Page 38 of Let You Love Me

Several minutes pass in silence and when no texts come through, I wonder if my last message didn’t send.

Me:

Hello? Did you all leave simultaneously to take a shit or something?

Chris:

A group shit. Now, that’s a new one.

Jace:

I was waiting for the plan.

Atlas:

Wait . . . is that . . . that’s the plan? Be her fucking friend?

Teagan:

Yeah, it’s brilliant.

Graham:

Aw, hell no. You friend zoned yourself? Trust me when I say that’s a bad idea. I know from experience, bro, because I did NOT get the girl.

Atlas:

Thanks for that, btw. ??

Graham:

I would say fuck you, but I ended up with Sky, so . . . you’re welcome?

Jace:

Bro, noooooo.

Chris:

Even I know that’s a bad fucking idea and I’m a moron.

Jace:

First time I’ve agreed with Chris.

Me:

Wait and hear me out. I can’t date her, right? Coach said she is off-limits, and I’m already on thin ice as it is. Plus, she’s not looking to date, remember? She’s got walls.

Me:

So, I become her friend. Think of it as going undercover or infiltrating enemy lines. I’ll be the best damn friend she’s ever had. Coach will see that and get used to me hanging around her AS A FRIEND. Sheopens up, and then BOOM! Before she knows what hit her, I dial up the charm and swoop in and sweep her off her feet. It’s perfect. By then, Coach will see my intentions are pure and he’ll like me so much, he’ll be more than happy to give us his blessing.

Graham:

Yeah, somehow, I don’t see it going that way.

Jace: