Comfy Closets - Chapter 13: Chapter 13
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“Wait, so, are you guys together?” Ashton asked incredulously.
“No! We've just been hanging out! Have you not been listening to me for the past ten minutes?”
Sitting in an Italian restaurant eating delicious cheese-smacking pizza, we caught each other up on what’s been happening recently. But apparently, Ash was a little distracted by the food to actually concentrate on the words coming out of my mouth.
“Yes, I did hear. Although, to me, it sounds like Miss Popular is interested. To put it simply, she’s shooting her shot,” he supplied then ate a huge bite out of his piece.
My shoulders closed in as I grew uncertain. “Are you sure, though? I mean, she’s Leah. She’s out of everyone’s league. How can she be interested in me?” I said, my insecurities talking for me.
“Come on, Aly. You’re you. You’re kind, thoughtful, gorgeous, and absolutely adorable,” he listed swiftly, causing a blush to appear on my cheeks. “Heck, I’d go for you if I didn’t know you were into girls. Don’t think of yourself any less just because you’re shy.”
I didn’t reply right away, just wanting a moment to soak in his words. He was right, about not letting my shyness get in the way of how I viewed my worth. I don’t think all the things he described me with rings true, and I don’t know if I’ll ever have the chance to be with Leah, but for now, I’ll indulge in that fantasy.
I propped my fist under my chin as I hummed in acknowledgement, my insecurities suddenly less loud in my head thanks to him. His previous words came back to me. “Wait, did you say you'd hit on me?” I questioned, a little bit amused and weirded out at the same time.
“What! N-no, you must be hearing things,” he sputtered out defensively. “And by the way, that is the last time you’ll be hearing anything nice from me for a while.”
I watched his fidgeting form in amusement, loving how I could make him squirm sometimes, however rare it happened. Shifting in my chair to lean forward, I thought I’d change the subject and focus more on him. I really haven’t had the chance to talk to him, so now’s my time.
“So, what’s been up with you? How’s Zach?” I asked, not intentionally meaning for it to sound sarcastic, but it just came out that way.
His sea-green eyes narrowed at me with confusion at my tone. “Um, he’s alright. He’s on the basketball team with me, and he’s a pretty funny guy. Why do I get the feeling you don’t really like him?” he questioned, prompting me to answer with an eyebrow raise.
“No, he’s fine. He seems like a nice guy, it’s just...” I paused, trying to think of how to word this correctly without sounding like that friend. “You’ve been spending a lot of time with him lately, and I just don’t get to hang out with you as much as before.”
He looked at me with wide eyes, surprised to hear that. “I didn’t even notice that I was spending so much time with him.” He furrowed his brows as he now looked at me with realization. “I guess I just got excited for a sec to have a guy friend who's that chill,” he mumbled, staring at his joined hands resting on the table.
“No, I get it. He’s a new friend, it’s always exciting,” I said, trying to let him know that I understood. “Maybe we can do more group hangs so Gia and I can get to know him better. And perhaps... he might even join our trio,” I suggested, smiling gently in reassurance.
He gazed at me then, a small smile on his face to hint at the joy he felt at that. “Yeah, that sounds nice.”
I picked up another slice of my pepperoni pizza and readied to take a bite. “So, tell me about him.”
________________
The school hallways were bustling with chatter when I stepped through the front doors. But it wasn’t like the usual level of noise that generated this early in the morning. No, this was the sound of when new gossip was circling around.
“Geez, everyone but us is excited for school on a Monday morning,” Ashton snidely commented as he walked by my side.
“No, there’s some gossip going around. I’m guessing it’s something about the party from Friday,” I said dismissively as I continued on without a care. Gossip wasn’t really my style.
We headed to my locker first, since it was nearer, and ignored the excited teens babbling about. As we were nearing our destination, Ashton suddenly tapped my upper arm with urgency, his eyes lighting up with alarm. “Aly, do you think all this is about Leah and Blake?”
Right when he mentioned Leah's name, realisation struck me in the face. Blake made it pretty obvious to everyone in proximity at the party, and that sort of news was surely going to spread with how popular the couple was individually. Such a personal matter like that being blown up for gossip like this was never good.
Now, all I could think about was how Leah was going to be when she heard this. She might’ve heard it already, but I couldn’t help but worry for her.
Quickly whipping out my phone, I typed a message and sent it to her in the hopes that she would answer honestly.
Lyssaaa – Are you alright?
Her answer didn’t come until near the end of second period, in Literature class. I took out my phone subtly and read what it said whilst the teacher had his attention preoccupied on the board.
Leahbear – I’m okay. The gossiping isn’t new to me, and it was bound to come out some time, but I just want it to move on soon.
Relieved that she was alright, I typed a reply as I sympathized.
Lyssaaa – It will. Something will come along and everyone will move on from the fact that Blake is an asshole. Hope nobody forgets that though.
Leahbear – Lmao. I hope nobody does too. I’m just glad I’m done with him.
