Well, shit.
Maddy was a sucker for her nonna’s endearments. Especially since it had been years since she’d heard them.
“We’re friends, nonna, really. But there could be something else there, too. It’s too soon to tell.” Maddy’s mind had been on a constant loop, replaying every moment with Nate. She felt her grandma’s gaze, studying her intently.
“Is he a player?” her nonna asked.
“I hope not.”
Her nonna snorted. “I mean, does he like playing like we do, board games etc.?”
“I guess?” Maddy had a bad feeling about this.
“Then you should invite him over. It will be good for me, some new blood. Maybe he will pose a challenge.”
“Hey!” Maddy would have felt more insulted if it hadn’t been true. She shook her head. “What are you plotting?”
“Nothing.” Her nonna eyed her innocently. “I’m just a little, old lady that would appreciate some company, that’s all. Plus, your parents will be gone for a couple of days to visit your aunt and uncle and this way, we wouldn’t feel lonely.”
Maddy looked at her blankly.
“That was very subtle.”
“It was, wasn’t it?” she smiled proudly.
“Not in the least.”
Her grandma scoffed.
“It is mainly the truth, though. Invite the boy over. It will be nice.”
Maddy contemplated her nonna’s suggestion. She supposed it wouldn’t hurt to ask Nate if he wanted to come over. And if he didn’t, it would be totally understandable.
“Will you be nice?”
“I’m always nice.”
“Uh huh.”
Yeah, sure.
twenty-two
School was still slowly dragging towards winter break, those final days of homework and assignments seemingly lasting an eternity. At this point, Maddy was almost certain that the holiday break would stay perpetually out of reach.
On Friday, when the final bell for the day rang, Maddy packed up her things and headed outside. As the cold air brushed her face, a fleeting thought made her halt her steps.
Nate was probably still at practice. Maybe she could drop by and just sneak a glance at him from afar if he was too busy to talk.
She was already moving before the idea had even had time to solidify.
The school gym’s door had been left slightly ajar when Maddy reached it, a small push enough to let her slip in unnoticed and take a seat a bit far from the court.
She spotted Nate immediately.
She could have blamed it on the height.
Except they were all tall.
