Page 97 of Every Move You Make

I’d dab the memory behind my ears and on my wrists and remember the way his rare smile seeps into my soul. I’d remember the scents of ocean and sunscreen; of heavy rain and the grippy texture and smell of a leather rugby ball. I’d remember the way he’s looking at me, like he’s missed this version of us, too. Like even if our relationship right now is defined bywe can’tandthink of your image, we will still have this.

We’ll always have ocean-side rugby in the rain.

1.The scarlett empressby College

Chapter 40

Team Bonding

Robyn

The first crack of lightning has everyone booking it for the house and clamoring for the showers. By the time everyone makes it back to the spacious living room in their loungewear and wet hair, the late afternoon has turned into early evening, and darkness from the storm settles over everything.

I don’t care that it’s still warm outside, it’s dark and rainy and I’m in the mood for a fire—albeit electric. Flipping the switch on the wall, the flames erupt in the fireplace and I sit down on one of the large chairs with a cup of tea.

“God, that was fun,” Serwaa says as she enters the living room and sits next to me on the couch. “Getting the sand out of my hair, not so much.”

Toni follows in, braiding her damp brunette hair to the side. “I feel like my whole body has been exfoliated.”

“Coach still in the shower?” Serwaa asks.

“Yeah,” I say. “He was waiting for everyone else to finish first.”

“Well this is cute as shit,” Mo says. She takes a seat next to Toni and cuddles into her. “Are we having sleepover girl talk?”

“Obviously,” I smile, extending my leg to show off my billowing stretchy pants. “I’m wearing my conversation pants.”

“There’s a hole in the crotch,” Serwaa deadpans.

“They’re well-loved.”

“Easier access for Roger,” Toni teases in thatbrighter-than-sunshine way of hers.

“Who has Roger right now?”

Skirt raises her hand as she strides into the room wearing, of course, a baby blue tennis skirt and matching top. “Me. Y’all don’t… use it, right?”

Toni gasps. “Roger is a very private dildo. He/they don't like to disclose that kind of information.”

Skirt simply studies all of us before finally saying, “Ew.”

“Can we order pizza tonight?” Serwaa asks everyone. “My period started and I’m in need of warm, cheezy carbs.”

“Oh my god, we’re cycle-sisters,” Khaos sings while entering the room and pulling out their phone. “I’ll order for delivery.”

A fresh and clean Isaiah finally joins us looking relaxed, and he takes the last open chair across the room from me.

“You good with pizza, Coach?” Toni asks without looking up from her phone.

“Great. Let me pay for it though, as a thank you for letting me crash your vacation.”

“Not stopping you there,” she smiles.

“Boy, it’s really coming down out there,” he muses.

“I love the rain,” Skirt sighs, braiding her platinum blonde hair. “Reminds me of home.”

“Where’s that?” he asks1.

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