He passes the pie box to me before taking some sushi for himself. I smile when I discover that it’s a mud pie. Not the kind Mom used to make either—this is a peanut-butter-and-chocolate pie with chocolate fudge and whipped cream. It’s a cavity waiting to happen, and I happily sink my teeth into a slice, humming my approval as I do a little happy bounce.
Kolter is watching me out the corner of his eye, a smile on his face, but I pretend not to notice as I grab the remote and turn on the TV. A football game flashes on, and Kolter reaches for the remote.
“Sorry, we can change it.”
I pull the remote out of his reach and set it down. “I like football.”
He furrows his brows and cocks his head to the side. “Since when?”
“Since Cassi screwed half the O line at our school,” I say through a mouthful of pie.
Kolter lets out a surprised laugh, and I nod.
“As her designated wingwoman, I sat through a lot of games. The Seattle Crusaders are my favorite too,” I say gesturing to the screen.
The camera pans just in time to catch Trevor Michaels, the team’s quarterback, snapping the ball. He’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and he knows it too. Aren’t all pro players at least a little cocky, though? That’s what makes them good, right?
Kolter and I spend the next few hours watching the game, eating until we can’t move and just talking. We talk about my classes and my friends; we talk about Ace and everything Kolter’s been up to these last few years. That conversation was pretty short. Lots of need-to-know information that I don’t need to know, I guess.
Kolter checks his phone a few times, like he’s waiting for a message—or maybe hoping one won’t come through.
When he does it again, I finally ask, “Is everything okay?”
He pockets his phone. “Of course, Peaches. Why do you ask?”
I glance down at his pocket before giving him a flat look. “You’ve been checking your phone like you’re waiting to win a radio contest. You trying to make sure your girlfriend stays out of the apartment?” I tease.
He scoffs and rolls his eyes. “My girl is sitting right next to me.”
“So what is it then?”
“It’s nothing,” he says, shaking his head.
I continue staring at him, until he sighs and runs a hand through his hair.
“Just making sure I don’t get called in for anything. I should be at the clubhouse tonight. Things have been… tense since the club.”
I nod. “So why are you here then?”
“Because I promised I’d take you out. Because I wanted to see you. Because… I shouldn’t be seen with you—or vice versa more like.”
I frown. “Says who?”
“Bones.”
“Is that the older guy from the clubhouse?”
Kolter nods.
“He doesn’t like me?” I say with a joking smile.
“He doesn’t like that I like you. It’s dangerous, for you and me, especially if my dad finds out.”
“So, what, we just have to sneak around until the end of time?” I ask, laughing.
When Kolter doesn’t join in, though, my face falls.
“Oh.”