Page 28 of Fast Break
“Yep,” I tell him. “It’s an away game though unfortunately.”
“Ah. That’s a pain.”
“Yeah, bit of a long drive.” I hesitate for half a second before deciding to just say it. “I’m not doing anything Saturday though.” There’s a beat of silence before Quinn looks up at me, a question in that blue gaze.
“No?”
“Nope,” I confirm. “What, um, what about you?”
“Ah, I actually have the guys coming round for pizza and a movie,” he admits. He seems a little regretful and I’m pleased by that even though I’m sad he’s not free.
“Oh. That sounds fun,” I say, aware I sound like he’s just told me he hates puppies.
“You could …” he begins, that hesitation definitely out in full force now. “You could come. If you want.”
Quinn definitely sounds nervous now and I feel emboldened by that even though I’m not entirely sure I want to spend time with Quinn in the presence of his friends. I’m aware that we have created our own little private bubble between our two separate spheres and for some reason I am reluctant to pierce it.
“Are you sure?” I ask. “Your friends won’t mind if I’m there?”
“Course I’m sure,” he replies. “And my friends won’t mind at all.”
Well, that’s not entirely true, something I think we both know but I’m not going to bring it up.
“Okay then,” I reply, biting down on my lip to stop the smile from spreading.
“Alright,” he says, smiling back at me just as brightly. I drop the pretence and smile back properly, heart beating just a little harder in my chest.
Look at me, sharing lunch beside Quinn Dayton, making plans for the future.
CHAPTER 12
jt
It’s Saturday night and I am standing in front of my mirror, fussing with my hair. My curls just won’t sit right and it’s stressing me out. I give up and scrutinise my reflection. I don’t know why I care so much but I want to look nice tonight. I’ve chosen my favourite blue jeans that are loose around the legs but fit my ass like a worn glove. They’re a nice light blue and have a few rips in the knees that I like.
I’ve already changed my top five times before finally settling on a green Nike t-shirt that I think matches my eyes. I tried on a polo top earlier but I thought it looked a little too formal for a pizza and movie night. I don’t want to look like I’ve tried too hard.
I check the bus timetable for the eightieth time, unsurprised to note the schedule hasn’t changed since the last time I looked five minutes ago. I’m on my own tonight as far as transportation is concerned. My family are at a church charity event across town and won’t be back till late. Not that they would have been a viable transport option either way. And given the circumstances, Trey is out for tonight too.
Just as I think his name my phone rings and I see my cousin’s name on the display. I pause before I answer.
“Hey, man,” I say, putting a little pep into my tone.
“Cuz. We’re heading over to Marco’s in a bit. Everyone’s gonna be there including Chanel. Want me to swing by and pick you up?”
Of course he pitched it that way, as though it is a given that I am in. Although to be fair, I’ve never had my own plans before, plans that didn’t involve Trey and whatever he was doing.
“Oh, I actually have plans tonight,” I admit, aware of the nerves invading my voice.
“What? With who?” Trey asks with a level of disbelief that should be insulting.
“I’m going to Quinn’s house. He’s having some friends over to watch a movie.” No, I didn’t need to add that last part but I kind of need Trey to know it isn’t like it is just me and Quinn hanging out alone. Like a date or something. That would be weird, right? Just me and Quinn?
Trey is silent for a few beats, and I can almost count the loud thuds of my heart beating in my ears. “You’re hanging out with Quinn? Again?”
“Yeah.”
“Why?”
