“Shut up.” I start to say more, but my phone buzzes in my pocket. Ignoring my teammates, I pull it out and smile when I see a text from her.
Queen Vee: You’re wasting your time.
Me: I’m not. I said I DON’T miss you. Only people in relationships miss each other.
Queen Vee: Good because I don’t miss you either.
“She’s black,” Wakowski announces.
“Who’s black?” someone from the back of the plane asks.
“Peters,” I announce. “And Ingalls, and Harris—” Everyone boos me when I start to name all the black players on the team.
“Chastey’s girl,” Wakowski says. He gives me a playful grin, and I remind myself the idiot is only twenty-one years old but acts ten years younger.
“Yeah? Save some for the rest of us.” Peters playfully punches me in the arm. “Is she cute? Introduce me.”
I let out a loud bark of laughter. “You live with your mama, Peters. You can’t even have girls spend the night.” Everyone on the plane howls with laughter.
“She lives withme, asshole.” Peters and I probably have the most in common on the team. He’s from Tampa and grew up with two brothers and a single mother after his father died when he was seventeen. He takes care of his family, and his mother is extremely religious.
Me: Are you going to not miss me until you come to my game in four days? Not that I’m counting.
Queen Vee: I’m not wearing the jersey.
I can see her now, wearing my number seven in the gold and magenta jersey.
Me: Would you rather wear something else of mine? Like my scent.
Queen Vee: You’re annoying. Stop texting me. I’m busy.
Me: What are you doing?
Queen Vee: What’s with all the questions? We are not in a relationship, remember?
Me: As if I would ever be with a Yankee. But tell me what you’re doing?
Queen Vee: Writing
Me: Writing what?
Queen Vee: My book, you dumb jock.
I send her a brain emoji followed by a smile.
Me: My queen is brilliant. I won’t brag about you since we’re not in a relationship.
Queen Vee: Please don’t.
Me: Text something sexy to me in French.
Queen Vee: Nope
Me: I won’t be thinking of you while I’m gone.
Queen Vee: That would be a waste of your time
Me: And I don’t want you thinking of me
