I squeeze his hand back and whisper, “Maddox… and Ace want to try the dating thing. I think Damien, too.” Admitting that feels like I stated I was pregnant or something.
“What about Wolfgang?” He asks and tilts his head.
“I-Is it that obvious?”
“He also looks at you like you’re the girl that got away.”
“I think we’re trying not to rush it.”
“Good,” he encourages. “Take it slow. There’s no rush. Even after this internship, regardless of what happens with how far the team goes with the championships, I think you guys will remain together. There’s nothing stopping you guys from exploring this. Just make sure you’re communicating and remind everyone that no matter where it takes you, they’ll be no hard feelings.”
“That’s really good advice,” I comment just as my phone begins to buzz.
“Call?”
“No, I think text. It’s Maddox.”
Boyfriend O’Riley:“It’s been 61 minutes since you were supposed to arrive here, and you’re not here.”
Me: “You’re waiting for me?”
Boyfriend O’Riley:“Yes. We finished drills early. I’m here with Ace and Wolfgang. Coach Cyrus asked us to stay longer. Only did because I knew you wouldn’t be back until after we were done. Brought food to come over.”
Me: “Ah. We’re stuck in traffic. Don’t know what’s happening. We’re parked on the side of the road, waiting for the cars to move. Why don’t you go to my dorm and wait?”
Boyfriend O’Riley:“I don’t have a key, Sweet Kay.”
Me: “Uh… well… you kinda do.”
Boyfriend O’Riley:*confused emoji*
Me: “Remember the weekend when you guys stayed over? The special weekend a while back.”
Boyfriend O’Riley:“Yes?”
Me: “I slipped my spare card key in your wallet.”
Boyfriend O’Riley:“For?”
Me: “Emergencies… like…”
Boyfriend O’Riley:“When it’s two in the morning, and you have the strong urge to eat rocky-road ice cream with peanuts and watch The Office?”
Me: “Exactly!”
Boyfriend O’Riley:“You’re cute.”
Me:“I’m glad you appreciate my cuteness.”
Boyfriend O’Riley:“Are you with Champion Jr.?”
Me: “Dimitri? Yes. We’re chilling outside the car, drinking root beer.”
Boyfriend O’Riley:“And five feet away from each other, yes?”
Me: “If you’re thinking I’m going to say yes, it’s a no.”
Boyfriend O’Riley:“Mikayla.”