Page 71 of The Tip-Off
Gabby
Three Weeks Later
I stopin the middle of campus and sit on the ledge of the fountain that is at the heart of the quad. The hot concrete scalds my legs, but it can’t dim my excitement for this day. Not the one hundred and five temp that makes breathing difficult or the tiny bit of loneliness I’m not admitting to since Zeke left.
My summer classes started today and being at Valley U as a real student is everything I’d ever dreamed of. No, it’s more. I’m taking an art class and a marketing class, trying to broaden my horizons with some classes in subjects I’ve always enjoyed but not considered as a career.
I’m going to finish up my business degree since I’m so close, but I’m leaning toward switching to art as my major. Or marketing. Clearly, I’m still undecided.
Blair sent a text that she and Vanessa are at The White House swimming, so instead of going home to get ready for work, I ride my bike there.
“I thought you didn’t live here anymore,” I tease Wes as I walk out to the pool.
“I’ve got a standing invitation as long as I bring booze or girls when I come.” He lifts the beer in his hand and points to Blair. “I brought both.”
Joel agrees with him, which earns an eye roll from Katrina. He’s all talk, though, the way he looks at her and her son, it’s clear they are it for him.
I slip off my shoes and sit by the pool, dipping my feet into the cool water. “Oh man, that feels great. It’s so freaking hot today.”
Wes takes a seat next to me and offers me a beer.
“Thanks.”
The cold liquid helps to bring my body temp back down. I have to be at work in an hour, so I sip slowly knowing it’ll be my only one.
“Talked to Zeke?”
Heat that is not entirely the sun’s fault blooms in my cheeks. “Yeah. He’s in Illinois visiting his mom and extended family and tomorrow he flies to LA.”
In truth, we’ve talked every day either by text or an actual phone conversation, and one video call from his hotel room in Denver that involved lotion as lube and a memory that is forever burned into my brain. Watching a guy get himself off is seriously hot.
“Joel’s family is hosting the draft party next week. It’ll be good to see him.”
“They are?” I’m a little hurt that in all our conversations, he didn’t think to tell me.
“Oh shit. I’m not sure I was supposed to tell you that.” He rubs a hand over his jaw. “Too late now, I guess. Act surprised when he tells you.”
“I thought the draft was in New York?”
“It is, but you know Zeke isn’t much for the spotlight unless he’s on the court, so he wanted something a little more low key. I have a feeling if Joel’s family hadn’t offered, he would have watched the draft from his phone while practicing somewhere.”
I have so many questions I want to ask, but Blair swims up to the side and the conversation turns to their nightly plans.
“I should go,” I tell them. “I need to change before work. Is it cool if I use Zeke’s old room?” I motion behind me.
With their approval, I set off toward Zeke’s room. The door is closed and when I open it and step inside, his scent wraps around me. I sit on his unmade bed, the bare mattress a reminder that he’s really gone and lie back and fish my phone out of my pocket.
Me: I’m in your room. It still smells like you.
Zeke: Good. Stay right where you are. I’ll be there next week.
Me: So I’ve heard. When do you get in?
Zeke: Wednesday night. Be there at say, eight o’clock?
Me: With bells on.
Zeke: Better be the only thing you have on.
