Chapter 40
Evie
The rest of the week passes in a blur of classes, shifts at the coffee shop, and studying.
Before I know it, it’s Saturday. The guys’ game is away this weekend, but Tessa and I are planning to watch it together.
I’ve barely seen Zane all week. His schedule was really intense with football the early part of the week, and I’ve been buried under my classwork, studying, and working.
On Wednesday, we met for twenty minutes, when we both were free.
He brought me an iced pumpkin coffee that was to die for; then he left with his team.
My phone buzzes, and I don’t have to even look at it to know it’s Tessa.
I don’t bother answering; I’m almost up to our room.
I open the door to my room, not at all surprised to see her already in my room.
The one nice thing about Sam disappearing is that I’ve been able to keep the room to myself.
I did actually tell the office that she left without any further word.
So far, they haven’t given me a new roommate, a fact Tessa and I are taking advantage of.
She’s decked our room out in all the navy and white she can find.
Most of it is her stuff, but I don’t care.
It makes it fun. When she takes in what I’m wearing, her face breaks into a smile.
“You got a jersey?”
I grin at her. “Zane gave it to me.”
“Shut up.”
I've pretty much lived in this jersey since Zane gave it to me on Wednesday. After he gave me the coffee, he handed me a gift bag with this jersey inside. Then he asked if I’d wear it to all the home games.
I responded by hugging him and telling him I’d love to.
My stomach heats when I remember how his eyes had darkened when I threw it over my clothes, and he’d told me to spin around so he could see his name across my back.
Then he’d told me in a deep voice that I was born to wear his last name.
“Girl, what are you thinking about? Your cheeks are flaming right now.”
At her attention, I feel my cheeks heat even more. “Nothing.” I set down my backpack and pull out the bag of snacks I grabbed from the convenience store on campus. “I brought snacks.”
“Ooo, I love snacks.” I toss her the red and yellow licorice and the box of kettle corn before pulling out the chocolate bars.
We settle on my bed and watch her laptop, where she’s got the game cued up. “How was the coffee shop this morning?” she asks, taking a bite of one of the red licorices.
“Good. Busy as usual.”
“How was security?” I can’t help my grin.
“Stop it,” she says elbowing me. “It went great.”
“I still can’t believe you work for security.”
“Hey, I’m really dangerous. You should see me with a flashlight.”
Tessa saw an ad on the job site for campus security, so she signed up.
Neither of us thought she’d actually get the job, but they must have been desperate because my friend is the newest member of the campus security team.
“All I really do is make sure buildings are empty at night and the doors are locked.”
“Yeah, but you look so cute doing it.”
She elbows me as I snort out a laugh. She’d been horrified the day she’d burst into my room and showed me the outfit she had to wear for security, which consisted of a standard gray polo shirt and black pants that looked like guys’ pants.
When she added her yellow reflective vest over the top, it was quite the look.
“I should have just gotten a job at the coffee shop with you,” she bemoans.
“But I’d never be able to remember all the drinks and combinations.
” She sighs. “No, I’m better off keeping the streets safe and the students secured.
Or wait. Is it the streets secured and the students safe? ” She shrugs. “I don’t know.”
I can’t help my laugh. “Well, I for one, feel safer at night knowing you’re on security.”
“Sure, you do,” she says with a snort.
“Are you getting enough sleep?” I ask, turning serious.
She shrugs. “I need to keep working on my schedule to accommodate working at night, but I’ll get it.” I study her face and make a mental note to try to do more things to help her out when I can. “Ooo, here they come.”
I turn my attention back to the screen and watch as the guys run out of the tunnel. The crowd boos them, and I scowl at the screen. But it’s not unusual. We do the same for other teams that come here. “I’m going to go make the popcorn before the game starts.” She waves me off.
It doesn’t take me long to make two bags of popcorn and head back to our room. I hand one bag to Tessa with a few paper towels for the grease. “How’s it going?”
“We’re off to a good start,” she says, nodding at the screen.
The first quarter is good. We score a touchdown near the end of the first quarter, taking an early lead.
I watch Zane carefully, wondering if he’s feeling okay.
He’s playing good but not like I’ve seen him play before.
I don’t say anything and keep my eye on him when we head into the second quarter.
At half time, Tessa turns to me. “Is Blackwood sick?”
I tear my eyes away from the screen. “Why?”
She shrugs. “He’s just not playing that well.”
“You noticed that too?”
“Yeah.”
I stand up. “I’m going to the bathroom before the second half.”
We settle in for the second half. “Hopefully, they worked out whatever issues they had, and they have a better second half,” Tessa says hopefully.
Spoiler. They don’t. I stare at the screen at the end of the game. 24-17. Our loss. Zane didn’t have the best game, and I wonder how much that will bother him. “Man, what was with your man tonight?” Tessa asks as she stands and stretches.
“Zane’s not my man.” I stand and stretch as well.
“Right. Says the woman wearing his jersey, the one he gave her to wear.” She watches me expectantly.
I finally shrug. “Okay, we’re something; I just don’t know what.”
“Well, the next time you see your...something, tell him I expect better of him the next game.” I scowl at her, and she shrugs. “Fine. I’ll tell him the next time I see him.”
“Mental note. Don’t let my suitemate talk to my boyfr—” I stop midsentence, hoping she didn’t notice.
