Page 101 of The Play Maker

plus, I kinda miss my friend.

Friend. Of course.

It’s fine. I never expected anything more. I didn’taskfor more.

I just thought… I don’t know. I thought that look in his eyes, or the way he smiled when he saw me that day, meant something, like maybe he saw me the way I was hoping he would.

Me:

I think I can open up a slot.

Austin:

right now? come over.

I stare at the message.

Everything in me tugs in two directions at once.

Because I know better. I’m starting to get stupid, ridiculous feelings for Austin, and I know I’ll probably leave his house tonight feeling worse than I did before.

But I also remember how it felt to kiss him. The way my heart stuttered, how everything else disappeared for a second.

And how quiet this room’s been without him in it. How much I’ve missed him.

I’m tired of pretending I don’t, of protecting myself from something that’s already taken hold. So, I grab a hoodie off the back of my chair, pull my scrunchie out, fluff my hair, and I leave before I can talk myself out of it.

It’s cold outside. My hoodie doesn’t do much against the wind slicing across campus, but I don’t slow down.

By the time I’m standing in front of Austin’s house, my fingers are frozen—but everything else feels warm. My body’s been buzzing since the second I left my dorm. Nerves, probably.

The front door opens before I even knock.

Austin stands there in a hoodie and joggers, barefoot, his hair a little messy like he’s run his hand through it too many times. His eyes land on mine—tired, a little surprised. Like he didn’t think I’d actually show up.

“Hey,” he says, stepping back to let me in.

Austin closes the door behind me as soon as I step in.

His roommates are all in the living room and they all glance up when I walk in.

“Hey. Maisie, right?” Logan says, tilting his head. “You did a hell of a job with Rhodes. We had no faith in him.”

Austin shoots him a look. “Thanks, man. Really appreciate the support.”

Logan just laughs. “Hey, I’m just being honest.”

Nathan tips his chin toward me. “Nice to see you again,” he says, offering me a smile.

I smile back. “You too.”

Austin nudges me gently with his elbow and dips his head toward the hallway. “Come on.”

I follow him down it, my eyes dragging over the space. The muffled sounds of the TV and the guys’ voices fade as we head up the stairs. My sneakers creak on the wood floor, and I can’t help glancing around. Last time I was here, the place was packed. Loud. Sticky. Everything smelled like beer.

Now it’s clean and quiet and kind of cozy.

Austin pushes open the door to his room and I follow him inside.