Page 77 of Thunderstruck

Carissa:

You were, but I like to see the best in people.

Cole:

That’s because you’re the best.

Carissa:

I know.

Cole:

What’s Freddie’s real name?

Carissa:

You were right next to him all of practice this week and you don’t know his name?

Cole:

We should be glad I’ve paid enough attention to know everyone’s nicknames, all things considered. Cut me some slack.

Carissa:

Just this one. His name is actually Freddie.

Cole:

Huh. Why’d he get to skip the nicknameplague?

Carissa:

I’ve been with the team less than two weeks. You’ve been here for TWO YEARS.

Cole:

Am I allowed to play the “got dumped” card?

Carissa:

That expires after three months.

Cole:

What about the “team grump” card?

Carissa:

I will admit you play the part well, but I don’t think that’s an excuse to not know your teammates. There are only 30 of you.

Cole:

How about “I didn’t care about this team as much as I should have until you became a part of it”?

Carissa:

I’ll allow that. But we should probably make a rule about no flirting over text, or it’s going to be really hard to stick to the friend zone with you over there smiling like that.