Page 57 of Hate Notes

“My father wants me to—”

“I don’t give a rat’s behind about your father. What doyouwant, Elliot?”

My conversations with Julie and Penelope came back to me, and all at once, I realized what an idiot I’ve been to throw away such an amazing opportunity.

“I want to go to Bucknell, sir.”

“Then what exactly are you waiting for, son? Do you want me to set up the meeting or not?”

I swallowed, knowing if I said yes, it was going against my father’s wishes.

Screw my father. When did he ever care about what I wanted? What about my happiness?

“Yes, sir. I’d like that.”

He nodded like I’d made the right choice. “Good. Consider it done.” Then he turned on his heel and pointed back at me with his clipboard and said, “Play like that again in my pool, and I’ll make you tread water until your limbs fall off. You got me?”

I grinned, glancing down at my feet. “I got you.”

I headed into the locker room where half of the guys were already dressed, and I began to change, intent on texting Julie and asking her to my game Saturday. I’d been hoping she and Penelope could meet, and though P said she was busy, I still hoped she’d change her mind. Something told me they’d hit it off, because even though Penelope had Scarlett, it would be kind of cool if she and Julie could be friends too. Maybe then, we could all hang out sometime. After all, Penelope could use someone like Julie. Both girls seemed to know exactly who they were—something I admired—but Julie had the confidence Penelope lacked, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hope that maybe it would rub off on her.

Once I dressed, I slung my duffle bag over my shoulder and clutched my phone as I typed and headed for the door.

Me:How’s my girl?

Julie:If you’re referring to me, I’mgood.

A smile split my face in two.

Me:I have a request, but first,you have to say yes.

Julie:Um, I’m pretty sure that’s the kind of request that can get a girl in trouble.

I chuckled to myself as I palmed the door to the locker room and headed outside.

Me:How about,if it’s a reasonable request, you have to say yes.

Julie:Define reasonable.

Topher:You’re tough.

Julie:I’ll take that as a compliment.

Me:Come to my game Saturday. I’ll take you out afterward.

There was a long pause. Then the typing dots appeared on the screen before they vanished again.

I braced myself. Maybe at some point, Julie had decided she wasn’t that into me, and she was trying to think of a way to let me down easy. Maybe between the time I stood her up and she sent me that angry text, she got a boyfriend. After all, I had never actually outright asked her if she had one, had I?

Maybe I was just wasting my time.

Maybe . . .

My phone dinged.

Julie:Okay, yes.

Chapter 18

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