Page 98 of Pucking Matt
“Yeah,” I murmur. “I need to know what the hype is all about. Wanna go to my room?”
She shakes her head, passing the cookie to me around the two guys. “I don’t mind being out here.”
Christian says, “Do you want to play?”
Amber shrugs. “Sure.”
Christian stands up. “I need to grab something to eat. Zack?”
He hands me the controller and says, “Yeah, don’t kill us.” He’s pointing at the screen. “We’ll be back soon.”
They’re in the middle of a Fortnite battle, so Amber and I aren’t paying attention to them as they leave the house.
“Do you know how to play?” I ask Amber.
“Just smash these buttons, right?”
“Pretty much.”
I take the center of the couch and eat the rest of my cookie. When I look over at her, she scooted over too. “That cookie’s really good.”
“Want another?” she asks.
“Only if you feed me.”
Her eyes shine as she looks at me. “Nice try.”
I’m just staying alive in the game by building. I think she’s died a few times, and I’m waiting for her. I’m not much of a video game person. I would much rather be studying.
“Matt, I should go home.”
“Okay,” I say, tossing the controller aside. “I’ll take you.”
“And look,” she says. “I have two cookies for tomorrow. Perfect.”
When we walk into the night, the air is cold. Instead of opening her door, I get into the truck. She doesn’t seem bothered as she holds the box of cookies on her lap.
We’re down the street when she says, “Thank you for dinner and the cookies.”
“Thank you for dinner, and you’re welcome for the cookies.”
She gives me half a smile. “You’re not so bad. I think this weekend will be totally fine.”
“Yeah,” I offer. “I’ll make sure you have fun.”
“Where are we staying?”
“The Hilton.”
“Wow, that’s so fancy.”
I shrug. “It should be fun. Pack a swimsuit just in case.”
“It’s probably too cold for the pool.”
“Not for the hot tub,” I say.
“Hot tub…right.” She stares forward. “Are you going to warn your mom that I’m coming?”
