“I’m sure you’re mistaken,” I casually dismiss. “Why would he wink at me? That makes no sense.”
“Abby, you have to be kidding me. Obviously, Drew was focused on you. His entire face lit up when he found you. There’s no sense in arguing with me.” Syd eyes me pointedly as she brushes a strand of stray hair behind her ear.
“What do you want me to say?” I sound defensive, even to me. I don’t know why he looked at me that way. He could’ve been looking at the person behind me, for all I know.Why on earth did she have to notice?
“I just want you to be honest. I know he’s your lab partner. But maybe there’s something more.”
“Syd,” I groan in frustration. “You know it’s not like that.”
“But it could be like that…” she sing-songs playfully.
I scoff. “You’re one to talk. You won’t give anyone the time of day.” Maybe if I turn the table on her, she’ll back off and leave me alone. “When was the last time you went out on a date?”
Sydney rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “I’ve probably been out on a date more recently than you. I date. I’m just picky and if they’re not worth mentioning, I haven’t.”
I stare at her in disbelief. “Are you telling me you’ve actually been on a date and not told me about it?”
“Of course I have.” She lifts her chin indignantly. “For your information, I went on one last week.” She almost sounds convincing. If it weren’t for the involuntary shiver of her entire body at the end, I’d almost believe her.
“What aren’t you telling me, Syd?” I probe, knowing there must be more. Her lips purse, and her eyebrows squint together. Irritation fills her features, and her sudden grimace tells me she’d rather keep it to herself. Not wanting to give up, I simply stare.
She shrugs. “It was just a typical date. He seemed different, but…” she sighs heavily. “He was just like everyone else I’ve been out with lately. At the end of the night, he leaned in to kiss me… his intent, of things being more obvious… and I just wasn’t feeling it. No spark. No chemistry, ya know?”
“Boy, I can relate.” It’s been forever since someone lit me up from the inside out. After the last few flops, I decided it wasn’t worth the effort. Besides, now that I only have a few classes left to go until I find out if I’ve been accepted to med school, my priorities need to be elsewhere.
Syd shakes her head in commiseration. “I’m not looking for a Mr. Forever or anything…” She trails off then bursts out giggling. “Hell, I’d settle for a Mr. Right Now… if you know what I mean… But there has to at least be a spark.” She waggles her eyebrow seductively, and I burst into laughter.
“Syd…” I chastise her bluntness and look around to see if anyone’s paying us attention.
“What?” She laughs off my reaction. “I have needs, too. Maybe you’ve been out of the game so long you’ve forgotten yours, but I certainly haven’t forgotten mine.”
“Okay, whatever you say.” I laugh it off. Knowing Sydney as I do, I know most of this is all bravado. She’s had some short-term relationships and when they’re no longer mutually beneficial, she’s moved on. But she’s not into casual flings. She gets irritated when guys assume that just because she bartends, she’ll go home with them after last call. Hence, the reason she’s picky. Some might even say a bit jaded because she hardly lets her heart get attached. Hell, I don’t even blame her. If I had guys treat me the way she’s been treated, I’d be skeptical, too.
Thankfully, I don’t have to say more to Sydney. The players come back onto the court to warm up before the second half of the game. Like a moth to a flame, my eyes follow Drew around the court as if they have a mind of their own. If Sydney notices, she doesn’t say anything.
Drew’s focus is entirely on the game for the second half. He’s unstoppable when it comes to offense. I can probably count on one hand the amount of shots he hasn’t made when he’s gone to the basket. As the score volleys for who takes the lead, I’m on pins and needles. With each shot made, the other team returns to their net and scores. My heart races with anticipation as I watch each player leave their heart out on the court.
When there’s only twenty seconds left in the game, CRU’s down by two and Washington has the ball. Washington makes a fast break for the basket, but CRU blocks it. Relief floods me as our point guard quickly takes control of the ball. He dribbles hard for the basket and at the last second, passes it off to Drew. My heart freezes when I realize Drew doesn’t have the shot once the ball’s in his hands. With cat-like reflexes, Drew arcs the ball wide across the court into the capable hands of DeShawn, who’s wide open behind the three-point line. With three seconds left to go on the clock and the crowd counting down, DeShawn dribbles once, squares his shoulders, and jumps into the air, releasing the ball at his full height.
I swear the entire arena sucks in a deep breath as they anxiously await the result. It’s as if the ball’s in slow motion, as it arcs slowly through the air. I’m on my tippy toes wishing it to make it into the basket.
It hits the rim, at the backboard.
It bounces once into the air, landing on the rim again.
Then SWISH, it falls into the basket, and the arena goes wild as the sound of the buzzer goes off.
“We did it!” Sydney screams as she jumps up and down with joy. “We beat Washington.” She rushes in to squeeze me tight in a hug. “Holy shit. I didn’t think DeShawn would pull that off. But he did it!”
“It was freaking amazing!” I holler in agreement to be heard over the crowd. We pull apart and high-five the fans erupting in celebration around us. The enthusiasm in the crowd is almost palpable. My skin tingles with excitement, and I can’t help but watch Drew as he celebrates CRU’s win with his teammates.
After rushing over to greet DeShawn with a chest bump, Drew and DeShawn hug each other intensely. As if they’d practiced that pass countless times, it was orchestrated to perfection. Their other teammates join in the celebration before their coach calls them over for a team celebration.
Eventually, CRU calms down, and each team shakes each other’s hand as a show of respect to one another. I’m surprised how many of them seem to know one another off the court because they stop to say something and seem genuine in their greetings. By the time they’ve finished, the crowd around us disperses.
When Sydney suggests we get going, I can’t help but give one last glance to Drew. As if he senses me watching, his eyes dart to mine, and a shit-eating grin explodes across his face. I can’t help but laugh in return. I’m so friggin’ happy for him. I know this was a huge game, and he was pivotal in making this a win for CRU. Drew holds my gaze for a long moment then nods once in my direction as if to say, “See you tomorrow.”Though I know I’m probably making that part up in my mind. He’s excited and just pulled off a big win.
Sydney pulls on my arm, and I drop my focus from Drew. As we get to the top of the stairs, I glance back once more. He’s still looking in my direction.Maybe I’m not so off after all.
