Chapter 9 #2
Hemi
I love your spreadsheets.
Dallas
I love you, honey.
Hammer
You’re sitting right beside her as you type that, Dallas.
Tally, you’re still in, right?
Tally
I am still in.
Dallas
How did you know?
Dred
Because Hammer’s sitting across from you.
Tally! What are you up to? We’re at Just Desserts if you want to join us.
A picture of my Babes and the Terror boys appears in the chat. Flip is missing, though.
Tally
I’m with my Tilton crew. Eat all the good things in my honor!
Essie
If you’re with my sister, hug her for me!
Tristan
If you’re with my brother, tell him I’ll be at his game this weekend.
Tally
I can do both of those things. Or you can just tell Cammie yourself because she’s also in this chat, but probably too busy sucking face with Chase to answer.
Cammie
We’re playing cards in the kitchen. Feel free to join us.
Flip
I hope you’re staying away from the shots
Tally
Never again. *dies GIF* *shots GIF*
I pocket my phone as the bathroom door opens and a girl wearing a Tilton Hockey hoodie steps out.
I trade places with her and lock the door, letting the embarrassment over Flip’s message wash through me.
At least he’s joking around with me again.
I wish I could forget everything that happened after I sat in his lap, but my memory of the night is unfortunately clear.
He did use a winky emoji, so maybe he’s over the black eye I gave him and the terrible night’s sleep on a yoga mat. Analyzing his message will only make me sweaty, so I compartmentalize it until I can ruminate in the privacy of my bedroom.
I avoid making eye contact with random drunk guys as I make my way to the kitchen. I find my friends gathered around the table, playing cards, as is typical.
“I’m heading out. I need to study.”
“Do you want me to come back with you?” Fee asks.
Mac is seated to her right, his eyes on his cards.
“Nah. Stay and have fun.” I kiss her, Cammie, and Enid on the cheek. “I’ll message when I’m home.”
“Be safe,” they reply in unison.
I duck out the side door to avoid the crowded living room and run into a couple getting it on against the fence. They don’t notice me, though, too absorbed in each other.
When I get back to my building, instead of taking the elevator to my apartment, I poke my head in the yoga studio.
It’s open to students until eleven-thirty, and luckily, it’s empty.
I text the girls that I’m home, then shed a few layers until I’m in my cropped tee and yoga pants. I do not dress up for hockey parties.
I connect to the sound system, cue up some music, and start with light stretching. I love dancing with Charles and Arya, but the freedom of solo numbers invigorates me. Once I’m warmed up, I give myself over to the heavy bass, trading modern ballet style for contemporary.
There’s nothing soft about this music. It’s all aggression and emotion.
The sadness, fear, disappointment, and embarrassment I’ve been holding on to fade away as I become a conduit for the sound.
A vessel for rhythm. I put the song on repeat and pay special attention to my release technique, because it’s the element that needs the most attention for my upcoming performance.
I spiral into a chasse, stag leap, and move to floor work, improvising to make the song my own. I dance until the automatic lights turn off, and then I lie on the wood floor, heart hammering, skin damp with sweat, hair sticking to my neck and temples.
Eventually, when my breathing calms, I peel myself off the floor and head up to my apartment. Parsnip rushes down the hall to greet me, but I close the door in time to prevent his escape. I scoop him up like a baby and rub my face against his cheek. “How is my cute boy?”
He wriggles around, uninterested in the affection.
“I know I need a shower, but you could be less obvious about it.” I head for the kitchen first, feed Parsnip so he doesn’t become a tripping hazard, and pour myself a glass of water.
I check my messages while I drain the glass. Cammie, Fee, and Enid have sent me a range of gifs.
But a new one from Flip makes my heart skip a beat. It’s in our private thread. Mostly it’s used for book recommendations.
Flip
I hope you’re staying hydrated.
I didn’t drink at the party. I consider taking a selfie with my glass of water, but I’m sweaty and red-faced, so I snap one of the glass, with my bookshelf as the background.
Tally
H2O for the win. What about you?
Flip
Not quite as good as you.
A picture of a glass of Tang in his hand appears. He’s in his apartment, and the book I suggested in our group chat a couple of weeks ago is open in his lap.
Tally
Shouldn’t you be out indulging in a double chocolate fudge cake with your teammates?
Flip
I considered it, but this book was calling me.
He’s texting me unprovoked for the third time this week.
He’s home and reading the book I recommended.
Is he trying to smooth things over and make things less awkward because I’m joining the group for New Year’s?
I’m working up the nerve to ask. But for now, I try to reclaim some of the easiness of our previous messages.
Tally
The nice thing about books is that they’ll still be there, waiting for your eyes until after you finish dessert.
Flip
True. But I’m invested. I need to know what happens.
I click on the photo he sent and magnify the image so I can see where he is in the story.
Tally
Oh! You’re so far already! No wonder you passed up dessert. You’re almost at my favorite part.
Flip
You want to tell me what that is?
Tally
And ruin the surprise? I would never.
Flip
Is it in this chapter?
Tally
No, but it’s coming. That’s the only hint you get. Otherwise I’ll ruin it.
Flip
Hmm. Good point. I’ll be back in a bit with my guesses.
Tally
Don’t stay up too late.
Flip
No promises.
I’m smiling as I shower and get ready for bed. Parsnip is lying on my body pillow, concealed by my comforter. He meows his annoyance and tries to bite my hand when I pull the sheets back.
“Hi, Flip. Ready for bed?” I barely resist the urge to lean down and kiss his two-dimensional lips. I’ve had a Flip Madden body pillow since my first year of university. Cammie got it for me as a joke, but I sleep with it every night.
I stretch out next to Pillow Flip and throw a leg over his pillow bottom half. As soon as I stop moving, Parsnip makes himself comfortable against my side. Just as I’m dozing off, my phone vibrates. I groggily check the message.
Flip
It’s the scene where he sends her on a scavenger hunt to all their favorite places.
I grin and hug Pillow Flip. He knows me well enough to pick out my favorite scene. Maybe we’re getting back to normal again, which is a relief.
Tally
That’s the one!
It was such a thoughtful thing to do.
Flip
The little things mean the most, don’t they?
Tally
Exactly.
When you’re finished, you can tell me which chapter is your favorite.
Flip
So far it’s the same as yours. But I should be finished in a couple of days, so I’ll tell you if it changes.
I’ll need another rec soon, though.
Tally
I’ll have one ready for you.
He hearts the message.
Flip
Back to reading.
Night, Talls.
Tally
Night, Flip.