Page 26 of Return Policy

Damn straight.

* * *

The lobby of my building is empty as I walk through it to drop my backpack off before heading to practice. Since I’m a collegiate athlete, Theo and I share a two bedroom, one bath suite—more of an apartment than a dorm—that has a small living room and kitchen. I unlock the door and stride inside to see Noah, Theo, and Desmond sitting on the living room couch playing FIFA. Someone pauses the game, and they all whip their heads at me with amused expressions.

“Finally, you’re home!” Theo says, jumping up.

“Sorry,Dad.” I chuckle at his bizarre as fuck greeting. “Did I miss curfew?”

“Did youproposeto someone today?” Noah asks, with a humorous shocked expression.I knew this was going to get around.

“Where’d you hear that?” I ask coyly, throwing my backpack on the floor by my bedroom door.

“That’s irrelevant.” Noah waves me off. “Did you get a girl knocked up? Is that what this is about? I need to know if I’m going to lose my prodigy to fatherhood.” Noah folds his arms over his chest like a disappointed dad.

“What?” I scoff. “No. Jesus, you guys are ridiculous.”

“So…?” Desmond presses as they stare at me expectantly. “Why were you on your knees in the middle of Crystal Coffee? Rumor has it you’re engaged and getting married next month.”

I fold my arms over my chest. “I was asking a girl to tutor me.”

“On your knees?” Noah says with raised eyebrows.

“Desperate times.” I shrug, and the three of them fold over laughing, unable to control themselves anymore.

“Whatever, assholes.” I stride towards my room. “I’m gonna change so we can leave for practice.”

“I don’t know, Elijah,” Theo says between fits of laughter. “I might make you get on your knees and beg me to walk with you.” He kneels down and clutches his hands together exaggeratedly. “Please, Theo. Please walk me to practice.”

“You guys are the worst.”

Those guys are the best.

9

SOPHIA

I’ve just finished editing the photos for tomorrow’s photography class when my phone dings, interrupting my “get shit done” playlist. I pick it up to see my new contact name for Elijah on the screen.

HONEY BEE

Honey Bee

Hey there basic bitch

Me

The only basic bitch in this chat is you ?

Honey Bee

Getting prepped and ready for our study date tomorrow?

I force myself to count to one hundred before I reply—all part of my “don’t get attached” plan.

Me

It’s not a study date

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