Page 76 of Ice Cold Chemistry
It’s… nice. In a weird way.
Around the third hand, Zayden catches my eye across the table and smirks. I know that look. It’s the look that precedes something I don’t want to hear.
“So, Banks,” he says casually, rearranging his cards. “Tori says Winnie’s been glowing lately. Any idea why that might be?”
“No.”
“Really? No theories?”
“None.”
“Interesting. Because Tori has theories. Lots of them.”
“Tori should mind her own business.”
“Tori’s never minded her own business a day in her life. It’s part of her charm.” He lays down a card. “She thinks you two are good together. Like, really good.”
I don’t respond. I stare at my cards like they hold the secrets of the universe.
“I agree, for the record,” Zayden adds. “You seem… different since you started seeing her.”
“Different how?”
“I don’t know. Lighter, maybe? Less like you’re constantly bracing for impact.”
“I’m not—”
“You are. You always have been.” He says it matter-of-factly, without judgment. “But lately, it’s like you’ve eased up a little. Like maybe you’re starting to believe good things can happen.”
I don’t know what to say to that. So I say nothing.
The hand plays out. I lose. I don’t care.
Later, when the game has devolved into casual conversation and most of the guys are arguing about some sports commentator I’ve never heard of, Archer slides into the seat next to me.
He’s quieter than the others. More observant. The kind of guy who sees things without making a big deal about it.
“Hey,” he says.
“Hey.”
“Having fun?”
“Define fun.”
He huffs a small laugh. “Fair enough.” He takes a sip of his beer, staring at the table. “She seems good for you. Winnie.”
“Why does everyone keep saying that?”
“Because it’s true.” He glances at me. “You’re less clenched.”
“I’m not clenched.”
“Banks. You’re the most clenched person I’ve ever met.” He says it without malice. Just observation. “You walk around like you’re waiting for something bad to happen. Like if you relax for even a second, everything will fall apart.”
I want to argue. I can’t.
“But lately,” Archer continues, “you seem almost… calm. Like maybe you’re starting to trust that things might be okay.”
