Dakota smiles. “We’re just here to get them excited about Valley. You’re one of the few people they’ll meet outside of the team. It’s fun. You get to meet a lot of top athletes from all over the country, and if they come to Valley, you’ll see them again and know you were part of getting them here. I’m doing two tours today, volleyball and hockey, so you’ll shadow me and see how easy it is.”

We take a break to grab lunch before our afternoon of leading recruits around campus.

I sit across from Dakota at an outdoor table outside of University Hall.

“So, you and Heath looked pretty cozy last night.”

“He was drunk.”

“Drunk Heath is hilariously honest. One time, he told me I was really pretty, but not his type because I was too bossy.” She takes a sip from her straw and then adds, “Which is totally true. But you and him, I could see it.”

“We’re just friends.”

“Except that time you kissed.” She raises a brow pointedly and takes another bite of her sandwich.

“It was the gummy bears.”

“Would it really be the worst thing to admit you like him?”

“Even if I did, Heath made it clear that he isn’t interested in dating and that Adam’s little sister was off-limits.”

“Your brother shouldn’t be giving anyone orders on being single. The man goes from one relationship to the next.”

“He’s always been like that. He got his first girlfriend in seventh grade and probably hasn’t been without one for more than a week since.”

“Taryn seems nice. I like her better than the last one, Heather.”

“Heather wasn’t the last one. He dated Maria over the summer.” I shrug. “Taryn’s okay. I try not to get attached anymore.”

“Makes sense. Probably especially hard given Taryn’s history with Heath.”

My head pops up. “She dated Heath?”

“Dated might be a stretch. They were more like fuck buddies. Those two were going at it all the time loudly and everywhere.”

My face heats and the food in my mouth turns to paste.

Dakota busts up laughing. “I’m totally kidding. I’m sorry; I couldn’t resist.” She points a fry at me. “I knew you liked him.”

The first tour is a local high school volleyball player. She towers over me and I keep pushing up onto my tiptoes, so I don’t feel so small. I barely say a word after introducing myself, and instead let Dakota take charge while I try to memorize every detail she says. I really don’t want to screw this up when it’s my turn to lead a tour on my own.

The hype room is just as cool the second time around and as we hand her off to the coach of the volleyball team, I’m feeling better about the job.