Page 29 of Game Changer
Fortunately he was saved by a customer walking in. Maria gave him a “this isn’t over” look before turning to the young woman who was reading the menu above their heads.
Kip unfolded the bill to put it in the cash register and found a tiny slip of paper tucked inside. It almost fluttered to the floor, but he caught it. When he read it, he had to go to the back room so Maria wouldn’t see his expression.
The paper had, in very neat handwriting, Scott Hunter’s phone number on it, and the wordSundaywritten underneath.
Holy shit.Holy shit!
Kip quickly pulled out his phone and entered the number into his contacts. Then he took a photo of the paper, just in case, before he slipped the number carefully into his wallet.
He’d hoped, but hadn’t dared to assume, that Scott would want to see him again. Even if it was only for sex, that would be fine. More than fine.
He allowed himself a minute to do a little “Scott Hunter totally wants me” dance in the privacy of the back room before he floated back out to serve people smoothies.
* * *
Sunday seemed to take forever to come. Kip had seen Scott again on Saturday when he’d come into Straw+Berry for his usual game-day smoothie, but the shop had been busy and Scott hadn’t lingered.
He had probably wanted to leave before anyone recognized him. The chance was pretty good these days, because the whole city was talking about the triumphant return of Scott Hunter. Kip had watched Scott being interviewed after the game, and he had been asked, point-blank, what he attributed the turnaround in his game to.
He had just smiled shyly. “Guess I just found something that reignited me.”
Kip had been giddy ever since.
And now it was finally Sunday and he had no idea what to do. He had Scott’s number. He had the vague instruction to call Scott today. But he didn’t have a time to make the call.
Or should he text him?
But it was only eleven in the morning. Even a text would seem eager at this hour.
Right?
Kip decided to hit the gym. He’d go to the gym, take a shower, eat something,thentext Scott.
At just after two in the afternoon, he sat on his bed and stared at his phone, wondering what on earth to write. He was overthinking it. All he needed was to let Scott know that he hadn’t lost his number, and he would like to see him.
At a loss for something better, he texted,Hey. It’s Kip.
He put his phone down. There. Scott would probably get back to him later. He had Kip’s number now.
He has my number now!
Kip was about to get up and put on a movie or something when the phone vibrated.
Scott: Good to hear from you, Kip.
Had Scott beenwaitingto hear from him?
Scott sent another message.Was worried you lost my number.
Kip swore to himself. He should have texted earlier.
He was about to write back when his phone rang. Scott’s number.
“Scott?”
“Yeah. Hi.”
“Hi.”
