Page 29 of Flame After the Fumble

Taking small steps forward, the minx closes the space I put between us, folds her arms over her chest and purses her lips before tilting her head to the side. “Next time. . .” She inches even closer to where her hot breath lands on my mouth. “Do something about it.” Shimmying past me, she’s out of sight before I can register the challenging words she threw down.

Do something about it? I’ve wanted todo something about itsince the moment we met, but she’s the most complicated puzzle I’ve ever challenged myself to solve. She’ll have to give me more than a little show to convince me she wants me as more than just a friend, study partner, and muse. The thought alone sends red hot fire through my body.

The next few days are consumed with practice and studying for this pill of an art history quiz. I will never, I repeat, never use any of this information after this class is over, but it’s a GPA booster if I can pull it off. Liza created a deck of magic flashcards color coded with important information to study. The color matching does something to my overactive brain allowing the content to stick easier than I’ve experienced in the past. I’ve said silent prayers for days that I pass this quiz. A buzz sounds off in my pocket, so I unzip the secret pocket in my athletic shorts.

Vi: Wanna meet for lunch?

Me: Don’t have to ask me twice. When?

Vi: Now if you’re free.

Me: OMW

Perfect. I need a distraction from the imminent doom of the art history quiz, and my best friend is the best at that. Making my way from the library, I take a shortcut through campus to thecafeteria. I catch a glimpse of Violet seated by the glass window, distracted by her phone. My chest warms at the sight of her, and my muscles unwind and relax. Seeing her happy makes all of the hard work of getting us both to Springs U worth it. Walking through the entrance, I approach the table with caution. Violet is easily spooked and I don’t want to disrupt her zen.

Sliding into the seat across from her, I throw my bookbag down and stick my phone in the front pocket.

“Hey, Vi.”

“Hart!” She reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. “I miss you.” She pouts, but quickly cracks a smile. “Since when do we go days without seeing each other?!” she complains, and I can’t disagree. We haven’t seen much of each other lately, and I hate that. I’ve been consumed with football, tutoring, and Liza.

“It’s tragic, but I’m in the business of changing that.”

She giggles before reaching over the table to push my shoulder. “How’s football going?”

A lump in my throat forms at the thought of losing the game I’ve dedicated most of my life to, and that brings that stupid art history quiz back to the forefront of my mind. “Same old, same old.” I shrug my intense worry about the situation off, but Violet seems to see through my facade with slits in her eyes.

“Really? We’re doing this now?” She glares my way, trying her best to show intimidation. “You’re lying.” Crossing her arms over her chest, she amps the glare to a full blown scowl.

“That readable?” I shrug.

“We’ve known each other for too long to put up a front. What’s going on?” she asks with concern in her tone.

“It’s nothing, Vi. I’ve got it handled. No need to worry.”

“I’ll always worry.” She leans over the table, commanding my attention with her shaky voice.

“I know you will, but I’m the one watching out for you, remember?”

“Not true. We watch out for each other.”

“I’d tell you if there was a problem, but I swear I’ve got it handled.” I wink in a picture of nonchalance.

She hits me with a suspicious look, but drops the conversation for the time being. Removing myself from any more questions, I slide out of my seat and walk to the campus quick service counter buying a large pineapple and pepperoni pizza for us to share before returning to the table.

“Woohoo!” She does a little happy dance looking at heat steaming off of the sweet and salty pizza.

“Soooo,” I drawl out. “How’s Shane treating you?” I tighten my fists in hopes of remaining calm. If I lose my cool every time we talk about her relationship, she won’t disclose the details, and I need those to determine if Ryan is a dead man or not.

“Everything is—” Her cheeks flush pink as she avoids eye contact. The tell-tale sign of Violet Evan’s crush. Here we go. “Great.” She hits me with a smile so bright that it meets her eyes, giving me confirmation that she’s genuinely happy.

“He’s treating you right? Taking you out? Being respectful?”

“Of course. The most respectful.” Her teeth sink into her bottom lip, and her mind wanders away from our conversation.

“He better be.” Displaying distaste about their little “relationship” will only hurt Violet and I’s friendship, and she’s my lifeline. I don’t know what I’d do without her. “You know I’m always here, right, Vi?”

“I do, and I love you, Hart.”

---