I start out jotting down notes for the group project that was assigned last class, but five minutes in, I’m scrolling through my phone and looking for Tanner in my contacts. When I find him, I click on his number and create a new message.

Me: Hey, it’s Sydney.

Power reassigned.

Setting my phone down, I don’t dare look back to see if he’s checking his phone. Maybe he doesn’t even bring it to—

My heart skips when a new message lights up the screen.

Tanner: Hey! Forty-eight hours... I thought you were never going to text.

Me: More like thirty-three hours.

Tanner: Thirty-three too many. What are you up to tonight? Want to hang out?

It feels like we’re volleying back and forth and I just want him to keep the ball on his side of the net. I’m not usually one to back down or shy away from a good back and forth, but Tanner makes me feel all spun up and out of sorts. I’m too into him and I really hate that.

Me: Free after practice. Sounds fun.

Tanner: Shit, I forgot we have a team dinner tonight. Maybe this weekend?

Me: Maybe.

3

TANNER

I’m hanging in the theater room, texting around to see what’s going on tonight, when Nathan pops in. “Hey, what are you doing later?”

“I don’t know. Football guys are having a party, a few people are going to the baseball house, Datson and Benny are at the Prickly Pear.”

“Come with me to The Hideout.”

“Who’s there?”

“Chloe and her roommates.”

“Sydney?”

Nathan pauses. “Is she the one with the long, blonde hair?”

I scoff. The one with the long, blonde hair? That’s the best he can do to describe her? “She’s the super hot one. Long legs, big brown eyes, heart-shaped face, killer smile…”

He gives me a blank stare.

With an eye roll, I say, “Yeah, dude, she’s the one with the long, blonde hair.”

“Cool. I’m going to find Chloe. Pick us up at Freddy dorm in thirty minutes?” He lifts his arms and taps the archway and then leaves.

I’m on my feet and jogging up the stairs to get ready before he’s out the front door. After taking a quick shower, I flip through my closet to find something to wear.

Joel stops in the open doorway of my room. “Hey, everything good? I haven’t had a chance to talk with you since you moved in.”

“Yeah, it’s great. I really appreciate it.” Not only is living in The White House cheaper than the dorms, it’s across the street from our practice and game facility. It’s all upside.

“Going out tonight?” he questions.

“Yeah, Nathan and I are going to The Hideout. You want to come?”

“Nah, I’m heading over to Katrina’s. Have fun.”