Things feel different somehow, but I’m probably just reading too much into it because Cillian beingactuallyinterested in me would be crazy.
Right?
Which is exactly why I’ve been trying to think about anything other than the bad boy who’s supposed to be teaching me to flirt with other guys, not making me wet with that delicious English accent.
“Rory?” Dad’s voice causes me to jolt, and my fingers tighten around the edge of the counter.
“Sorry, what did you say?” I respond after clearing my throat.
He’s got three steaming pancakes finished on the plate, and I somehow blanked during that entire time thinking about Cillian.
“I said what have you been up to? Feels like it’s been a few days since we talked.”
Oh.
My cheeks still feel warm as I nod. “Yeah, just school and studying, the normal. I heard that the guys may be warming up to Cillian some? How is that going?”
He shrugs, flipping another pancake and exhaling. “Might be turning a corner, but it’s still a little early to tell. They seem to be working better on the pitch together, and I’ve seen a few conversations happening. Fitz and Wren seem to be offering some support.”
I witnessed that firsthand at the bar, and I could’ve kissed them both for it.
I knew that they wouldn’t be the ones to continue to ice Cillian out, especially after I asked Fitz to make an effort. I’m just hoping and praying that we keep moving in the right direction.
It’s all part of my brilliant plan. A little bit of luck and a whole lot of strategy. Just like playing the game.
“Yeah, I do think there’s a whole lot less hostility between them, at least from what I’m seeing on the pitch? I think that it’ll all work out, Dad. I mean we knew that things would be tense for a while as the guys adjusted; it’s just taking a little longer than we planned, that’s all.”
My phone vibrates in the back pocket of my cutoffs, and I pull it out, swiping my finger across the screen to open the text notification.
Cillian:Time for your final exam.
Shit.
Now?
I tap a quick response.
Rory:You realize what
today is, right?
Cillian:Yep. What better way to
celebrate than a date?
Rory:A fake one you mean.
Cillian:Of course.
Cillian:You down or no?
I chew my bottom lip, my gaze lingering on the screen.
“Everything okay?” Dad asks, and I look up to see him observing me with a spatula in hand, brow lifted.
I nod. “Yes. Actually… would it be okay if I maybe… took a rain check on dinner? There’s uh… I have a friend who wants to hang out tonight. I know it’s our tradition, and I don’t wan—”
“Of course, it’s okay, Ror. Go, enjoy your night. Your old man will be fine. You’re only young and in college once.” He smiles, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Do I know this friend?”