Page 57 of What We Knew Then
So, I dish. I tell her everything. From Freddy trying to come to my house to Lane making me come in the penalty box. Brinn kicks her feet and covers her mouth when she wants to scream—I appreciate the restraint.
“What does this all mean?” Her hands are pressed to her cheeks with her eyes as wide as the saucers our coffees rest on. “Like. Are you a thing? Was it one time? Oh my god!” Her hands cover her mouth and I can’t hear anything she’s trying to say.
At this point, the redness heating my cheeks might become permanent.
“I have no idea. The only thing he said was that there was no going back—”
Brinn tries to cover her squeal but she barely succeeds. I look around, pretending not to know her, but we’re the only people up this early wanting to be out on the patio.
"You mean to tell me, this man told you… There’s no going back?” She pretends to faint and falls back, hitting the chair. “Coralee Banks. That is one hell of a line.” Brinn fans herself and it’s hard to do anything other than beam at my best friend.
I put my head in my hands, resting my elbows on the table. “God. I know! I know. But like, what do we do? Do we keep it a secret? Will he tell any of the guys? Do I have to disclose anything for the research?”
Brinn almost spits out a piece of her cinnamon roll. Once she’s safe from choking, she reaches across the table, grabbing my hand and pleading, “For the love of god, please do not talk to me about your researchproject right now. Unless you’re researching a position I’m unaware of, now is not the time.”
I can’t help but laugh. My shoulders shake and she matches me across the table.
For the first time in a while, I feel lighter. Happiness cruises through my veins. And you know what? It almost feels like I deserve it.
Chapter 37
LANE
Ican’tstopthinkingabout Cora. Her body reacting to my touch. The look on her face when she came. Those perfect little fucking moans.
Me
we on for tomorrow before practice?
Peaches
as long as that works for you
definitely works
what are you doing right now
just got out of the shower
braiding my hair if you must know
i want to know everything
ha whatever you say
i told you
there’s no going back
prepare tobe sick of me
believe me
I already know what that feels like
I’m laughing at my phone like an idiot. There is no chill. I have no restraint. Something between us broke and then damn near melted back together.
are you teaching tomorrow morning
