Page 76 of Cross Check
“Your self-awareness for knowing your downfall is admirable, Si.” Lainey lifts her chin in my direction. “Do our girl Amelia next.”
“Easy. Amelia never lets a man get too close because she’s afraid of two things: One, that the media will call her a slut for having a personal relationship. Which we know is bullshit, seeing as they don’t label the men in the league the same way.” Sienna arches a sardonic brow, then shakes her head. “And two, that she’ll give up too much of herself, and he’ll take away the things she’s worked so hard for.”
“Damn.” Lainey whistles. “You’re good.”
“I hate that you’re right,” I say. “I hate that I’m called names while guys out there are sleeping with half the goddamn city. And I am worried that a man will take too much from me, and I’ll lose everything.”
“I’ll be here all night, folks,” Sienna jokes. “Next we’re going to talk about how my inability to pick the right men stems from my daddy issues.”
“I need another round for that.” Lainey pops to her feet and heads for the bar to grab us more drinks. “Back soon.”
“I hope one day you find someone who’s worth being a slut for.” Sienna reaches across the table and takes my hand. “Men don’t bring us happiness, but maybe there’s a guy out there who you would endure those rumors for because he’s perfect.”
“Aw, sweetie. It’s cute you think a man could be perfect.” I squeeze her fingers and laugh again. “None of them ever are.”
“Okay, let me amend it to someone almost perfect. Who would make the scathing social media comments worth it.”
“I’ll find him the day you find your fixable man.” My phone chimes, and I pull my hand away. “It’s probably best we keep dreaming.”
There’s a new message from Grant, and I slide my thumb across the screen.
GE
Check out my souvenir from the first period.
*Attachment: 1 image*
Me
What the hell happened to your nose? Did you get in a fight with the boards? Are you even allowed to be texting right now?
GE
I did get in a fight, and the boards won.
My ass took a bruising too.
And nope, not supposed to be texting, but I had to document my injury. Don’t tell Coach!!
A laugh sneaks out of me.
“What’s so funny?” Lainey asks, returning with a wine and two beers. She doles out the drinks and drops in her seat. “Amelia Green. Are you blushing?”
“I’m not blushing.” I tuck my phone in my purse. “I’m acknowledging something funny.”
“Another meme?” Sienna draws out.
“It’s not important.”
“Is it a man?” Lainey squeals. “Oh my god. I’ve been waiting for this moment.”
“Okay, yes, it’s a man,” I say, resigned. “But we’re friends. Just friends. And all we’ll ever be is friends.”
“You’re friendzoning him already? That’s harsh, Amelia,” Sienna says.
“He’s off-limits. And not because he’s married like the last guy Lainey was with,” I explain. “He’s in the league, and I’m trying to be careful about boundaries and making sure our friendship isn’t misconstrued.”
I’ve found myself stuck in a cycle; glad I have someone I connect with so easily while gripped with guilt that I’m going to have to walk away from this friendship one day. There’s no way two single people can continue down this path.
