Page 93 of Just for the Plot

“And when his apartment was broken into and…and they robbed him blind, that was…my lowest moment, Bower. But you promised you would help take care of it, and you did. You helped with filing the police report, even though it was months later. That’s the friend I need. I don’t…I don’t need a friend trying to hook up with my brother. I need you by my side, like you always have been.”

“And I am,” I say. “Nothing has changed. It’s you and me.”

“I know, I just…I don’t know, for a second, I freaked out. I’m sorry.” She shakes her head. “God, what a weird way to start a visit.” She laughs nervously.

I take her hand in mine. “You’re good. Bennett and I have been spending a lot of time together because he’s the only person I know here, but there’s no need to worry. We’re just friends and we’ll keep it that way.” Ismirk. “I’d like to set him up with someone, just like he set me up, but I don’t know anyone.”

“Maybe we can make him a dating profile,” Gabby says with excitement.

“Oh my gosh, I love—”

“Nope,” Ryland says, draping his arm behind Gabby. “Not going to let that happen. Let the boy figure out his own love life. He probably hasn’t put effort into dating because he’s coming toward the end of his season. He’s focused, and he’s gained so much popularity that it will be harder for him.”

“Hmm, I didn’t think about that.” I bite my hot dog.

“Yeah, me either.”

“Good thing you have me,” Ryland says, looking completely in his element.

“Maybe the guy you’re seeing knows of someone. Maybe he has a sister,” Gabby suggests.

“I can ask.” I think about it. “Ehh, maybe I’ll wait. I’m still getting to know the guy.”

“Didn’t you have another date?”

“We’ve had three,” I say, as if that’s an impressive thing, but it’s really not, because two of the dates I’ve only been half-awake.

And the only reason I went on the second morning date was because Cougar said he liked it so much he wanted to do it again. Being the sucker that I am, I caved and said I couldn’t wait.

“Three, that’s so great. Have you guys kissed yet?” Gabby fully turns toward me now, blocking out Ryland, but he doesn’t seem to care as he continues to watch the grounds crew prep the field. And this is why I didn’t tell her I was looking for something more serious, because…the questions.

“No,” I say. “Haven’t really had that feeling, you know?”

“Really?” Gabby asks, her confusion actually kind of comical. “That’s very unlike you, looking for a feeling.”

“A feeling of attraction,” I clarify, not wanting her to get too excited again. “I think I might be broken.”

“No, not broken.”

I slowly nod and dab my napkin at my mouth. “Yup, broken, because I haven’t thought about him naked once, and you know how much I like to think about dicks.”

“Jesus,” Ryland mutters off to the side.

“I like to think about them penetrating me and tickling me and rubbing all over my face.”

“Can you not?” Ryland asks, leaning forward. “There are people around us.”

“And they’re paying attention to the game, not to us,” Gabby says and then turns back toward me. “So you haven’t been thinking about his penis in your mouth?”

“For the love of God,” Ryland grumbles.

“No,” I say, panic hitting my voice. I haven’t been able to say this to Bennett, because that would be weird, and I haven’t had a chance to catch Gabby up, and there is no way in hell I’d say this to Adalade, so I’m finally getting it all off my chest. “I have not had any visions of his penis near me and it’s…it’s disturbing.”

“This conversation is disturbing,” Ryland says.

“Shhh…” Gabby shushes him with a finger. “Watch your sports.”

“This is your sports too.”