Page 51 of The Fadeaway
“But you have a standing reservation?” She studies me carefully. “And you never did tell me why your coach was at your table.”
“I’ve had a standing reservation every Thursday since October.” I wait for her to make the connection feeling all sorts of exposed by that statement.
“You’ve had a standing reservation every…” Her words trail off and her smile spreads slowly as if she’s weighing the truth in ounces.
“I wanted to have somewhere to bring you when you finally said yes.”
“And you never brought anyone else even after I turned you down every week?”
I glance up at her and then down, open the car door and close her in before I shake my head in response.
I groan as I walk around the car. I should have lied. I sound like a fool. What’s honesty if it keeps me from getting laid? Damn morals.
I slide into the car and we head back toward campus in a heavy silence.
“So.” She clears her throat. “You went to a lot of trouble for me.”
“It wasn’t any trouble.”
I shoot her what I hope is a playful smile, but I find her face serious and considering.
Dammit. This is what comes from trying too hard. I look like a total chump.
“Thank you.” She turns in her seat as much as the seatbelt will allow. “I’ve been second guessing your every move because I had all these preconceived notions about you, but that’s not fair. I’m sorry for that and I really appreciate tonight and all the help with the play.”
Great, now she thinks I’m some sort of good guy. “You’re welcome, Kitty. Can I talk you into hanging out a bit longer?”
“I should get home. I know he’s sleeping and it’s irrational, but I don’t want to be gone too long.”
“No explanation necessary. I figured you’d say that, but I was thinking maybe some ice cream andSaved by the Bell?”
“I don’t have any ice cream, but I’ve got some popsicles.”
“Sounds perfect.”
I call Wes after I drop Katrina at her car. I let her lead the way to her apartment even though I know the way probably better than she does.
“Hey,” Wes answers sounding groggy as he whispers into the phone.
“We’re on our way to the apartment now. Everything okay?”
“Yeah, we all passed out early. Kid is great, but man he’s full of energy.”
I hear Blair in the background. “Ask him about the date.”
“You hear that?” Wes asks.
“Yeah, I heard her. Went well. I’m following her back to the apartment for popsicles.”
He chuckles. “I bet you are.”
I don’t correct his assumption. Grumpy fucker.
“Be there in five.”
Pulling up at the apartment, I shut off the car and pop the console where I stash my condoms. I pull out one. Then grab five more. A tad overzealous perhaps but I’ve got big plans to screw Kitty until it’s physically impossible to go again. I don’t exactly want to work her out of my system, but I’m hoping that after tonight the heavy feeling I get in my chest every time I see or talk to her goes away.
Wes and Blair are already out the door as I jog up the stairs to Katrina’s second-floor apartment. They look like they’ve been through the wringer.
