Page 89 of Ice Me Out

Usually, I would love pizza, a beer and a NHL game with the team. But tonight I have different plans, so I shake my head. “Nah, man. Not tonight. I have some work to do for my statistics class and it’s been kicking my ass.”

I say that louder than necessary, spotting Connor changing by his locker right next to mine.

I’ve known my roommate since freshman year and I know he’s too much of a Good Samaritan not to ask if I need his help. Connor is a genius with anything that has to do with numbers.

“I was gonna go watch the game at the Gamma house,” he says, pulling up a pair of black joggers. “But if you need my help, I can skip that and come home.”

Bingo. I stifle my smile and look surprised. “Would you really do that? We have a test tomorrow that’s going to count for our final grade. I would really owe you.”

Connor nods. “Sure. Did you drive here?”

I didn’t on purpose. “No, I came straight from a massage session, so I walked.”

“We can ride home together, then. I have my truck.”

I clasp his shoulder. “Awesome. We can still order pizza, my treat. And we can still put the game on in the background while we study.”

“Sounds like a good deal,” Connor says, grabbing his bag.

“I’ll be right out. Just give me a sec.”

As soon as he walks out of the locker room, I shoot Bex a quick text.

Me:I’m coming home with Connor to “watch the game” and study. If you join us, I think this could be a great opportunity to find out if he was the guy behind mask number 6.

Bex:I’m just finishing up at the Zeta house. We’re making decorations for the inauguration of the new art center. I’m going to be home in twenty minutes. Candace is driving me home.

Perfect. If she walks in on our study session, it’ll look totally casual.

Me:

Make sure Candace doesn’t stick around. Keene is going to watch the game at the Gamma house, so it should be just the three of us.

Bex:

Ok. I’m a little nervous.

Me:

Are you ok? If you have changed your mind, we can just watch the game and eat pizza.

I want to make sure Bex is ok with my plan and she feels safe. I must admit that I’m more consumed than I thought with our “fake” relationship. I like being her boyfriend, but I want to make sure that she doesn’t have a crush on someone else. Just in case there could be a chance to keep dating for real after graduation.

Besides, adding someone else to the mix could be fun. As long as she feels comfortable with it.

Bex:

I’m fine. It’s the kind of excited nerves.

Good.

I order pepperoni and mushrooms pizza, Bex’s favorite.

Me:

Great. See you at home in twenty.

We arrive home before Bex.