Perfect for You(18)

Ash walks me to the locker room and kisses me goodbye. “Does ‘break a leg’ work for tennis?”

“Not really. I can’t play with a broken leg.”

“Okay. How about break her leg?”

I smile, which is exactly what he was hoping for.

“I love you, Meg.”

“I love you, too.”

He kisses me again before turning in the direction of the guys’ locker room. I stare after him, but Noah is standing in the gym. I’m sure he heard everything. Heard me say the L-word. Our eyes meet, and all he does is smile. Strange. I turn and head inside the locker room to avoid the awkwardness.

***

Noah jogs over to the courts, just in time for the start of my match. He catches my eye as I step up to the service line. “It’s all you, Flannigan.”

I smile, something I never thought I’d be able to do at the start of a match against Kendall Mercer. I’m ready, confident. I take the first set easily, and I’m about to finish off the match when I hear Ash yell, “Yeah, Meg!”

I look up to see the entire football team running in place and cheering for me. My eyes fly over to Noah, waiting for Ash to notice him. Kendall serves, and the ball whizzes past my head. I wasn’t even paying attention. I’m about to call her on it, but Ash turns to Noah. Oh, crap! Don’t do this now. Don’t get into a fight in the middle of my match.

“Time out for a sec,” I yell to Kendall, putting my hand up in the air.

“Are you hurt?” she asks. That’s really the only reason a player can stop in the middle of a game. Otherwise, the coaches are supposed to call the time-outs.

“I’m not sure,” I lie. I pretend to hobble a little, making my way over to the fence around the court and leaning against it.

Ash jogs down to meet me. “Are you okay?” he asks, but I can see he has other things on his mind. Namely Noah.

“I think so. I twisted my ankle.” I’m playing the sympathy card, but I don’t know what else to do.

“Do you want me to call Coach Moyers over?”

“No. I don’t want to worry him. I just need a minute.”

Ash lowers his eyes and grips the fence. “What’s he doing here, Meg?”

“Who?” I’ve never been good at playing dumb.

“Who do you think?”

“He wants to support me.”

“You think he’s strictly here as a tennis fan?” Ash’s eyes burn into me.

“No. He’s my friend.”

“Your friend? You haven’t seen him since the water park, right?”

“Yeah. I mean, no. I mean, right.” Yeah, stutter, that should help the situation.

“Is your ankle okay?” He points to my foot, which is holding me up with no problem at all. “Because I need to get these guys back over to the practice field before Coach kicks my ass.”

“Yeah. I’m good.”

“Good luck.”

I reach for his hand, but he pulls his fingers from the fence and turns away, heading back up the hill. He didn’t say it, but I know we’ll be talking more about Noah later. Now’s just not the time, and Ash gets that. I can’t blow this match over boy drama. Jackson lags behind the rest of the team to glare at me. I’m on his shit list again.

Kendall’s coach approaches me. “What’s the hold up? Do you need the trainer?”

“No.” I shake my head. “I twisted my ankle, but I’m okay. I can play.”

“Good. Then let’s get this match back on track. The pause in play is distracting my player.” Does he really think that’s why she’s losing? Because I’m slowing up the match?

“Sure thing.” I smile at him, ready to show him exactly why Kendall is losing. Only I blow the next three points.

“Come on, Meg,” Noah yells. “Stick to your plan. You can win this. Get him out of your head.” He thinks Ash is the problem. Maybe he’s right. I was doing great until Ash and the football team came along.

I need to forget about Ash and Noah right now. I force all thoughts from my mind and get back in the game. I focus on making Kendall volley, knowing I can win points that way. I bring her to the net, point after point. One of my shots almost hits her in the head, and she yells and steps aside to avoid getting hit.

Noah is laughing up a storm, and I’m tempted to join him. I have this match in the bag, but I keep my excitement inside so I don’t get called on poor sportsmanship. Match point comes, and I can already feel the win. My confidence is soaring, and I can’t help feeling that it’s because Noah is here cheering for me. I win the point and the match.

“Yes!” I jump up and down. Noah’s on his feet and screaming. I jog to the net to shake Kendall’s hand. “Good game.”

“Yeah, you too.” Her voice is full of disappointment. I have to give her credit. I’d be in tears right now if I’d lost. I motion for her to exit the court first. I don’t want her to have to see me celebrate right in front of her. Still, I deserve to celebrate.

I rush over to the little hill where Noah is waiting for me. He’s all smiles and holds his arms out. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help myself. I run into his arms, and he spins me around. I’m flying. Between the win and Noah being here, I’m in heaven.