. “Ignoring it now, huh?”
I wrap my hands tighter around my cup. “It’s nothing. Just a joke.”
Callie stares me down like she’s calling bullshit.
I cave and peek.
Drew: You’re killing me. Really wish you were here.
A stupid smile threatens to split my face.
So much for chill.
“Drew,” I say his name as if it explains everything.
Callie’s eyes light up. “I knew it!”
“He’s…” I fumbled, searching for words. “He’s intense. Like everything matters more to him than it does to normal people.”
Callie sips her coffee, uncharacteristically quiet.
“And that intensity … when it’s on you?” I shake my head, biting my lip.
“Is terrifying?”
“And exhilarating,” I add quietly.
“So I was right! You do like him.”
I shrug, defensive. “Drew doesn’t play games. When he looks at me, it’s like he actually sees me.”
Callie softens. “He makes you feel seen.”
“Yeah.” The word sticks in my throat. Everyone else sees what they want. Drew sees … me.
Even if it’s terrifying how much he could hurt me.
