I ate more pizza, ruminating on my answer. I had to respond with an irrefutable answer. “Because I already agreed to it and I don’t flake on people.” There, he couldn’t argue with that.
“How do you think he’ll feel seeing you in the stands with her and knowing you’re on a date?” He drank some beer from a can while glaring at me.
“I don’t know. He’ll be playing football. He won’t be thinking about me.” I couldn’t get out of this, anyway. I clenched my jaw and then ripped another bite out of the pizza slice. Sara was one of my students, and I didn’t need her bad-mouthing me to others. Not that I thought she’d do that. But still.
“Judging by what I just saw, he’ll definitely be thinking about you. I know if it were me, my game would be off.” His gaze softened. “Look, I know you won’t flake on Sara. Just…be mindful of his game. Refrain from making out with her in the stands.” He snorted. “’Cause you love PDA so much.”
With a sharp laugh, I slapped his shoulder. “Shut up. You know I don’t.” I ate the last of the slice. “I’m having a beer with him sometime this week.”
“Oh?” He poked at my ribs. “You didn’t tell me that. So now you have dates with two people?”
“No, it’s not a date. We’re meeting as friends for a beer and…talking about his schoolwork. It’s more of an informal study session.” He just couldn’t leave it alone. I set the crust of the pizza in the box, along with the other crusts I hadn’t eaten.
“Okay, so you’re having a non-date with him.” He sighed and slowly shook his head. “Let me ask you one thing.”
“What’s that?” I sipped my beer. I knew what was coming. Should I lie?
“Do you like him?” Lifting a brow, he studied me. “Like if you didn’t have this crazy notion about your dad, would you date him if he asked you to?”
“I…” Shit, I couldn’t lie to Evan. “Yes, I’d date him.” I hung my head. “But understand that it’s complicated, and it’s not a great idea. It doesn’t matter if I like him.”
“Dude.” He placed his hand on my shoulder. “It does and you need to pull your head out of your ass.”
“It’s not…” Fuck. “Let me get through this week, okay?” I swept my gaze to his. “Stop hassling me about it for one week.” I’d never process the situation otherwise.
“Sure. I’ll start hassling you again next week.” With a smirk, he drank his beer.
After a few texts with Travis,we met at Four-One-Four pizza on Mill Avenue on Wednesday night, and tonight was the night. As I dressed in my bedroom, I slipped into one of my nicer black polo shirts, leaving the top buttons open, and my phone buzzed on my bed. I picked it up, peered at my screen, and my gut knotted. Shit, it was Sara.
Sara
What are you doing? Do you have a student tonight? Maybe we could get together?
She’d been texting me all week and asking to do things with me. So far, I’d been able to fend her off with excuses. I typed.
Colton
I’m meeting with Travis tonight, so I’m busy.
There, it wasn’t untrue, and she didn’t need to know where we were meeting. I set the phone on the bed and slipped a pair of white linen shorts up my legs.
The phone buzzed again, and I scoffed. I needed to leave, or I’d be late. I hated being late. In fact, I usually showed up early for things. I grabbed my phone and strode into the main room, reading her next message.
Sara
How about tomorrow? I’d love to hang out before the game.
I stopped at the door and reread the text. Did she need another tutoring session, or was she asking for another date? I tapped the screen. Because no more tutoring sessions could occur after Saturday. We’d agreed on that.
Colton
Do you want one last tutoring session?
I watched the three dots blink at me.
Sara
Sure, if you want to use that label. How about we meet at your place around five? We could order takeout.