Page 28 of Salto

“You’re avoiding me,” he said, flashing that charming grin.

Ah. There it was.

Positively adorable.

“Maybe,” I admitted, slipping easily into the banter that had always come naturally between us.

“Come on, Scar,” he said softly. “I know you like me. What’s holding you back?”

I took a sip of my soda and sighed.

“Liam—”

“Can’t you just let go for a second?” he interrupted. “Stop thinking so practically. We’re good together.”

“It’s impossible for me to stop thinking practically,” I reminded him.

I hopped up onto the counter, needing to do something with my nervous energy. I swung my legs.

He stepped closer. I didn’t really mind when he invaded my space. As I said, he was adorable.

It just wasn’t going to happen.

He leaned in slightly so his arm brushed against my leg.

“That’s right…” he said with a grin. “I forgot I’m talking to the girl who highlights rule books.”

“I like knowing the rules.”

“You color-code them,” he deadpanned.

“And?”

“You had tabs and everything, Scar.” Liam shook his head, smiling. “You’re the only person I know who reads the Code of Points like it’s a novel.”

“It’s important.” I narrowed my eyes.

“That’s exactly my point,” he said, reaching out to tap my nose. “You take this stuff too seriously.”

“That’s your opinion.”

“I know,” he said. “But I really hoped things would die down a little by your junior year and maybe you'd wanna date again.”

Liam deserved someone who could give him more time.

And if I really was stepping back into elite...

I'd have even less to give than before.

I looked down at my drink.

“I really like you, Liam,” I said quietly. “But I just don’t have much time to date.”

He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.

“Okay,” he said. “Fine. Well, will you at least enjoy the party? Stop thinking so much for me. This is supposed to be fun.”

I gestured to the Dorito still pinched between my fingers. “I am having fun. I’m eating Doritos. And I’m about to drink so much Root Beer I’ll be sick.”