Page 13 of Fast Break


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I sigh andTishasqueals. I motion with my hand to keep it down."We had a nice time last night, and I, um, propositioned him. I asked him to help me experiment with being more casual."

"I take it he said yes?"Tishaclaps her hands together."Ooh, I knew it. You played better because you let that man give you an orgasm."

"Actually, no,"I correct her."He said he'd help, but then he put me in a car and sent me home."I tellTishawhatCharliehad said about taking his time.

Tishafans herself."Girl, I know the man hasgame. But that's a whole other level. I’d better get details."

"When I have them."

Wewalkout together and join the other players heading out fordinner. I attempt to be casual while I look forCharlieamong the crowd, disappointed when I don't see him. But now is the time to bond with myteam, and for once, I could go out and not worry aboutBrennanwaiting for me at home or the fight we'd inevitably have if I were out too late.

"Palmer."

Charliecomes up behind me. He nods atTishaand smiles."Hey,Tisha."

"Hi,Charlie,"she says in a singsong voice. I side-eye her, but she ignores me."We're going out for Karaoke anddinnerat Harbor Lights. Wanna join?"

He scratches the back of his neck."Thanks, but this is a moment for yourteam. Although, let me know the next time. I'd love to video Marisol doing Karaoke. She has some pipes."

"She'd love that."Tishawinks atPalmer."I'llmeetyou at the car."

"So, what's up?"I askCharlie, ignoring the nervous twist in mystomach.

"I wanted to congratulate you."One side of his mouth quirks up."And ask if you were freetomorrownight fordinner?"

"Yes. Of course."I glance around and lower my voice."My first lesson?"

His mouth tightens a fraction, but then he grins."Sure, if you'd like. But I want to take you out todinner. Whatever happens after,"he shrugs,"we'll let it happen organically. Sound good?"

"Yeah, sounds great."I'm not entirely sure what he means about letting things happen organically. He's a player, which is why I'm doing this.

"Okay then. Well, have a good timetonight."He tugs a lock of my hair, then disappears down the hall. Clearing my thoughts, Iwalkout.Tonightis about myteam.Tomorrowis aboutstartingmy education—myawakening—withCharlie, and I can't wait.

Eight

Charlie

"Why are you so happy?"my brother grumbles when I stride into the kitchen whistling. His black hair standing up on one side, he shovels a spoonful of Captain Crunch into his mouth and mumbles something.

"Chew, swallow, talk, dude,"I scold, pouring myself a glass of orange juice."Come on, we learned that in Kindergarten."

Mattfinishes his bite of cereal and tries again."I asked if you got laid last night."

"Nope."I let my lips pop on that syllable.

"Then why the whistling?"Mattacts offended by my cheerful disposition, so I dial it up. I blast him with my sunniest smile.

"I'm happy. The Battle won their firstgameyesterday."I take adrinkof juice and scroll through my phone, acting nonchalant.

"Yeah, I saw the post on Insta."Matttakes another bite of cereal and slits his eyes at me while he chews."Also saw your girl had a hell of astart."

My lips split into another smile, this one involuntary and genuine.Mattnotices. He smirks, pointing at me with his spoon."You're so whipped and she's not even your girlfriend."

"I'm whipped?"I bark out alaugh."Rich coming from the man who canceled his annual boys' trip to Vegas so he could take his girlfriend to see N'Sync."

"It was BTS, and when you're in a relationship with someone, you make compromises. You're not in a relationship with this girl."

"Not yet,"I say, not looking up from my phone.