Page 31 of The Off-Limits Play

The Kelsey U Titans were out for blood. Some beef with Zander. But we all paid a price. Getting tackled by their defense was like being hit by an 18-wheeler. We hobbled off that damn field, and I even endured an ice bath last night. I hate those things, but my muscles are grateful this afternoon.

I woke up feeling not half bad.

Can’t say the same for Zander. The house was so fucking quiet this morning, it was eerie. Zoey wasn’t down in the kitchen, babbling her usual undecipherable nonsense and grinning up at me with her toy “amimals.” I fucking love the way she says that, but I’ll never admit it to anyone. It’s good that she and Sienna have moved out. It’s right.

But Zander was cut up, man. I wanted to say something. Tell him it’s all for the best. But he looked so fucking miserable when I saw him that I couldn’t say anything.

I don’t know what the fuck went down after that game to make Sienna flee. They were so loved up it was sickening. And now she’s gone. Taken Zander’s baby girl with her and just disappeared. For his sake, I hope they manage to work it out.

But relationships can be shitty things.

Which is why I tend to avoid them.

Yet another reason why I shouldn’t be going to the Lido right now.

But my feet don’t stop, and I’m soon rounding the corner and following a small sign with a finger pointing me toward the most obscure movie theater ever. It’s old, run-down, and tucked away down a brick alley. I pop out into this cobbled courtyard like I’m entering a secret garden… of nerds.

Glancing around, I spot the insane amount of cosplay and nearly bail.

I really don’t need to do this. And watching whatever fucking sci-fi movie this is going to be?—

You know what movie it is! Look around you!

My lips dip as I take in the costumes and quickly figure out that it’s a fantasy-themed afternoon, and I’m about to sit throughThe Princess Bride.It’s a pretty decent movie. I like that guy who’s out to avenge his father, and the Dread Pirate Roberts is cool, but shit… do people have to dress like the characters?

If Nylah’s decked out like Buttercup, I’m gone.

Scanning this crowd of overly excited moviegoers, I can at least comfort myself with the fact that I’m not gonna cross paths with anyone I actually know. I doubt this lot would sit through a football game.

Stepping sideways, I avoid getting poked in the leg by some guy’s plastic sword and make it into the building unscathed.

Why are you doing this? Just turn around and go!

But then I catch a glimpse of her long black hair. My eyes trail down her body, and there are those super sexy jeans of hers. I love the way they hug her ass. Damn, she’s got a great ass. Remembering the way that douche at the bar palmed those perfect butt cheeks makes me frown, and I quickly step up behind her before someone else can.

I don’t want anyone trying to make a move. The world is full of assholes and fuckers, and I’m not gonna let any of them touch her.

Even you?

Shoving my hands into my pockets, I avoid all temptation and stand watch over her while she lines up to get her ticket.

She doesn’t know I’m here yet. She’s on her phone, giggling at something on her screen. I glance over her shoulder and notice a string ofThe Princess Brideemojis.

Who the hell is G-Dawg?

I frown, hating that some other guy can make her smile like that. I can’t even see her face properly from this angle, but I know she’s smiling because she’s still quietly laughing.

Maybe I should clear my throat, let her know I’m behind her.

Fuck off! Just shut up and make sure no one touches her ass!

The line grows behind me as we inch forward, and then it’s her turn to purchase a ticket. I want to offer to buy it for her, but then it’ll be like a date, and I can’t fucking date this woman. So I clench my jaw and resist the urge.

She’s so warm and friendly to the chick in the ticket booth.

“You look so great!” She beams. “Valerie is one of my favorite characters in this movie. She and Miracle Max are the best.” She laughs, and I try not to enjoy the sound so much.

“Where’s your costume, then?”

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