Page 46 of Replay

I take a deep breath, knowing I need to get back out on the floor. The silly pictures of Phil, Tiffany, and the kids that are glued to the back of the door bring a smile to my face. The sight of them makes me think of how Nate had the collage I made for him hanging on the inside of his closet door. Unwanted butterflies swarm inside me at the thought—just one more confusing revelation since Nate’s been back.

A thought that has been pushing its way into the forefront of my mind since Wednesday has me pulling my phone from my apron. Even though I know it will do nothing to ease my confusion, I can’t seem to stop myself from what I do next.

Me

Hope the bus ride to Georgia is smooth. I know how those South Carolina roads are.

Nate

…

The three dots of his response pop up immediately, and I wait with bated breath for the message to come through.

Thirteen

BB

Hope the bus ride to Georgia is smooth. I know how those South Carolina roads are.

Holy Shit. Am I seeing things?

I look over to Graham for some affirmation, but he has his Beats on, eyes closed, and head leaned back against the seat.

Focusing back on the text, I scroll up and see the hundred before, from me to her, that went unanswered.

I’ll take any type of progress when it comes to her, and something about this feels huge.

Me

I’m about to ask Grant to pinch me. Am I dreaming right now?

BB

Don’t be so dramatic

Seeing her name on my phone again reminds me of the excitement I felt as a teen when she first texted me. It’s even more special now. It gives me a sliver of hope that’s she’s thinking of me and intentionally reaching out without me initiating.

Me

Nah babe, no drama here. Just living on cloud nine right now.

Me

As for this shitty ride. You’re too late. I think I have a concussion from the number of times my head has hit the window.

I can’t help but look up to the middle of the bus to see if Carter is texting too, and it kills me, knowing he has every right to be talking to her. But somehow, I also feel no remorse for kissing his girlfriend the other night or falling asleep with her in my arms a few days ago. I have no problem being that guy in this scenario. This isn’t a contest; this is the love of my life who I let others’ bad decisions affect. I won’t let her go completely unless she asks me to. Unless she tells me that he’s who she really wants, and even then, I may put up a fight.

So yeah, fuck bro code. He ain’t my brother anyway. He hasn’t been my friend since I got the starting quarterback position in our eighth-grade year on the middle school team. The jealousy ate him alive, and I knew the days of him being my buddy were gone.

BB

Welp, maybe it will knock some sense into you.

Me

If it doesn’t, I’m sure Georgia’s linebacker, Solomon, will. Have you seen that dude?

BB

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