Page 64 of Striking Range

Everett

I’m fine.

Skylar

bullshit

Everett

I thought you wanted nothing to do with me?

I scoff, following him from a distance as I type back:

Skylar

you’re deflecting

Everett gives up on texting, my phone vibrating in my hand as he places his to his ear, eyes shooting around anxiously.

That’s right, dumbass. I’m watching.

“Hello?” I answer, my voice as nonchalant as I can manage.

“Who told you?”

I sigh. “Could you just tell me what happened?”

He looks tense, like he has to watch his back at all times or face a major consequence. “Nothing happened. It was a misunderstanding.”

“Let me guess: a teammate?” I sass, and he says nothing. I knew it. Liar. “That’s what I thought. What are you hiding from me, Evie?”

He takes a shaky breath; I watch his fingers flex at his side until he disappears into the lecture building, and I lose him.

“I didn’t think you were interested in what happened to me anymore.” Everett sounds hurt and dejected, and somehow I feel like the villain here.

“You aren’t being fair,” I whisper, and it sounds close to a soft cry.

“I know. I know I’m not. You’re right to want to stay away from me; my life is too messy, Skylar. I’m sorry.”

The line goes dead.

Too messy? What does that even mean?! He’s being too cryptic, too dramatic.

I make my way toward the student parking lot with his words on a loop in my mind. I wish I understood him, but he’s not wrong either. He is unfair, and I should step away.

It’s safest for me. For my heart.

“Sky!” A loud, deep voice echoes around me.

Jacob.

I turn to face him, watching his eyes drag over my body as he approaches. He’s dressed casually in his black jeans and his white shirt, his brown hair messy in an endearing way. Jacob is incredibly handsome in the way most jock types are.

“Hey,” I greet him.

“Are you free tomorrow?” he asks. At my nod, he adds, “Can I take you out? I know Seabird is your workplace, but the guys and I are going out. Can I buy you a few drinks?”

I take in the sight of him, his beauty and how seemingly kind he is. He is a good candidate for a boyfriend.