Page 29 of Game Plan

She grabbed my hand between hers. “No, I didn’t. I’m sure the chemistry between you two was off the charts. Just sayin’. Anyway, forget about him for a night and enjoy yourself, okay?”

My phone chimed with a notification before I could reply.

“He’s here.” I moved to my feet, smoothed down my top with my fingers, and rolled my shoulders back. “Wish me luck.”

“You don’t need luck, girl. You’ve got this.”

Jett waited for me in his car, a silver sedan, nothing too flashy or brand-new, a big change from Jayden’s orange and black sports car. He smiled at me, a dimple appearing on each side of his mouth, and some of the jitters inside me lessened. I waved at him, and he climbed out and pressed a chaste kiss to my cheek when I neared the vehicle.

“Look at you.”

Heat crept up my face. I returned his easy smile, fidgeting with my fingers as we faced each other. In my short existence, other than with Mason and Jayden, and now Donovan—but he didn’t count because he had no chance of ever being a potential boyfriend—I had never been super comfortable with a lot of guys.

Blame it on the Nathan Bellevue episode, but I had a hard time putting my trust in guys I didn’t know. Jayden had been different because he was my cousin’s best friend, who had vouched for him, and I knew Jeremy would have kicked his ass to another galaxy if Jayden had hurt me when we first got together. That winter, I dated Jayden because it seemed like a good way to get over Mason. I had never thought he and I would go the distance. We were both looking for a distraction. Jayden had broken up with his long-time girlfriend a few weeks before, and I had a bruised heart to nurse. Despite everything, we clicked. He got me. And I got him. We were an unlikely pair, but the entire time we’d been together, we made it work. Until we called it quits. Dating Jayden had helped me grow in so many ways, including becoming more assertive when I needed to be. Gifted football player and drummer in his free time, he always had a bunch of people trying to befriend him just to bask in his glory. He wasn’t interested in the circus and did things his own way, pushing most people away. I liked that about him. He didn’t care about what other people thought of him, not succumbing to the pressure. Sure, he could be cocky at times, and a bit of a jerk, but never when it came to us. He had always respected me and treated me like I was the one for him.

Sometimes I missed who we used to be, but a part of me had always known our time together would be short-lived and that he would never be the love of my life. It was what I had hoped for when we got together that winter. I didn’t want to get too attached to him so that losing him one day would destroy me.

In the end, my wishes were granted. Just not in the way I expected.

Since we ended our relationship, I’d missed him more as a friend than a boyfriend.

I pushed the thoughts of my ex away and returned my attention to the boy standing before me.

Jett sidestepped to open the passenger door, and I climbed onto the seat while he rounded the vehicle to sit behind the wheel.

He buckled his seatbelt and turned to face me. “Okay, we have a few options. The show starts at eight, but there are a few warm-up acts before Justin Ward takes the stage. We can eat there and watch them, eat somewhere else first and catch one—or none—later, or grab takeout and eat in the car and chat and only show up for the main event. I’m open to all suggestions.”

“I’d like to eat there and watch the opening acts. There’s this girl. Julia Powell. She’s set to be the next big thing. I saw an interview where she said she was offered a two-year permanent show in Vegas, starting next year, opening for a group I can’t recall the name. I’d like to see her if it’s okay with you. She only agreed to open for a few of Justin Ward’s shows because they used to go to high school together and she lost a bet to him back in the day.”

“Totally fine with me.” He fired the engine. “How was your swimming competition earlier?” he asked after a moment. “Jules mentioned it last night. I think it’s pretty cool that you’re a swimmer.”

Brownie points for remembering stuff about me. “Great. They’re called meets. I placed three times.”

“Impressive.”

“Thank you.”

Another stretch of silence lingered between us.

“Fun fact. Coach gives us ribbons after every meet when we place even though they’re usually reserved for high school, and college meets don’t use them. He says everyone deserves a little positive reinforcement and we should celebrate our victories.”

“I like that. I had a coach who gave us plastic medals after each game if we won when I was little. I collected a bunch and was so proud. I felt like a big deal.”

“Jules said you play hockey.”

“Yep. I’m on the college team. We’re second in our division.”

“Any desire to go pro?”

“Nah. I love the game, but I much prefer medicine. The choice is an easy one.”

“Good, it’s great that you’re following your heart,” I said. “Not a lot of people do.”

“My father wished I’d play football for the longest time, but I was happier with a puck and a stick.” He let out a nervous laugh. “I try to stay real to my passions and not let other people rule my choices.”

“I like the sound of it. For the record, I much prefer hockey nowadays.”

“Something you hate about football?”