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“Big surprise,” Jefferson says.

“Again?” Twyler asks. “What did you do this time?”

“Nothing.” He shrugs, then admits. “She’s really critical of my post game fits.”

“You mean those outfits that look like you’re color blind and only shop at rummage sales.”

“They’re unique,” he argues. “Classic. And I’m building a brand, something she–and obviously you–can’t appreciate.”

“Well, I like her,” Nadia says. “She seemed really organized at Friendsgiving.”

“Oh yeah,” Reid says, “she’s kind of…”

“She’s uptight, man. Call it what it is,” Jeff says, gesturing to the girls. “Go ahead and get some food first. Otherwise there will be nothing left.”

I release Nadia so she can go fill her plate and watch as she and Twyler fall into conversation. They each grab a glass of juice and head to the living room.

“Breakfast with the roommates,” Reese says, piling eggs on his plate and then handing me the spoon. “You guys are making it official.”

“If that’s the standard, then yeah, I guess so.”

“I can’t believe you’re not going to hit up sorority row with me anymore,” Jefferson complains. “Bridget and Heather were pushing for that foursome.”

“Sorry, dude.” I grin, not the least bit sorry at all. “I see your hairy balls enough in the locker room.”

He scowls. “You know I do better with a wingman.”

“I can be your wingman,” Reid offers. “Now that I’m single.”

“Please. I’m not falling for that again. You and Darla will be back together before the weekend.”

“Not this time.” Reid grabs a stack of pancakes with his fingers. “We’re done. I can feel it.”

With full plates, Reese and I walk away from the guys who have started to make plans for the following weekend. The girls sit opposite of one another, saving us seats. “I wasn’t sure how this would go over,” he says, nodding at Twyler, “but I can tell she’s happy to have her friend around. Twy can handle being around guys more than most women, but occasionally it’s a little too much of a sausage fest around here.”

“I think Nadia’s glad to have her around too.”

“This just means if you fuck it up,” he picks up a piece of bacon and pops it in his mouth, “you’re going to have to deal with her.”

Winter break startsin ten days.

I’ve got exams, multiple games, and a sermon to finish for my father.

The only thing I really want is to be with Nadia. That girl has a grip on both my heart and my balls. I can’t get enough.

I legit want to follow her around like one of those pussywhipped guys desperate for another minute in her presence. I’ve spent every night with her this week, under the guise of getting some of this work done and all I’ve managed is to giveand havemultiple orgasms.

I’m a mess, behind on all my obligations, and that’s why I’ve isolated myself in the athletic tutoring room on campus. It’s quiet. No interruptions.

I stare down at the unfinished sermon and the bullshit topic my father picked out. It’s not the first time I’ve spoken in front of the church. Shelby and I were raised to be part of the show, but even with making my visits fewer and farther in between, he’s escalating my involvement. Before I left for college, we’d just read a few passages, light some candles, join in the ceremony of it all. Shelby’s role hasn’t changed much–women in my father’s church are there to serve and support. But a son like me? The Heir to the Kingdom… my role is more complex. More of a leader. Nottheleader mind you. That position is filled.

My phone buzzes and I reach for the distraction in relief.

Nadia:How’s it going?

GoalieGod: Finished my paper for Communications and took notes for public speaking.

Nadia: And the rest?