Page 40 of Cross Check

Struck with an idea, I walk to my desk. I yank open a drawer and sift through a phone charger and a checkbook I’ve never used. My fingers brush against a leather notebook, and I pull it out from under a pile of stamps.

Coach gave it to us last season in an attempt to get us started on goal setting. I didn’t take the task seriously, apparently, because as I flip through it, I find the pages empty.

Compact enough to fit in my pocket but big enough so I don’t have to shrink my handwriting down, I grab something to write with—not questioning why I have a purple gel pen in my possession—and settle against my pillows.

On the inside cover, I doodle a small A in the left corner with the number 1 marked in the bottom right. Flipping over to the first page, I start to write.

Coffee order: cream w/ 2 sugars

Likes croissants (but will share)

Meatball sub w/ extra parmesan from Pete’s Café

Birthday: August 27

Favorite color: red? (tbd—wears a lot of it at games)

Mario Party over Halo (would probably kick my ass)

I rack my brain for what else she’s told me in passing, adding more.

Nephew (age?)

Wisconsin (Family)

Sweet tea, light ice

White wine

Chocolate cake with buttercream frosting

When I finish, I smile at the half-full page. I set the notebook down and grab my phone again.

@GrantEverett

Night, Amelia. See you in November.

@AmeliaGreen

Good night, Grant.

There’s ink on my knuckles that probably won’t come off for days, but I don’t care. If the only thing I can be is Amelia’s friend, I’m going to be the best fucking friend in the world.

SIXTEEN

AMELIA

SEPTEMBER, FIVE SEASONS AGO

@AmeliaGreen

I’m in your city.

@GrantEverett

My city? Like, DC?

What are you doing here?