Page 88 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

Poppy

“So I was thinking,”Eli said as we filed out of last period. “Go to Homecoming with me.”

“You’re doing that?”

“Well, yeah. It’s a senior rite of passage. Plus, don’t tell the swim team.” He leaned in, smiling. “But I kind of dig football.”

I pulled away and chuckled. “You dig football. That’s… okay.”

“What?”

“You make it sound like you’re there for the guys in tight white pants.”

“What? No, I didn’t mean…” He stuttered over his words and more laughter pealed out of me.

“Joke. I’m joking.”

“Good, because you know, swimmers look far hotter in their Speedos.” He winked, and my stomach curled.

“Oh my God, you did not just say that.”

“You’re thinking about it, aren’t you? Me in my tight little—”

“Eli.” I batted his arm.

“I’m actually headed to practice if you want to come and watch. You can decide for yourself then.” A knowing smile played on his lips.

“Not today Mr. Speedo. I have practice myself.”

“Oh really?” His brows went up. “Maybe I should come and watch you. I’ve seen the gymnastic team’s leotards. They’re very clingy.”

“Please don’t. I wouldn’t be able to concentrate.”

“You know, you didn’t answer my question… about Homecoming.”

“I…”

“Shh.” He pressed a finger to my lips. “Think on it. It could be a date or not, I don’t need a label. But I like hanging out with you and I think we’d have lots of fun together.”

My lips parted on a sharp inhale when he pulled his hand away. “Eli…”

“Think about it, that’s all I’m asking.”

“Okay.”

A playful smile tugged at his mouth. “Well the Speedos are calling. I’ll text you later?”

I nodded. “I’d like that.”

He leaned in, brushing a kiss over my cheek, making my stomach flutter.

It wasn’t the intense visceral reaction I experienced with Aaron, but it wasn’t wholly unpleasant either. Maybe with time, it would grow on me.

But Homecoming?

That felt significant.

If I said yes, it felt like I was finally putting my fantasy over there ever being something real between me and Aaron behind me.

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