“Oh, you're one of those…” Dax says, his tone dripping with mock disdain, “stick guys.”
Chris just smiles, unbothered. “Guilty, and you’re one of those guys obsessed with balls.”
“You’d get it if you saw them,” Dax fires back without missing a beat.
“I’m sorry you can’t come,” Honey says, placing her hand on Chris’s shoulder. “Maybe you can come another time.”
“Definitely.” Chris pulls her in for a hug.
One… Two… Three…That’s three seconds too long for me. Okay, maybe four.
My fists tighten, my jaw clenches, and it’s only when they separate that I take a breath. When he hugs Jenni goodbye, it’s not nearly as long. I counted.
With another wave, he walks away. Sebi leans in close. “Dude seems cool. Why do you look like you want to murder him?”
“I don't,” I mutter, though I'm not convinced.
“Well, shall we?” Jenni asks brightly, now arm-in-arm with Honey. “I'm dying for a drink after all that excitement.”
I grumble in response, taking her in. The fucking audacity she has to be here is insane. Mason and Sebi lead the way, arguing about who made the better play. Dax follows, texting someone with a smirk while Reese hangs back with me.
“That's Honey's new friend?” Reese asks, his voice low. “Something about her seems off.”
Well, at least it’s not just me who sees through her shit. “Yeah. There's something I need to tell you about her later.”
“Want me to run interference?”
“No,” I say, watching as Jenni whispers something that makes Honey laugh. “I need to figure out what her game is first.”
“Just say the word,” Reese replies. “We've got your back.”
“Thanks,” I mutter before sneaking up behind my future wife and wrapping my arms around her hips. Kissing her on the cheek, I whisper, “Ride with me?” and not-so-subtly pull her away from Jenni so she gives me her attention.
Her hand cups my cheek as she rests her back against me and smiles softly. “Always.”
Jenni tries to follow us, but Reese steers her toward his car, smoothly diverting her attention with a question about her major.
Thanks, man.
“Your friend Jenni seems… interesting,” I start as we pull away from the stadium. I want to be cautious with her because I know if I come out guns blazing with accusations, Honey will think I’ve lost my damn mind over her. As true as that is, I need to get my facts straight first.
“She’s great, isn’t she?!” She’s beaming, completely oblivious to my concerns. “It was so nice to be in the stadium with friends today. Helped me realize that I shouldn’t let other people’s opinions keep me from supporting you.”
I force out a smile, not wanting to ruin her happiness. “I’m glad, Honeycomb. Really.”
I wish I sounded like I believed it. I wanted her to make friends here, but did I really want her to be besties with a girl who tried to slip me her number a week ago?
As we drive to Hail Mary’s, I decide that I won’t say anything tonight. Instead, I’ll watch Jenni and figure out her angle. Only after will I speak to Honey about it.
I don’t want to ruin her friendship, after all.
Hail Mary’s walls practically vibrate from the cheers and laughter. Blue and white jerseys blur into one another. Bodies are pressed close, and the voices are so loud. Everyone is high on our win… and whatever beer they managed to sneak past the underage ban.
Six wins. No losses. We’re untouchable right now.
Except I don’t feel it.
Not even close.