Page 11 of The Trade

She shakes her head, a warm-hearted smile lighting up her features. “You and your superstitions.”

“It’s not superstition, Shan,” I insist. “It’s basically a proven science.”

“I guess I shouldn’t judge before trying it myself.”

“Exactly my point.” I return her easy smile. “You ready to go?”

As soon as we reach the Vault, I make a beeline for the counter, stomach rumbling with anticipation. Their pizza is a far cry from the usual, bland campus food we have here, especially considering my usual order—cheese with pineapple and jalapeño on top. I know it sounds odd, but it’s actually the most delicious combination of sweet and spicy.

“So, you excited for your date this weekend?” Shannon asks, patiently waiting for me to finish chewing. It’s only been about thirty seconds so far, but I’ve already managed to stuff half a slice inside my mouth.

“Eh.” I give her a shrug. “Not really.”

I’ve already been out with this guy, Fred Tomlin, and he wasn’t anything to write home about. He’s a Ceramic Arts major, so I thought he might actually be interesting. Or, at the very least ... that he’d be good with his hands.

Instead, I almost fell asleep while he was going down on me.

“Why are you going out with him again, then?”

“I guess I’m hoping the sex is better this time around.”

“Jade!” She scolds me like a child, swiftly glancing around to ensure our conversation hasn’t turned into public entertainment.

“What?”

“You know, I think that’s your problem,” she begins in a hushed tone, leaning in closer. “You keep going out with these guys you have no real interest in. The sex is bound to be blah.”

“Yeah, maybe you’re right.”

My heavy sigh fills the air. It’s true; I’ve always played it safe, choosing the steady, dependable types instead of the riskier ones. Not that they’re bad guys, overall, but there’s been an undeniable void there, an element of passion that always seems to be missing.

“So, maybe it’s time to expand your horizons,” she says. “Try out a different type for once.”

“What else is there?” I groan, rubbing my temples in frustration. “I’ve gone on dates with a bio major, an art major, engineering, philosophy, etcetera.” I tap each finger as I list them off. “I’ve tasted every flavor by now, Shan.”

Her lips curve into a sly smile, green eyes glinting with mischief. “You’re missing a very important category here. You know, you can’t just knock out all of Dayton’s athletic department without even giving them a chance.”

“Gag me,” I say with a derisive snort.

“They would if you wanted.”

“Oh, my God.”

“No, seriously, if you’re bored of your sex life ... maybe try things out with an athlete.” She gives me an earnest nod. “I can introduce you to some.”

“Oh, you mean like your friend from the library?”

“He’s not as bad as you make him out to be, Jade. But no, there are plenty of other guys who’d be interested.”

“I don’t know, Shan.” I drag my lower lip between my teeth, contemplating. “I don’t see you going on dates with any of thesesex godathletes of yours.”

“That’s because I’m not looking for the same thing you are. I think I want a real relationship this time around.”

“Then maybe we can trade. You set me up with an athlete, and then you go out with Freddy this weekend.”

“Ew.” She reaches across the table to smack me, one swift slap to the shoulder. “I’m not going out with a guy you’ve already slept with.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

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