Page 31 of Kicking It with the Point Guard

Leaning against the wall, I watch Oscar plop down on the arm of the couch and twirl the hair of the guy next to him.

I snort. My friend is clearly annoying the shit out of the guy, but that doesn’t stop him.

I look away. Oscar doesn’t need me to watch over him. No one is stupid enough to pick a real fight with the winger.

Deciding I’ve been holding this poisonous drink long enough to be polite, I make my way into the kitchen. I made sure to have a good idea of the layout of the bottom floor of the house where the party was being held when I got here.

I dump my drink down the sink and toss the cup into the already overflowing trash.

The party hasn’t been underway long. Some people must have been pre-gaming.

Oscar comes in following a tall, dark-haired girl who is vaguely familiar. I almost stop to ask where I’ve seen her before, but Oscar is trying hard to get this woman.

A streak of blond catches my eye, and I turn to follow it.

Violet is standing at the beer pong table watching the tall, dark-haired girl and Oscar play.

That’s where I’ve seen her before. She’s Violet’s friend.

After the other afternoon, I’ve decided that there’s no use in denying I’m developing feelings for Violet.

Everything I am, she’s not. She balances me in a way I never hoped to experience. I don’t want to lose this feeling, but I don’t know if I’m ready to take the leap. To make that next step.

I don’t even know how she feels. To her, we might just be acquaintances and I’m just the means to an end. Passing College Algebra.

I hear a nasally laugh over the roar of the crowd around the beer pong table. I glance over my shoulder to see Allyson mingling with the new people showing up.

Nope. Not dealing with that tonight.

I tap Violet on the shoulder. She turns, and her gaze travels up to meet my eyes, her cheeks reddening just enough to be noticeable.

I nod in the direction of the backyard, where someone has set up several heaters to beat back the chill of the fall evening, and she smiles up at me.

A jolt of electricity buzzes up my arm when I grab her hand. I’m starting to make a habit of the innocent gesture, and if I’m not mistaken, I don’t think she minds all that much.

I lead her through the crowd, trying my best to melt into the sea of people. I really don’t want to deal with Allyson tonight.

We finally make it outside. It’s much quieter out here. More intimate. Perfect for talking with Violet.

“I’D LOVE TO SEE YOUR PARTS!” Oscar calls out from inside, and I shake my head. He needs to replace his filter. It’s nearing the end of its lifespan.

“I’m surprised to see you here,” I say, blunt as ever.

“Mia told me to come.” She shrugs. “I don’t usually like parties.”

“I don’t either. I’m here because of Oscar.”

She laughs. “We’re a fun pair, aren’t we?”

She moves towards one of the heaters, wrapping her slim arms around herself.

“Are you cold? We can go back in if you want.” I don’t want to, but I don’t want her to be uncomfortable.

“No, just thinking.” Her head turns up toward the stars, eyes closing.

No one else is out here at the moment; there’s too much excitement going on inside. I want to ask her about the bruise again. She said someone threw an orange at her. Why would anyone do that? Not just to her, but to anyone.

“I think I know who ruined our study room,” she starts, turning to look at me finally.

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