Page 45 of The Pass
“Oh, sorry, I was trying to be aggressive.” Celia smiles too big considering we just lost. She shrugs. “At least it’s over now and we only have to take one shot.”
15
Tanner
Sydney’sstill bristling from the loss as I bring back fresh drinks. Feet bare, shoes discarded beside her, she sits on the edge and dips her toes into the pool.
“One Malibu and Coke.” I hand her a red cup and take a seat next to her.
“Thank you,” she says like she’s anything but thankful.
“It’s not so bad. You still get to go out with me.”
“Yeah, yeah. That would be more forgivable if this wasn’t all your fault.”
“My fault?” I bark out a laugh at how riled up she is over badminton.
“You and your stupid handsome face attracting every chick and forcing me into stupid badminton games.” She waves a hand dismissively.
“I seem to remember you offering yourself up to even the teams.”
“Yes, but I had to. I saw the way Willow was looking at you.”
“How’s that?”
Her brown eyes lock on me. The neon lights from the pool dot her irises. “Fishing for compliments?”
“Only from you. I don’t give a shit about Willow or any other girl. Not here and not at Valley. You’ve always been my number one. When have I ever put anyone over you? I care what you think. Only you.”
A little of the fight leaves her and her mouth softens. “I know. It doesn’t mean I don’t like proving that I’m better for you to anyone that tries to get your attention. I’ve waited two years for this. I don’t want anyone to get in the way. And I don’t want to wait. I don’t need five dates. I did then, but not now.”
“Maybe I do. I want to show you that I’m serious about doing things right this time around. I fucked it up two years ago and I really hate fucking up. I want to give you an epic love story. You deserve that.”
“Epic love story?” Her grin is as wide as her face. “You’re so cheesy.”
“You haven’t seen the half of it, babe.” I get to my feet and hold out my hand. “Come on, let’s enjoy the party.”
Jonah is standing in a circle with two other guys, one I recognize by face but don’t know his name. The guy to his right, though, I remember both face and name.
“Hey, Richard. Good to see you again,” I say.
“You too, Shaw.” He looks to Sydney. “See you’ve got your girl with you again tonight.”
“Always.” I’m still holding her hand and I give it a squeeze.
“Shaw, do you remember Steve?” Jonah asks and nods to the other guy.
“You were down last summer?” I ask.
He nods. “Yeah, good memory.”
Jonah takes a sip of his beer. “We were just talking about playing quarters. Do you two want in?”
“Uhh…” Shit. I just got Sydney off the ledge from the last competitive game.
“Yes,” she answers for us as she elbows me. “Don’t give me that look. I’ll be fine.” Then she mumbles, “As long as no one hits on you.”
Chuckling, I let her lead me inside to the dining table. Jonah goes to get supplies while the rest of us take a seat. Sydney’s to my left and I scoot my chair closer to her and rest a hand on her leg under the table.
