Page 39 of Racking Up Penalties
Time drags by, the digital clock on my nightstand ticking away moments that stretch like hours. I’ve all but memorized the pattern of the ceiling by now, tracing the lines with my gaze, lost in thought. The silence is deafening.
My phone’s vibration breaks the stillness, and I lunge for it like a lifeline. It’s Liam. I suck in a breath before tapping the screen.
He texted me individually.
Hey, Tessa.his message starts, and I can almost hear the hesitation in his voice, even through text.I’m not sure about this trip… feels weird, you know?
The flicker of hope that hemightcome prompts me to reply instantly.
I really want time with us all together to see if this can work. Please?
Even as I send it, my heart races. I want him there. I need him there.
Minutes tick past, each one a tiny eternity until his response lights up my phone again. Another text just to me.
Okay, you got me. Can’t say no to you, Tessa.
Then in the group chat with everyone he replies.
Looking forward to it.
I sit up, energized by the idea of all of us under one roof, and my mind shifts into planning mode. If we’re doing this, then we’re doing it right.
Grabbing my phone, I dial Emma’s number without hesitation. She picks up on the second ring, her voice like a warm blanket.
“Hey Tessa!”
“Hey! So my parents canceled coming to ski so I asked Tristan, Liam and Ethan to come with me instead. How do you feel about turning this ski trip into a group adventure?” I ask, hopeful. She’s quiet for a moment, probably weighing the dynamics.
“Sounds like chaos,” she says with a laugh. “But count us in. Luka, Alec, JD, and I wouldn’t miss it. I’ll talk to the guys, they’ll listen to me.”
“Thanks, Em.” I breathe out, grateful for her easy acceptance and the way she always seems to understand what I need before I say it. “This means the world to me.”
“Anything for you, Tessa. You know that.” Her words are sincere, and they reinforce the bond we’ve built over the years.
“Can’t wait to hit the slopes with everyone,” I reply, my voice bright with genuine happiness.
“Me too,” she echoes. “And hey, if things get complicated, we’ll figure it out together. That’s what friends do, right?”
“Right,” I agree, smiling despite the potential awkwardness looming over the horizon. But with Emma by my side, I feel like we can handle anything.
I tap my phone screen a few more times, and then it’s done—a new group chat gleams back at me with the title “Ski Trip Extravaganza” emblazoned across the top. My fingers hesitate for a moment before I type out the first message.
Who is ready for some skiing?
Luka responds with enthusiasm that mirrors his off-screen personality quickly making it clear Emma already told them.
What about some hot springs too?
JD chimes in.
Great idea, Luka! Maybe some night skiing too?
Alec bounces off the two of them.
Night skiing sounds awesome.
The three of them go back and forth, their words bouncing like ping-pong balls in a fast-paced game. Their camaraderie is palpable, even through the technology, making me smile as I read their exchanges.
