Page 52 of Hidden Plays
“Let’s just say they never got past first base.” Eli lifted the corner of his mouth. “JJ is a bit of an odd duck. If he’s uncertain that a guy likes him, not just attracted to him, but likes him, he won’t do more than kiss a guy.” He freed a soft snort. “He likes relationships, not hookups.”
But JJ did so much with me. “Yeah, he told me that.” A grin teased my lips.
He peered at me. “I guess you two have um?—”
“Yep.” Sitting back in my chair, I straightened my legs. “Some of what he’s told you about Harry is true. We’ve gotten past first base.” I huffed a laugh. And would do more if we could.
“Well then, I’d say you passed the test. He likes you a lot, and I’m happy for you both.” He beamed at me. “Anything else you want to ask?”
“No, just keep our little secret for now.” I pinched my lips. I needed to talk to JJ next.
“Sure. Are you going to tell JJ we talked?” He crossed his arms.
“Yes, I’ll tell him.” I lifted my chin. “As soon as I can.” Where would he be right now? In a classroom?
“All righty then.” Eli stood. “If you need to talk some more, contact me. You have my number on the team roster, right?”
“I do.” I rose. “Thanks, Eli. This helped immensely.” And I knew what I needed to do.
“You’re welcome.” He rounded the table, gave me a pat on the back and walked out.
After picking up my backpack, I fished my phone out and texted JJ.
Holden
Where are you? Can we talk?
ELEVEN
JORDAN (JJ)
Sitting in the library, my phone buzzed in my backpack. I slid it out and looked at it.
Harry
Where are you? Can we talk?
What the hell was this about? Was he having second thoughts about us? I scrubbed my face and said under my breath, “Fuck.” I tapped my phone.
JJ
I’m at the library getting some studying done before my next class.
The three dots popped up and flickered. He’d been fine this morning at practice. What could have happened since then?
Harry
Meet me at the entrance.
Whatever this was, it was urgent. Damn it. I rubbed my brow and stood, my chest squeezing. Would he break it off? I ruminated on our conversation this morning. Maybe he didn’t like what I’d been telling the guys. But they didn’tknow it was him I was talking about. With a huff, I slid my laptop into my bag and zipped it. Whatever this was, I had to confront it. Knowing he wanted to end it now was better than later, when my heart was thoroughly on board.
I strode through the stacks, down a few flights of stairs and to the new library entrance with glass doors covered in wavy metal awnings. How long would it take Holden to arrive?
Tapping my foot, I fixated on the large double doors, nausea balling in my gut. This would hurt. I had already invested too much in this fucking relationship. I should have known better.
Holden strolled through the doors, his athletic shirt pulling tight across his shoulders and his joggers low on his hips. As his gaze found mine, a slow smile spread over his mouth. “Hey.” Scanning the place, he bit his lip. “Can we go somewhere private?”
“Sure.”So you can break up with me?I guided him back up the stairs and into the library’s quiet back corner, surrounded only by books. Few people came up here anymore, and the books should muffle our conversation…and me crying when this was over. I leaned against a wall and set my backpack on the floor, the particles of dust catching the light around Holden’s head. “What’s up?”
