15. Chapter 15
Alyssa ends the call just in time to avoid hearing Fletch make a stupid sound equivalent to what a middle school boy would make after being dared by his friend.
Cooper slugs him in the arm.
“What was that for?” Fletch groans.
“Acting like a fool.”
He rolls his eyes. “At least I wasn’t the one who climbed into his bed.”
Hayden holds a hand to his chest like he’s been wounded. “Hey, don’t bring me into this. I’m not the one who just acted like a fifth grader.”
Fletch huffs.
“Okay, let’s get back to the reason we’re here.” Dawson looks at all the guys except me. “Who thinks Alyssa might have feelings for Austin after that phone call?” Dawson raises his hand along with Hayden. “And who thinks she only sees him as a friend?” Cooper and Fletch raise their hands.
An even split.
I swallow. I mean, technically I’m the one who stuck her in the friend zone three years ago, so I can’t be upset by their observation. “What makes you think I’m in the friend zone?”
“Dude, you told her she was perfect, and all she did was laugh and say the perfect one was you. If I said that to a girl, she’d blush and thank me.” Fletch smirks.
I look to Cooper for confirmation. “I didn’t get the vibe she was into you, but I’m also not the best guy at picking up on that stuff.” He gives a half shrug. “At least she’s not talking to that other guy anymore.”
“True.” I turn to Dawson and Hayden. “And you two think there’s a possibility she could feel the same way as me?”
Dawson nods. “Don’t get me wrong, I think you have a long way to go to win her over. But I think you’ve got a shot. She could just be scared to wreck the solid friendship you have.”
“What he said.” Hayden’s face morphs into a grin. “Which is exactly why you need our help with…” He pauses for dramatic effect before spreading his hands across the air like he’s making his own marquee. “The Game Plan.”
“Cheesy, but it will work,” Dawson says.
“I think it’s the perfect amount of cheese, thank you very much.” Hayden glares at him, but it comes off like he’s trying to be upset but is just too much of a goof for it to hold any real ferocity. “Okay, what do we think is the first step, gentlemen?”
“He needs to up his flirting game.” Fletch snorts.
I shoot him a look. “I can flirt just fine, thank you.”
“Calling her perfect is middle school stuff. You need to study the female population. See what they like.”
I blow out a breath. “I’ve been reading Pride and Prejudice because I know it’s her favorite book. Something like that?”
Hayden wags his finger at me. “That’s a good start, man.” He quickly types up some stuff on his phone with his giant thumbs. I don’t bother taking notes of my own because I’m sure he’ll send me a detailed summary later. “Then step two?”
“You need to cross that friendship barrier,” Cooper suggests.
Dawson nods thoughtfully. “I’d start small. Like lingering eye contact. Hand holding. A longer-than-usual hug.”
“Now you’re onto something,” Fletch says. “Just make sure you don’t side hug her, or else you’ll be stuck in the friend zone forever.” He nudges Hayden. “Make sure you include that in your notes.”
Hayden gives him a thumbs-up. “I’ve got it.”
“You need to do things that can help you figure out if she’s into you.” Fletch nods. “Pull out the moves all girls love.”
“Like what?” I’m not sure I’d want to use the kind of moves he does when he’s out with a different girl every weekend, but it only seems fair to hear him out.
“Brush pinkies with her and make it seem accidental. Tuck her hair behind her ear. That sort of thing. If she gets goose bumps or her breath hitches, you’re golden.”
“This is amazing.” Hayden grins. “I feel like I’m learning from the master.”
Dawson thumps his arm. “Don’t call him that. You’re going to inflate his ego so much he won’t be able to fit through the door.”
Fletch smacks Dawson’s arm with the back of his hand. “My ego is the perfect size, thank you very much.”
Cooper shakes his head like he’s wondering how he ended up here with the three stooges.
“Moving on. What do you think about kissing Alyssa again?” Hayden wiggles his eyebrows. “You ready for some more spit swapping?”
Cooper sighs as he stands. “Okay, I’m out.”
“Was it because I called it spit swapping? I won’t say it again.” Hayden furrows his brows. “Okay, now I won’t say it again.”
“If she seems like she’s reciprocating the flirting and into everything you guys have mentioned, then obviously I’d love to kiss her again.”
“Perfect.” Hayden’s smile returns. “Kiss ze girl.” He sings it in the tone of Sebastian from The Little Mermaid.
Cooper stretches. “I’m too old for this. I’m going to bed.”
“Wait, we’re almost done.” Hayden stops him. “I think the final step is just to repeat them all, if things are going well.”
“And if things aren’t going well?” I ask.
“Then call us for flirting advice because you’re probably doing it wrong.” Fletcher smirks and nudges Hayden. “Make sure you write that down, too.”
“I got it.” Hayden sets his phone down, looking pleased. “I just sent a screenshot to you, Austin.”
“Thanks.” I don’t really know what else there is to say when your teammates bombard you in your hotel room and form a game plan you didn’t ask for to see if your friend has feelings for you. But if it actually works, I guess I’ll forever be indebted to them.
“Now can I go to bed?” Cooper yawns.
“Yes, old man.” Hayden stands and claps him on the back. “Good luck, dude,” he calls back to me as they all file out of my room.
Dawson is the last one out. He turns around when he reaches the door. “Are you really in this?”
“What do you mean?”
“Is Alyssa someone you want for a short time or the long haul?”
I answer without hesitation. “The long haul.”
“Good.” He smiles and pulls me in for a bro hug. “Patience is key, man. Don’t do too much too fast, but don’t give up on her either.”
“I won’t.”
The Game Plan
Step 1: Up your flirting game. Learn what she likes and what she responds best to. Keep reading that chick book you mentioned. Then test the waters and see if she seems repulsed. If she does, ABORT MISSION!! But if she seems into it or, even better, flirts back, then continue to the next step.
Step 2: Take any opportunity you can to touch her. Lingering eye contact and hugs. But don’t side hug her like a friend (Fletch made me include that). Hold her hand. Do an “accidental” pinky graze. Tuck her hair behind her ear. Girls live for that sort of thing.
Step 3: If the first two steps go well and the opportunity or moment is right, then it’s time to see if those fireworks are still there.
KISS THE GIRL!!! If the first two steps don’t go well…
then repeat them or call us for flirting advice since you’re probably doing it wrong. (Again, that was Fletch.)
Step 4: Repeat steps 1–3. Put in the work like she’s Game 7 of the World Series and you need to hit a home run to win it all for your team.