Page 52 of Don't Puck His Best Friend
She clicks her tongue. “Then you’re on the wrong team.”
“Then switch with Sirus.”
“No way. You’re going down.”
She laughs again, that genuine sound that I’m becoming addicted to, and settles back against the couch cushions. Her knee presses against mine, and this time neither of us moves away.
By the time ten-thirty rolls around, Maddie is yawning and Sirus is making noises about having early practice tomorrow. Marcus and Tommy had already left after claiming they needed to get back to their girlfriends—though I suspect they just wanted to get out of here.
“We should probably head out too,” Maddie says, stretching. “Some of us have eight AM classes tomorrow.”
Harper nods, though she doesn’t look particularly eager to leave. “Yeah, I should get going.”
I walk her out to her car while Sirus helps Maddie gather her things inside. The night air is cool and quiet, a sharp contrast to the warm chaos of the evening.
“Thanks for inviting me,” Harper says as we reach Maddie’s car. “Your friends are good people. Not weird at all.”
“They’re not that bad.”
“Yeah.” She unlocks her car but doesn’t immediately get in. “This was fun.”
“Glad you came,” I say, and I mean it in more ways than just tonight. Having her here, seeing her laugh with my friends, watching her get competitive over board games—it all feels right.
She smiles, and for a moment it feels like she might say something else, something that would give me an excuse to keep standing here in the cold with her. But instead, she just gives a small wave and slides into the passenger seat.
“Text me when you get home,” I call through her open door.
“Yes, sir,” she teases, but there’s warmth in her voice.
Maddie races past me, patting me on the back. “You are so welcome for the blind date. Thanks for tonight.”
I chuckle. “Yeah. Drive safe.”
Sirus and I stand in the driveway and watch them drive away. Tonight felt like a step forward, like we’re building something real instead of just going through the motions of dating.
Sirus says, “She really does like you.”
I nod, patting his chest. “Wanna have another glass or are you heading out?”
“Heading out, man. See you at practice.”
He leaves and I’m left to clean up the mess. When I’m done, I sit on the couch next to Rex and pet him as I reiterate all the assignments I have due.
Harper:I’m alive.
Me:Glad to know of your existence.
I laugh at myself. That’s the wine talking.
Harper:I’m happy to know of your existence.
Me:Do you just say everything I say to you back to me?
Harper:No, I do like you. And I am happy you were born. Good night, Cole.
Me:Good night, Harper.
Me:Future girlfriend?
