It was one of the quickest but politest dismissals she had ever heard, and it was oddly satisfying to hear it come from his mouth. No more, no less.
As they walked around for ten minutes, they finally found a spot on the metal bleachers. It wasn’t the closest to the field but at least they weren’t in the way corners.
Aria might not be the biggest football fan in the entire school, but she sincerely hoped that they would win. If they didn’t, then the entire school’s spirit would plummet as their loss would be televised. Plus, she’s here with Adrian, and winning the game would make the night even more memorable.
Suddenly, his phone rang and he excused himself. Aria tried not to overthink anything, but she couldn’t lie to herself, she was a little disappointed. She knew that this wasn’t a date or anything, and she wasn’t close enough to pry as to who was on the other side of the line, but her imagination was getting the best of her.
He’s probably talking to Nick or something.
But what if he’s talking to someone special?
Oh, sh*t. What if he already has someone special?
Oh my God, what if I become ‘that’ girl?
Wait, no, not possible we’re just friends.
FRIENDS.
It’s fine.
It’s okay.
Don’t worry about it.
Don’t think about it.
Not my business.
Aria had to actively stop her train of thought. This was definitely not healthy. She was just a friend who was at an important game that their school was hosting. Why was it so hard for her to remember that? It was getting to the point where she was actively trying to break her own heart.
Fantastic.
Still, why was she getting her hopes up for no reason?
“Hey, I’m back. Sorry about that. My dad wanted to know something.”
“Oh.” Relief filled her. “How is he?”
“He’s fine, nothing new but my mom’s been nonstop talking about Diego.”
“Your nephew?”
“Yeah, his birthday is coming up so she’s been trying to figure out a present.”
“How old is he turning?”
“I think . . . four?”
“You don’t know your own nephew’s age?”
Adrian shrugged. “I have a hard time keeping track of my parents’s age too.”
“Son of the year—”
A round of cheers cut her off as the players jogged to the field. The band started playing their fight song and everyone on their side of the bleachers began to sing. The crowd then burst into applause before they began the national anthem. Soon enough, the coin toss was up, and the game had officially began.
If she knew more about football then she’d be more compelled to keep her eyes on the field. However, her knowledge only extended to the fact that the ball must get to the opposite side of the field in order to score.
She glanced over to him and decided to ask, “So did you ever play sports?”
“Sort of?” Adrian scratched the back of his neck. “I mean I have but I’m not as into it as Nick is.”
“What did you play?”
He shrugged. “Football and track, the usual American stuff.”
“Wow.”
“It’s not really that impressive. I quit after junior high.”
“It sounds impressive.”
“Oh totally, just imagine twelve-year-old me running across the field with a ball as I suddenly score for the opposite team. Total superstar material.”
She laughed. “Are you serious?”
“What can I say? I’m just that good at being a bad team member.”
“Why?”
“Probably because I didn’t pay attention.”
“You didn’t get benched or anything?”
“I did, but whenever someone got sick or hurt, I’d end up playing.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah.”
“At least you got a participation medal or something, right?”
“Yeah, thanks for the consolation.” His reply was dry.
“You’re welcome.”
“Since when did you get sassy?”
Aria shrugged. “It’s part of the package.”
“I don’t remember ordering one.”
“Special delivery.”
“Is it returnable?”
“Nope.”
“So what do I do with you?”
“Um . . . my chemistry homework?”
He snickered. “I’m sure that your teacher would never be able to tell the difference between my handwriting and yours.”
“I totally agree. I think that you’ve mastered the cute handwriting phase, and I just need to learn how to copy it.”
Something about this scene warmed her heart; the ease of the conversation, the natural pull she had for him, and the entire atmosphere. Her heart clenched; she should be satisfied with what they had now. She really shouldn’t be trying to reach for more, but deep down, in all honesty, and for some illogical reason . . .
Aria felt like she stood a chance.
“So, what about you?” he asked.
“What about me?”
Adrian raised one of his eyebrows.
“What?” She laughed a little bit.
Stupid giggly self!
“I thought you were supposed to be the smart one?”
“Hey!”
“How can you not read between the lines?”
“There aren’t any lines for me to read between.”
“Wow.”
“Amazing, right?”
“Wait, what are you talking about?”
“I have no idea, I was just following you, Ade.”
“Ade?”
She shrugged. “Spur of the Moment.”
“My name’s not that long, Ar.”
“Ar?”
“What? Can I not do the same?”
“My nickname for you sounds way cooler. Who calls someone Ar?” she asked while making a face.
“It’s unique and innovative, unlike yours,” he dissed. “Besides, it sounds more like an off-brand version of lemonade.”
“It sounds like you’re saying the letter ‘R’ instead of a name.”
“Ar, you gotta stop being so picky.”
“Only when you make a better nickname.”
“Fine, fine . . . how about Ia?”
“It sounds like the end of diarrhea.”
“Hmmm.” He put his hand on his chin as if he were in deep thought.
“Hard isn’t it?”
“Your name is too short to get a nickname.”
She hummed in agreement, feeling like she won somehow.
“So, have you played any sports?”
Aria nodded. “When
