Page 99 of Rookie Moves

He flips me off. “Open spaces only.”

My phone vibrates against my thigh as Liam’s attention is pulled to people behind us. I gather up my robe and slip my phone out of my pocket, and my heart lurches at the sight of Colby’s name on the screen.

Colby

Hey, I just got to my seat. I can’t find you because everyone looks the same from this far away. I wanted to tell you I’m proud of you, and I’m so lucky to have you in my life. I know you’ve probably been busy getting ready for today, and seeing your family, but I’d like to come over later, if that’s okay with you. We don’t need to have sex, though I wouldn’t say no. I just…

I hold my breath as the three dots bounce on the screen, indicating he’s typing.

Colby

I just want to be with you. I haven’t seen you in like 24 hours and I already miss you like crazy.

Is this what being in love feels like? Going bananas whenever you spend time apart, like you can’t function properly without them?

Because that’s how I feel about you, Ty. And don’t say anything about bananas, okay? I haven’t been able to eat one since.

Anyway… I guess I’ll stop blowing up your phone now. Don’t trip up when you get on the stage. Bet you look hot in your gown.

The screen blurs as tears fill my eyes. My hands are trembling, thumbs shaking over the keyboard of my phone, but I have no idea what to say.

How do I tell him that I’m in love with him, but I can’t be with him until who knows when?

He’ll tell me that he doesn’t care if I don’t have a job or any savings to support myself.

He’ll say that as long as we’re together, that’s all that matters.

But I’ll care.

It matters to me because I refuse to be another person who takes advantage of Colby’s kind heart.

Sucking in a shuddering breath, I blink the tears from my eyes and type out a response.

I miss you too, Colbs, and thanks for being here. Knowing you’re out there means more to me than you’ll ever know. I’ll come and find you after. I’ll try my best not to fall

As soon as it shows as delivered, Whilton U’s president takes to the stage. I slip my phone back into my pocket and try to focus on the fact that I’m about to graduate, instead of the excruciating pain radiating in my chest.

“Tyler!”

My spine stiffens at the sound of my dad’s booming voice. Gritting my teeth, I turn around and greet my parents with a tight-lipped smile.

“You made it,” I state in a cold tone.

Joey frowns, and I catch a flicker of what looks like shame in his eyes as he glances over at my parents.

“You know how it goes,” Dad continues without a hint of empathy in his voice. “When there’s a deal to be made, you have to strike while the iron’s hot. Wasting time loses money, and we don’t lose at Beckmann Capital Trust Group.”

Mom places her hand on my shoulder and presses her cheek to mine in a kiss. “Congratulations, darling.”

“Thanks,” I grumble, tucking the leather folder I was handed onstage under my arm.

Joey pulls me into a hug, slapping my back as he tells me how proud he is, something I notice my parents still haven’t said, and any hope of hearing them say those words dies when my dad takes out his phone to call their driver.

I try not to let my disappointment show, but then my eyes land on Coach Vaughn heading my way, a wide smile on his face.

“There he is! Whilton U’s saving grace in the regionals,” Coach Vaughn says, giving my hand a firm shake. “It’s been an honor to coach you over these last four years, kid.”

Heat travels up my neck, and I can’t stop myself from smiling.