Page 23 of Collide
“Bland how?”
“It’s boring. You need more tests.”
“I’m doing bi-weekly assessments and ending with an ACSI-28 test. That’s more than the criteria asks for.” The self-assessments are questions Aiden had to answer, and the athlete coping skills inventory will be led by Dr. Toor, our campus sports psychologist. It’s basic methodology, but it easily showcases everything I know and that’s what admissions are looking for.
“Just trying to give you my expertise.”
Frustration tunnels through my skin. “I’ll see what I can do.”
“It’s not totally miserable. Just remember you’re applying to one of the most competitive programs on the East Coast.”
Rocks of stress jostle in my stomach. “Thanks,” I mutter when he collects his things, taking his stressful presence with him. When I let out a breath, the chair is pulled out again, and I startle.
“Hey, Summer.”
Blond hair and brown eyes greet me. If the letterman jacket isn’t enough, just the outline of his body would tell me he plays football. Connor Atwood is the quarterback of our football team and Sampsons friend, so I’ve known him since freshman year. Other than that, we’ve never talked.
“Hi, Connor.”
He exhales a breath of relief. “I totally expected you to forget my name.” His smile is sweet when he runs a nervous hand through his hair. “You don’t mind if I sit here, do you? Unless you’re waiting for someone.”
I’m not sure if that’s his way of asking if I have a boyfriend. But athlete or not, I need a distraction.
After the weird pool moment between Aiden and me, things got awkward, on my end at least.When I insisted on paying for his dinner after losing the bet, he stopped me. His pitiful look irritated me enough that I shoved a bill in his hand and walked off. I’m hoping delaying our next meeting will help with the lingering unease.
Bringing my attention back to Connor, I shake my head. “Nope. Just me.”
8 | AIDEN
GETTING SLAMMED INTO the boards by six-year-olds is how I’ve been starting my mornings. The contrast between my life only a few weeks ago and now is an upsetting revelation.
“How’s the girl? Piss her off yet?”
Coach’s voice drifts out of his office when I pass by after the lessons. He sits at his desk, glasses lowered to the bridge of his nose as he works on his computer. I’m unsure if my teammates have big mouths or if Summer complained about me. Did she tell him about the funeral flowers?
After our swimming session, things settled into an uncomfortable lull. Not initiated by me. I’m not sure what she was embarrassed about. Everyone has off days, and that phone call just happened to cause one of hers. I’d be lying if I said I’m not curious about who called her, though. Could it be that hockey player ex she hates? Do I know him? If so, I’ll happily set him straight so he never calls her again. Her bloodshot eyes and sniffling had sent a prickling feeling to skewer my chest, and I didn’t like it. At all.
“She didn’t drown me. I think that’s a good sign.”
Coach makes a noise in his throat. “Keep it that way. The last thing I need is Dean Hutchins breathing down my neck.”
I take a cautious step into his office. “Have you tried talking to him about reducing my community service hours?”
He finally meets my eyes and the wrinkles on his forehead deepen. “Of course. I asked him at our sleepover after we giggled about our crushes.”
I’ll take that as a no. Coach turns back to the computer screen, dismissing me.
The walk out of the arena and the drive home are the only calm I’ve felt all week. The breeze cools my heated skin, and the evening sky sets a peaceful backdrop. But that feeling is eradicated as soon as I step foot in the house.
My roommates huddle by the kitchen counter. Dylan sees me first and presses a finger to his lips. I spot the green blob on the counter, a phone trapped inside it.
Cole flies past me and gasps in horror. “Fucking asswipes!” He drives his fist forward to smash his phone out of the jello square, but Kian intercepts his punch.
“This took hours, you’re not ruining it. Enjoy the beauty of science.”
“Fuck your science, Ishida.” Cole digs out his slimy phone, leaving a mess everywhere. Messing with Cole is everyone's favorite pastime, probably because he and Sebastian are the only juniors in the house.
“Good to know this is what you all are doing with your free time.” I grab a drink from the fridge.
