Page 75 of Kickoff

Paige snorted.

Craig made a gagging sound and returned to his schoolwork. “I’m done with this conversation.”

Page watched him for a few seconds and then brought her attention back to me. “I’m your friend too, Mase. I can be impartial. You need to tell me what’s going on between you and Mel.”

“No. As I said, I don’t.”

“She’s my best friend. I don’t want you to mislead her.”

“I am not. And I would never do. See? We’re on the same team, you and I.”

“Stop stalling. Be honest with me. The three of you, Craig included, always confide in me, and I keep it all to myself. Your secrets are safe with me.”

I sighed. “Maybe.” I failed at holding back the smile threatening to form on my lips. “Okay, fine.” I pulled her under my arm. “You know I trust you… it’s just...”

“Just what?”

“First, let me ask you a question.” I raked my fingers through my hair. “Do you feel like there’s something off with Mel lately?”

“Like what?”

“We are spending more time together these days, and I don’t know… It’s like a hunch. Hard to explain.”

“I know she’s stressed about college and stuff. Her surgery killed her spirits, and now she’s obsessed with her training. She said she felt bloated for the longest time and that her body wouldn’t cooperate when she swam. I think she’s back to normal now. She finished first three times at her last meet. She’s not behind at all. Sometimes, Mel needs to process things in her head, but it doesn’t usually last long.”

“Okay then. Anyway, I’m not asking her out because I’m not sure we’re there yet. I don’t want to screw it up with her. Some days, I’m convinced I’m not good enough to be with a girl like her.”

“Mase, why do you think you would screw it up? And since when do you doubt yourself? It’s out of character for you.”

I shrugged. “I have my moments. Anyway, the past few days, every time the mood was right and we almost kissed, we were interrupted. I believe in the universe and timing shit. Maybe our time isn’t now now, so I’m holding back. I’m waiting for a sign.”

“Oh…huh…okay.”

“Why? Did she tell you something?”

“Nah. Just that you guys are friends and she likes spending time with you and she doesn’t want to rush it either.”

“Do you think she likes…huh…that she likes likes me?”

“I do. Give her some time, though. Like you said, maybe wait for a sign. She hasn’t been with anyone before. It can be intimidating to date a guy like you, Mase.”

“Why?” I offered her my cockiest smile. “Because I’m good-looking and I have special skills on the field?” Why was the cocksure side of my persona always making an appearance when I was crippled with doubts?

Paige tapped my chest. “Keep believing that. When you’re ready to drop the smug act, let me know. We’ll assess your dating history and start there.”

Like I wanted Paige to throw my past hookups in my face. Hard pass. “Sure.” I turned toward my brother. “What’s for dinner?”

“No idea. Paige’s parents invited us over. You’ll have to be a grownup and make your own food. Mom and Dad are having drinks with friends and won’t be home for a while.”

Melinda and Chase were both working tonight, and I didn’t feel like entertaining Sheldon or having any of the guys on the team over.

My phone pinged with a text just when I entered my bedroom after I left the lovebirds to their business downstairs.

Jackson

Party. Johnny Wilson’s. Eight pm. Bring your ass.

I had nothing better to do, so I texted him back.