Tessa turns to me, eyes wide. “You just called him your boyfriend.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“You totally did, and I can’t wait to tell your boyfriend.”
I drop my hands to my waist. “Fine. I won’t bring you yellow and red licorice next time.”
Her eyes flare. “You wouldn’t dare.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “Watch me.”
She stares at me and then shrugs. “Okay, fine.”
I drop my arms. “Wait. What?”
She grins maniacally. “See ya, Bestie. I have to get to work.”
I frown. “You have to work tonight?” At her nod, my frown increases. “You should have been sleeping instead of watching the game.”
She gives me a look of horror. “And miss the game? No way! I’m already missing like all the soccer games. Why do they need to play soccer so late at night anyway? At least basketball will be starting soon. Anyway, I’m off. Thanks for watching the game with me and for the snacks.”
“You’re welcome. It was fun.” After a quick hug, she’s gone.
I finish up straightening my room and getting ready for bed, checking my phone every little bit. I’m not really sure how long it takes the guys to get on the bus, but I imagine it takes a while. I debate a little while and then finally send him a text.
Me- Good game tonight, QB.
He doesn’t respond, but I don’t let it bother me. Who knows when he’ll be able to check his phone. I get out my books and start studying. It isn’t until nearly an hour later that my phone dings.
Zane- it was a terrible game. I haven’t played that poorly in a long time
Me- I think you might be a little hard on yourself
Zane- Coach agreed
I cringe.
Me- well, what does he know?
When he doesn’t respond, I wait a minute and then text again.
Me- I'm sorry it wasn’t a good game. Don’t let it get you down. You’ll be back to your amazing self next game.
I wait for him to jump on the compliment I gave him. When he doesn’t, it makes me worry even more.
Zane- thanks, Evie
I stare at my phone. I’ve gotten kind of used to endearments from him; his use of my name throws me off. Not overthinking it, I send another text.
Me- are you okay?
I watch my phone as the bubbles show up before disappearing and then reappearing again. When they go away all together, I text again, pushing him.
Me- Zane?
Zane- I'm here. I’m sorry, Evie. I’m in a foul mood.
Me- that's okay. You’re allowed to be. Just tell me if you want me to leave you alone, and I will.
His text back is almost instant.
Zan- never!
I take comfort in his response and get comfortable on my bed.
Me- when do you get back?
Zane- we have an hour drive to the airport and then a two-hour flight home and another bus ride when we get back. So probably around two am.
Me- oh wow! Hope you can sleep on the plane.
Zane- maybe
Me- you usually don’t sleep on flights?
Zane- I used to
I frown at his text.
Me- why not anymore?
Zane- it's just a little harder now
His cryptic answer confuses me, but I don’t push anymore. I try to think of something to cheer him up.
Me- Thanks for the jersey
Zane- are you wearing it now?
Me- yes
Zane- can I see?
I turn my phone around and take a quick selfie and send it to him before I overthink it.
Zane- gorgeous!
I blush at his response.
Zane- you look way better in my jersey than I do
Me- no, I don’t have the muscles to pull it off like you do
I hold my breath and wait for his response.
When he doesn’t respond, I frown at my phone.
Several more minutes tick by with no response, and I finally stand and drop my phone to my bed.
I change into pajamas and brush my teeth.
I’ve just crawled into bed and turned out the light when my phone rings.
I roll over and snag it, answering it once I see Zane’s name.
“Did I wake you up?” His low voice sounds in my ear, and I want to sigh at the sound of it.
“No. I just got into bed, but I hadn’t gone to sleep yet.” He lets out a low sound, and I frown. “Zane?”
“Sorry, Baby. It’s just...really good to hear your voice.”
I frown because he sounds so far from his usual easy-going self. “Are you okay, Zane?”
“Yeah. I just really miss you.”
His words make me warm all over. “I miss you too.”
“Will you go with me to my parents’ house for lunch tomorrow?”
His words take me by surprise. “Uh, I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
“Why not?”
“Meeting your family? That’s a little...suggestive. You know? They're going to think...” my voice trails off.
“Think what?” he pushes.
“That we’re like...together.”
He chuckles, and the sound is so delicious, it sends a shiver through me. “We are together, Baby; and you’ve already met them.”
“I know but going to their house with you is like…so final.” I take a breath. “But okay.”
“Yeah?” For the first time tonight, his voice sounds more like what I’m used to. I’m suddenly glad I agreed to go.
“Yeah.”
“Does it work if I pick you up at noon?”
“Oh. I have to work until one. We can do it anoth—”
“I’ll pick you up at one.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to throw off your family’s dinner.”
“They’ll be fine. My mom’s been dying to see you again.”
“Okay. Wait, what do I wear?”
“Wear?” he repeats.
“Yeah. Is it like casual or dressy?”
“It’s just lunch. Wear whatever you want.”
I sigh. “You are no help, Zane.”
He chuckles low in his chest. “Sorry, Babe. You can wear whatever you want. My family already loves you, no matter what you wear.”
Feeling uncertain, I push him. “How can you possibly know that?”
“They love you because I—” He stops abruptly. “I know them. Trust me. They love you.”
I take a shuddering breath wondering if he was going to say what I think he was going to say. We don’t get a chance to talk any longer, because he has to board the bus. I go to sleep that night after staring at the ceiling for a very long time.