Page 69 of A Solid Guide to Surviving a Situationship

Mel rolled her eyes. “Get the shuttlecock now!”

“At least the other kind is more rewarding,” Honey added while picking it up and passing it on to Mel.

“Can we focus?” Mel said, though she was trying not to laugh. “Some of us are actually trying to play.”

“You’re trying to win,” I corrected.

Mel was about to serve again when she paused, eyes drifting past us.

“Oh look,” she said.

I turned slightly. “What?”

Andi smirked. “Well, this just got interesting.”

I followed their gaze—and then froze for half a second.

“Isn’t that your ex?” Honey asked.

My stomach dropped.

I didn’t even want to ask.

Of course it was Kyle.

On the other court. Mid-game. Effortless. Like he belonged there. Like he belonged anywhere.

He caught me looking.

And then he smiled.

That same damn smile.

Easy. Familiar. Dangerous.

I rolled my eyes immediately, turning away like I hadn’t just felt my chest do something deeply inconvenient.

The second he started walking toward us, I suddenly became very interested in my water bottle, twisting the cap open like it required my full emotional attention.

“Oh my God,” Andi whispered behind me. “He’s coming here.”

“Don’t look,” Honey added.

Mel didn’t say anything—but I could feel her staring.

I took a long sip of water, facing away like that would somehow make me invisible.

“Hey,” Kyle said.

I didn’t turn.

“Kyle!” Honey greeted, a little too brightly.

“Hey!” Andi added, casual but curious.

Mel gave a small nod. “Kyle.”

“How are you guys?” he asked—easy—like this wasn’t loaded at all.