Page 34 of Triple Play
“So,” she says, breaking the silence. “Is this part of your charm offensive?”
“My what?”
“You’ve been very friendly. Very… attentive.” She’s studying me now, her hazel eyes sharp. “Is this your thing? Making friends with the new girl?”
“Maybe I just think you could use a friend.”
“Because Grant’s being an asshole?”
“Among other reasons.”
“What are the other reasons?”
I finish painting her middle toe and move to the fourth. “Maybe I like you.”
“You don’t know me.”
“I know enough.”
“Like what?”
“Like you’re smart. Really smart. You don’t back down when people push you. You have this smirk when you think you’ve won.” I look up at her. “Like right now.”
She is smirking. Caught.
“You’re observant,” she says, laughing softly.
“Occupational hazard. Defensemen have to read the play.”
“Is that what this is? You reading the play?”
“Maybe.”
“What’s your read?”
I finish her last toe and set the brush back in the bottle, but I don’t let go of her foot.
“My read is that you’re tired of being the new girl. Tired of fighting. And maybe you could use someone who’s on your side.”
“And you’re volunteering?”
“Yeah.”
“Why?”
Because you’re beautiful and brave, and you make me want to be better than the guy my father expects me to be. Because when you look at me, you see me, not just the senator’s son. Because I’m pretty sure I’m already halfway in love with you, and I’m supposed to be focusing on hockey and school, not catching feelings for my roommate.
“Why not?” I say instead.
She pulls her foot back, creating distance.
“Jordie.”
The way she says my name is careful, like she’s trying not to hurt me.
I know what’s coming.
“I appreciate this,” she continues. “The gummy bears, the nail painting, all of it. But—”
