Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
“You in?” Bailey asked me.
“Yeah, sure.”
He looked across the room to the women’s swim table. “I’m gonna see if Danica’s interested.”
I knew that was coming. Surprisingly, he’d only hung with her at group gatherings and had yet to officially ask her out. He really was taking his time and thinking this one through. Not that I was trying to be all up in his business like he was in mine.
Once he’d walked away, Jordan leaned forward. “What did I miss? Who am I taking up for?”
I winced. “I’m sorry I used you as an excuse. I just needed to—”
“No need to explain. Been there, done that.”
“Really?” Relief flooded me. “Thanks, man.”
“Only hope it’s something awesome you can tell me about later.” He winked as he rose from the table to throw out his trash and head to class.
I did the same soon after, clapping Bailey on the back as I left the room.
That night, after we showered and changed to head out, Bailey seemed nervous.
“What’s going on? Why are you pacing like that?”
“I don’t know.” Bailey sank down on his bed, which he’d left a mess that morning. The golden child had slacked on his habits since entering college. It was something I’d noticed since we’d started rooming together—how much messier he was here than he ever was at home. It probably had everything to do with no longer being under his parents’ scrutiny. Or really his father’s, since he was the one who always seemed more uptight about him doing everything perfectly. “I really like her…Danica. And this is one time I don’t want to blow it.”
I almost joked about needing Mr. Romance’s services—I still couldn’t believe that was a thing—but I could tell how serious he was about this. “What makes you think you will?”
He rolled his eyes. “You know my track record with relationships. I obviously come on too strong or…something.”
Damn, this really was different for him. “Hey, you’re a great guy, and sometimes people didn’t appreciate you as much as they should have. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have tried.”
“I only wish it were easier for me. Like…you or Remy, you just let shit go, but I hold on too long.”
“I know.”
For all my frustration with him, these more vulnerable moments made me remember why we’d been friends for so long. He was always there for me, and we’d had a lot of laughs over the years. He was a good person, if a little misguided sometimes. But hey, I had my faults too.
“Do you think she feels the same?”
“I hope so.” His cheeks striped pink. “But what if she doesn’t?”
“What is your gut telling you?”
“Not sure my gut has really helped me out before.”
“Maybe you ignored it,” I pointed out.
“Yeah, maybe. My parents are coming to our meet this weekend, and I was thinking of introducing them, but it might be too soon. I haven’t even asked her out yet.”
“It’s okay to be friends with someone first. You could always introduce Danica as your friend or teammate,” I offered.
He stood, looking surer of himself. “Yeah, you’re right.”
When we got to the party, the house was packed, and there was barely room to move, let alone sit anywhere. I was suddenly debating why we came to begin with, but…camaraderie and all that. No way I wanted anyone to think I was bored or not a team player. Okay, I sounded ridiculous. I thought adulthood was all about breaking out on your own, except I was beginning to realize I was still playing the part like I had my whole life.
But I’d admit it was also annoying that Bailey was more about talking to Danica than partying with his friends, which was always the case when he had a crush.
Tim and Dave filled up red Solo cups and handed them to Bailey and me, and then we did a toast to our upcoming meet. After that, I did end up having fun playing quarters and messing around with the guys on the team. I got to know Danica a little better too, which seemed to please Bailey.
When Derek came through the door, my stomach fluttered. I wondered if Remy was behind him. But then he reached for the hand of the girl he’d brought along and led her to the keg, and my stomach tightened in disappointment. It didn’t keep me from glancing at the door every five minutes to see if he would show. I almost asked Derek, but that would’ve been weird.
Still, I pulled up a text and fired it off.
Derek just showed at the swimmers’ house. Where are you, Ted?
When I didn’t hear anything, I felt stupid about texting in the first place and wished I could delete the message.
Still at work, he finally texted. I’m sure Bailey’s glad I didn’t spoil his fun.
Not sure he’d even notice. I looked up to see him dancing with Danica.