Breakaway (Beyond the Play, #2)(51)
“Kind of,” she admits, her flush deepening. “It’s sexy, and really fun to write, even though I should be focused on school.”
“Can I read it?”
She jerks her hand away. “No one has but Mia. And it’s not like it’s done.”
I hold my hands up. “I don’t have to critique it or anything. Besides, I’m sure it’s awesome.”
She’s quiet for a moment, clearly considering it. “Maybe.”
“Good enough for me.”
She shakes her head slightly. “You’re so weird.”
“We’re equally weird.” I glance down at my book. I need to finish reading this and get started on my response paper, but instead, I flip to a blank page in my notebook and draw a hook. “Want to play hangman?”
“Really? Hangman?”
“You want to study even less than I do right now.” I write out spaces for the word I’m thinking of: verisimilitude. “Bet you can’t guess the word I have in mind.”
“Is it incorrigible?” she asks dryly.
“Nope.”
“You sound entirely too pleased with yourself.”
“Because you’ll never guess it.”
She narrows her eyes; there’s a competitive glint in them now. She crosses her arms over her chest and leans over the table. “Give me a hint.”
“It’s long.”
She glances down at the paper. “A real one.”
“It’s a noun.”
“I hate you.”
I fill in the first letter and tap it with the pen. “There. If you win, I’ll buy you whatever you want from the vending machine. But if I win, you’re sending me your book.”
She sighs, sounding put-upon, but I can tell she’s game to play. She holds out her hand for me to shake. “Deal. Get ready to give me a candy feast, Callahan.”
“Not a chance, Red.”
30
COOPER
October 29th
Red Penny
It’s really cool that you’re buying Ryan’s equipment
I’m so glad his mom agreed to sign him up for the team
He deserves the best
That’s sweet
My uncle bought me my first pair of skates
I was wondering how you got into hockey, given your dad and all
Yeah, it was my Uncle Blake. Haven’t seen him in a while, but he taught me how to skate, took me to my first game
Why haven’t you seen him?
It’s a long story, but basically, he’s struggled with addiction. He’s out in California, has been most of my life
:( I’m sorry
Have you gotten in touch with him yourself?
My dad would lose his shit if I did
I guess skating was always in the cards for you
Between the hockey coach father and the professional figure skater mother? Yes, there was some inevitability
October 31st
I can’t believe that I have to be at UMass for Halloween. The universe is punishing me
Red Penny
You specifically?
It must be cosmic payback for last season
That’s awful philosophical of you
I can’t even drink after the game b/c my room is next to your dad’s
LMAO that’s hilarious
The real tragedy is it means we can’t have phone ?!
What’s that favorite word of yours?
Oh, yes. Incorrigible
You’re incorrigible
But you’re right, that sucks. Guess you’ll just have to imagine me using my new toy ;)
November 3rd
Lucky Penny
Thanks for convincing me to go to office hours… I think I finally understand pathogenesis
That’s great
Do you want to hang out later? Your dad cancelled practice?
I’m home right now, he’s sick so I brought him some soup
Oh, okay
I hope he feels better soon
But I’ll see you tomorrow?
Ryan is so pumped we’re coming to his game
I still can’t get over how excited he was when you taught him how to skate backwards
November 8th
Lucky Penny