Page 111 of Stick Side
Love him, a voice inside her whispered.
Shaking off her fanciful thoughts, she picked up the chocolate bar, ripped it open, and popped a square into her mouth. Her eyes fluttered closed as she enjoyed the bittersweet explosion of flavor against her tongue.
Melody twisted around until she was able to pluck her cellphone off the bedside table. She popped another square of chocolate into her mouth before unlocking her phone.
Good grief. She had over ten new messages from Nolan.
Nolan:Hi, Melody. I just wanted to touch base now that my new schedule is up and I know when I’m free. I’d love see you again.
Nolan:I’ve been driving my friends nuts with how often I’ve talked about you.
Nolan:If this was Neverland, I’d only need to think of you to fly. And people would be like, “Man, he flies a lot.”
Nolan:Luckily, you’re not a drug because I don’t make enough money to pay for all the rehab I’d need.
Nolan:Are you a beaver? Because DAM!
Nolan:Ydsfhhcsgd
Nolan:Oh my God. Please ignore all but the first text. Emery stole my phone.
Nolan:Video attachment
Curious, Melody opened the video clip. It showed Emery standing in what Melody would guess was a hospital hallway wearing a dark purple power suit. In the video, Emery crossed her arms and raised her eyebrows before speaking. “I stand by what I said.”
Nolan:There you go. Proof that I’m surrounded by well-intentioned pains in the butt.
Nolan:But anyway, I really would love to see you again. Let me know when you’re free and we’ll see what we can tee up.
Unknown Number:Hey. This is Emery. I sent myself your number from Nolan’s phone. Here’s a screenshot of Nolan’s schedule. If he isn’t working, assume he’s free. The poor boy has been so eager to see you again that he’s made sure to keep as much of his schedule open as possible.
Melody’s smile had been growing wider as she read through the increasingly ridiculous texts, but her lips reversed course to settle into a frown. She’d had a great time with Nolan and his friends at Snakes & Lattes. If they’d met a few months ago, she suspected she would have been positively giddy over the idea of a second date. What girl wouldn’t be? He was kind, thoughtful, funny, and a great communicator. They had similar interests, as well as similar values. He was also incredibly attractive. The problem? She and Ben had crossed into relationship territory.
Melody let out a prolonged sigh. She hadn’t been kidding weeks ago when she said she’d love to see Nolan again. She still would. Only now, friendship was all she had to offer.
Popping another square of chocolate into her mouth, Melody let the piece melt while she mulled things over. She and Nolan would obviously have to have a conversation, but maybe friendship wasn’t out of the question. Men and women really could just be friends, couldn’t they? It’s not like they had even kissed. If there was such a thing as a point of no return, hopefully, they were safe and hadn’t passed it.
Melody looked down at her cellphone and contemplated her response. Surely, there was a way to be friends while respecting both Nolan’s feelings and her new relationship with Ben. She just had to find the words.
Chapter 55
Ben
Bencouldn’thelpbutfeel a pinprick of disappointment as he looked at his cellphone. He’d hoped Melody would still be at his place when he got home from practice.
He certainly couldn’t fault her for having a life outside of their relationship, but he was definitely disappointed. He understood not wanting to hang around his house alone for hours on end, but it still would have been nice to know she was there waiting for him.
“Logan!” Coach Dodds blared in his signature way. “Good skating today. We’re moving you up to the first line for tonight’s game.”
Ben’s eyes popped open in surprise as satisfaction coursed through his veins. He’d been skating well lately, gelling with his new team, and it felt great to have that acknowledged in such a tangible way.
Knowing Dodds wasn’t one to waste time on flowery sentiment, Ben settled for a sincere, but succinct, “Thanks, Coach.”
Dodds merely grunted in acknowledgment before walking away.
Ben couldn’t help but smile and shake his head. He was a character, that one.
“Well, I’ll be damned,” Cassidy whistled. “At no point in this lifetime did I think you’d get moved up to the first line after the coaches learned you’re dating Mel.”
