Page 36 of The Comeback Pact

“The Speedo? It’s for freedom of movement. It’s what the guys wear.”

I could give a shit about that, but I’ve been dying to see what Kenna wears when she dives. I’m sure it’s something sensible rather than what I’d like to see her in. “Whatever you say.”

She tugs on my arm. “Come on. If you can’t respect David, you’re not allowed in my room.”

I chuckle as I bring my phone out, sending a quick text to the team to tell them to find Speedos for tomorrow and to not ask any questions.

After I fire it off, I pocket my phone and hold my arm out to Kenna. She wraps her arm around mine, and we walk outside after she locks the door. Where we touch, my skin fires like it’s a packet of Pop Rocks.

I help her into the truck, and she looks around at everything. The leather. The blue-lit entertainment console. “I’m impressed.”

My heart soars. I close her door and run around to the other side. “Look,” I tell her, then push the button on the truck for it to start. My dad had a car once that he had to jam a screwdriver into the ignition in order for it to start, so this feels like a crazy luxury.

“Sweet,” she says. “Push-button start.”

“The works,” I tell her. “Remote start, heated seats, blind-spot monitoring, leather...”

When she doesn’t answer, I peer toward her and find her smiling. “You’re going to do great in that commercial. Just keep this same excitement.”

My face heats. “Thanks. I told them I might suck at it, but I’d try my best.”

It’s in my nature to be quiet, but before I left, I already thought of a few things to say so Aidan or anyone else wouldn’t have to save me during my date. So, as I pull away from the curb, I ask, “Did Sydney pick out a song?”

“She did, but she didn’t tell me because she wants it to be a surprise.”

“I hope she does well.”

Kenna sighs. “Me too. I’m not too worried. Sydney’s…extra. I just hope she’s not disappointed if she doesn’t get to perform at homecoming.”

“Oh right. I forget about that every year. It’s not like I get to see it.”

“I’ve never been.”

I sneak a peek at her. “You’ve never been to homecoming?”

“Not the football game, no.”

“Wow, you really are a football hater.”

“I don’t know,” she smiles, “it might be growing on me.”

My fingers flex on the wheel. I tell myself not to peek over at her, since I probably have the dopiest look on my face. I hope this means she’ll come to one of my games, even if it is only homecoming. I might be awkward in real life, but I shine on the field.

“Are you nervous about your game tomorrow? Season opener and all that.”

“Yeah.” I won’t lie. The start of the season always heightens my nerves. If she hadn’t asked me out tonight, I probably would’ve stayed in my room and went over the playbook. “I like to start out the season with a win. Set the tone.”

“But it’s not all up to you.”

“Exactly,” I tell her. If it was all up to me, I’d be less nervous.

She shifts in her seat. “Maybe you can text me, let me know how it goes.”

“You too. About your dive meet, I mean.”

She shrugs, turning away to stare out the window. “I’m not even diving unless something tragic happens, but I’ll be there to cheer everyone on. Coach says she’s going to try to get me an exhibition spot to see where the judges score me.”

“Really? You didn’t say anything.” Excitement buzzes through me, but she doesn’t seem as enthused by the prospect.

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