Page 41 of Calm Before the Score

I’m leaving my mid-afternoon class to meet Hartley at the dining hall for lunch. We haven’t seen much of each other lately. He has football, and I have school mixed with Ryan time. I know this is a part of growing up and paving our own lives, but I miss him. I spot him across the huge fountain in the middle of campus. When he sees me, he waves at me with that goofy grin. I love him so much. He gives me a big bear hug, enveloping me in his arms.

“I’ve missed you, Vi. Ryan’s stealing all of my quality time with you now.” He laughs. He jokes about Ryan and me, but I know he approves our relationship. If he didn’t, he would have run Ryan off months ago. The reality of me dating a football player still makes him uneasy, but he knows Ryan treats me well, and that’s all he wants for me.

“I’ve missed you too. We need to block off a night where we order hot wings and play video games,” I smile up at my best friend. I'm craving a night with just the two of us. It'll be like old times.

“As long as you’re ready to get schooled in UFC Fight Night again!” he taunts.

“I think you meanwin!” UFC Fight Night is our favorite video game. We’re both solid at it, but Hartley tends to win more than me. He’s really good at most of the video games we play, but I would never tell him that. I don’t need his ego to inflate even more. We meander through a flock of hungry college students to the front of the buffet line, make our plates, and find a window seat.

“Catch me up. What’s been going on?” he asks.

“Nothing really. My classes are pretty easy, and Ryan and I have been okay.”

"Okay? I'm not satisfied unless it's great." He hits me with a suspicious look.

"Everything is fine. I'm still trying to break down his walls, but I know that'll take time."

“I love that you’re happy. Just be careful. I can’t handle another broken heart,” he adds sincerely. When my grandpa died, Hartley was left to pick up the pieces. I know it would kill him to see me broken again.

“Don’t worry. It’s not like it used to be. I can handle him, and I’m stronger than I used to be,” I assure him. I love that he’s always been there for me, but I don’t want to add more stress to his life. He keeps a lot of his thoughts and worries bottled up. Not many see that side of him, but I know all too well how he processes his emotions.

“I’ll always worry about you.” He hooks me to his side and squeezes tight. He messes up my hair in the process, just like an annoying big brother would.

“What is the match-up looking like this weekend?” Changing the subject to get his mind off his worries. Springs U plays their second-round playoff game this weekend, and we’ll face a tougher opponent each round we advance.

“It’s going to be tough, but I think we can pull it off. Make sure your boyfriend stays locked in and focused,” he teases.

“Noted,” I laugh.

Before long, it’s time to head to our next class. Hartley and I leave with promises of spending more time together. I’m already excited to see my man and best friend play this weekend.

27

Ryan

“Good morning, sunshine,” I kiss my girl on the cheek, waking her up gently.

She’s usually a morning person, but first-day jitters are setting in. Feisty Violet is the last thing I need this morning. She grunts and flips her body away from me, snatching the blanket and wrapping herself in a ball of warmth. I laugh at the sight of my little burrito.

“Good luck on your first day of work. You’re gonna kill it. If anyone gives you trouble, call me.” I grab her stomach and hone in on her most ticklish spot. She squirms and reaches back for my neck. Once her arms hook around my neck, her eyes flutter open and lock with mine.

“I’m nervous,” she whispers.

“You’ll be the smartest person there. I know it.” She’s the smartest person in every room we enter.

“You don’t know that.” She hits me with a questioning look.

“I do,” I say, kissing her rosy nose.

Violet got hired at an indie bookstore downtown. It was her first choice because she loves to read in her free time. Mason’ssister owns the shop. Imayhave called in a few favors, but seeing the smile on her face when she got the call was worth it. I was honest with her about who owned the shop and told her I called. She was pouty with me at first but got over it. The thought of working her dream college job overpowered her annoyance with me helping in this situation.

“You have a few more minutes, but I have to go. I’m headed to the field to get in a morning workout.”

“Will you be back before game time?” she asks with the most adorable sleepy eyes.

“Probably not. Coach’s pre-game routine gets longer every round. You better be wearing my jersey,” I tease, tickling her more before she pushes me away.

“It’s dirty. I think I’ll wear Locke’s instead.”This girl.My body tightens, and a sick churning starts taking over my stomach. I’ve got to get a grip. She’s only teasing.

---