Page 16 of Delay of Game

Eli is extremely introverted, and at first I thought he was kind of an asshole, but once he got used to us, he started to open up. We bonded over our love for romance novels, which was a shock to me as he’s a six foot three hockey goalie.

Truth is, I can’t imagine life without them anymore. Without knowing it, they helped ease the ache of Jordan’s rejection, especially since he never brought that kiss up again. While I thought it would be awkward being in his presence, we somehow continued to make polite and short conversations every time we hung out.

But going from nonstop texting and hanging out daily to a once-a-month conversation—well, it hurt more than I expected.I get that people fall out of touch, but that’s usually when a major change happens: someone moves away, they get a new job, they start dating. But in our situation, the distance was intentional. He made it clear he didn’t want to give us a chance.

I can’t deal with complicated right now.I’ve thought about his words so many times, analyzing them until they drove me crazy.

Complicated.I suppose he’s right, there is a lot at stake if we were to date. Especially if it didn’t work out—I would hate to be the wedge between our two families.

Right now. Did he mean there was a chance for us later? If so, when?

At some point I realized stressing over his words was pointless. He stopped texting, stopped hanging out, so I kept my distance too. But more importantly, I made my peace with letting him go, even though my feelings never really went away.

And I was fine. At least, I told myself I was.

Until a couple of months ago, I got an out-of-the-blue text about a book recommendation. Jordan wanted to know what to get for Tangela’s birthday, and what should have been a quick text turned into a late-night phone call, which then turned into a trip to the bookstore to find all the right presents to make her a bookish gift basket.

Since then, I’ve gotten the feeling that he might want to reconnect. That maybe—just maybe—he might want to give thiscomplicatedthing a shot.

A splash of hot water lands on my finger as I stir, and it breaks me out of my reverie. After throwing the tea bag away, I add a little honey and place a lid on my drink. I turn and wave at the barista on my way out and balance my hot drink and scone in one hand, while I pull my phone out to check the newest text.

Eli

There’s a special screening of Pride and Prejudice tonight at the downtown theater. Want to go after dinner?

Alice

OMG yes, how is that even a question??!

I squeal in delight and head back to my apartment to wait for Robbie. After the bookstore trip, we’re going to my parents’ house to help them prepare for my birthday get together. I can’t imagine a more perfect ending to this day than watching one of my favorite movies with one of my favorite friends.

Though, there is one person missing—Olivia. I wish she could be here tonight, but she’s back home in Minnesota, where she has to referee a hockey game. As soon as Robbie told me about this new friend of his, that just so happened to be a woman, I was so excited. As much as I love the boys, there’s only so much testosterone in our family that I can handle.

As soon as I met Olivia over Thanksgiving, I knew she’d be the one for Robbie. There was something in the way she looked at him, like he was a bright and shining light in her life, that made me bold enough to outright ask her what her intentions were. One might argue that it was too soon, but I think that was the push she needed to confess her feelings.

Since then, they’ve been inseparable, constantly texting and calling since their crazy schedules keep them apart most of the time. I’m excited for our group trip to Northern Michigan next week, and to get to know her better. I already know we have similar taste in books and songs, but I want us to be friends.

I take a seat at my dining table, moaning around a bite of the delicious lemon scone, and send Robbie a text, letting him knowI’ll be ready soon. He’s usually quick to answer, but this time, it sits unread.

Robbie isan hour late and won’t answer his phone. I pace the apartment, trying not to panic over all the possible scenarios of why he’s not here on time. This is so unlike him. Another call goes to voicemail, and I decide to text the group.

Alice

Anyone know why Robbie is AWOL?

Eli

I was trying to get ahold of him but he didn’t answer me either.

Jordan

I thought he was with you at the bookstore?

Alice

He never showed up at my place.

Jordan

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