Page 46 of The Play Maker

I raise an eyebrow. “You had a protein bar like fifteen minutes ago.”

“That was a snack,” he says, arching a brow at me. “I need real food. You know, something with sauce. That fills me up. I’m a growing boy. I need sustenance.”

I roll my eyes but can’t hide the corner of my mouth twitching. “You’re dramatic when it comes to food.”

He leans forward, that familiar cocky smirk tugging at his lips. “Come on,” he says, packing up his notebook. “You’re coming with me.”

I hesitate, swallowing a little. Saying no feels easier. I’ve got reading to finish, a quiz coming up, and honestly, eating around people isn’t really my thing. Not that I’m about to admit that out loud.

“I’m good,” I say quickly, hoping that’s the end of it.

Austin sits up straighter, brow furrowed. “No, you’re not. You haven’t eaten either. And I’m excellent company, I promise. Five stars on Yelp.”

I bite the inside of my cheek, trying to stay firm, but he’s not letting up.

“Fine,” I sigh, snapping my notebook shut. “But if you show me one more shirtless gym selfie, I’m walking straight into traffic.”

He raises his hands, shooting me a grin. “Shirt stays firmly on,” he says, then that grin slides into a teasing smirk. “Unless you want it off.”

I try not to smile, but the corners of my mouth twitch anyway.

We start packing up. Austin’s already halfway done, but I take my time, organizing my pens and notebooks before sliding out of my chair, pulling my top over the curve of my stomach without even thinking. Habit.

Halfway to the door, two girls step in, blocking the way. One plants herself right in front of Austin, the other closes in from the side. I step back, not wanting to get caught in the middle.

“Austin,” the first girl says, voice light and sweet. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

He shifts, like a switch flips. His back straightens, that easy grin settling in.

“Yeah,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck, knowing full well how that flexes his bicep. “Just studying.”

The second girl laughs. “Smart and cute. Dangerous combo.”

They keep chatting, Austin still smiling. I catch myself glancing at the girls again. A sharp ache twists low in my stomach and I don’t bother pushing it away.

Because I know the truth.

I’ll never be like them. I’m not the girl who holds a guy’s attention like that. I’m not the one you search for in a crowd. I’m no one’s first choice.

For a second—just a flicker—I think about Six. About all those late-night messages that made me believe maybe someone could see me like that. That maybe, when we finally meet, he’ll look at me like every rom-com hero looks at the girl.

But I know that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Austin’s still grinning as he turns back to me. “Ready?” he asks.

I nod, forcing a smile. “Sure.”

Austin orders like he hasn’t eaten in three days: burger, fries, milkshake?—

“And a side of onion rings,” he adds, flashing a wink at the waitress, who turns her attention to me next.

“I’m good,” I say quickly.

He frowns, just a little. “You’re not eating?”

“Not hungry,” I lie, swallowing the knot tightening in my throat.

He doesn’t push, just glances down at the menu.