Lyssaaa – I’m glad you are too.
After I sent that, I realised that message could be taken in a completely different way than I meant, but it’s not like I can un-send it now. I just hoped she didn’t think I was being forward, but admittedly, I was glad for that reason too. Just a smidge.
Another period later, I was released for lunch. Quickly packing my things together, I rushed out to get some food before the good stuff ran out. I walked through the hallway with a quickened pace as a dodged and slipped by students left and right. Being an athlete had its benefits.
As my eyes subconsciously roamed around the moving crowd, I spotted a dirty blonde head through the masses. I don’t know how I found her, but I somehow recognised Leah just from the view of the back of her head. I guess it was memorable?
I sped up my footsteps until I caught up with her. As I got closer, I noticed then the two other girls she was walking with on her left, the unknown girls chatting amiably whilst Leah faced straight ahead. I sidled up to her right and realized then that the girls were Leah's friends that I talked to at the party. Riley and Sasha?
“Hey, Leah,” I spoke up, drawing the attention of her hazel eyes to me, as well as the other two girls unintentionally.
“Oh, hey Lyssa! How are you?” she asked kindly, her gorgeous smile reaching her eyes.
“I’m good. How have you been?” I questioned, concern in my tone.
Her smile dimmed slightly, but she still managed to keep it there. “I’m better than this morning,” she sighed softly.
Nodding slightly, I tried to give her a supporting smile, hoping she understood that I was here for her.
“Who are you? And why do you look familiar?” the blonde girl to Leah's left inquired, a little puzzled with our encounter.
I remembered her presence just then, standing there with the ebony-haired girl at her side, and so I turned my attention to them. “I'm Alyssa. We met at the party the other night..?”
“Oh! I remember now!” she exclaimed excitedly. “We dragged Leah away from you. Sorry about that,” she said sheepishly, scratching her head with mild embarrassment.
“No! It’s fine. I survived, so it’s all good. Sasha, was it?” I guessed unsurely.
“It’s Sara,” she corrected lightly.
“Oof, sorry. And I think I remember, you’re Riley?” I said, directing it to the ebony-haired girl with beautiful tan skin.
“Yes, that’s right. Nice meeting you now that I’m sober this time,” she joked with a dazzling grin.
I returned her smile happily. These girls were pretty nice so far. I wanted to talk to Leah alone for a bit though, so I thought I might as well ask now.
“Leah, I wanted to ask you something.”
She raised her eyebrows at that sentence, but nodded nonetheless and looked to the other two. “You girls go ahead. I’ll catch up.”
The two looked curious but walked ahead without a comment. Leah and I slowed our steps to a leisurely crawl, gravitating to the sides of the hallway instead. Curiosity was now taking over her features. “What is it?”
Suddenly, Ashton's words from last Saturday flitted through my mind. I knew I shouldn’t let my shyness dictate my value, but maybe I could overcome that and not let it stop me from what I want. That was enough to give me the courage to ask my question
Taking a deep breath, I ran my hand through my hair and bit my lower lip before asking. “Remember how I owe you a meal?”
“Yes?”
“Well, how about we go for that meal after school, today for dinner,” I suggested, trying to sound as confident and as casual as I could.
She smiled and teasingly contemplated for a few seconds, placing a finger on her chin before she answered. “Yeah, I’d like that. How could I turn down free food?” Before I could start internally celebrating, she continued. “Although,” she warned, “I have a student council meeting after school, so I can't go straight away.”
Quick on my feet, I thought of a viable plan as we got in line for food. “I have soccer training after school too, so maybe we can meet up after? Although, I have to warn you that training may take a bit longer than your meeting, so you might have to wait a bit. Is that alright?” I asked nervously, hopeful for a positive answer.
“Yeah, I’m okay with that. I’ll meet you near the field. You’re lucky I didn’t bring my car today,” she teased, a smirk stretching her lips.
I grinned widely at that. “Lucky me.”
_________________
The rest of my classes flew by after that as I excitedly imagined how my evening would go, daydreaming happily as I sat in class. Before I knew it, the final bell had rung and released me to a couple of hours of soccer practice.
I got out of class, chatting with a teammate of mine that came from the same class when I heard a beep, I excused myself and took out my phone to see that there was a text from Gia. “Gimme a sec.”
I looked at the words and rolled up eyes at her usual dramatics, even through the phone.
GiaTheQween – ALY!! YOU GOTTA COME TO MY HOUSE AFTER YOUR PRACTISE. I. NEED. HELP.
AlyssaNaeher – Help with what??
GiaTheQween – I NEED HELP WITH MATHS. I DON’T GET IT.
AlyssaNaeher – As much as I want to come and help you, I can’t today. I have plans with Leah
I knew that was going to get a hell of a reaction from her, so instead, I put my phone away and proceeded to change into my gear once I got to the changing room. Only when I finished putting on my cleats, did I check up on my phone again.
GiaTheQween - HOL' UP. YOU WHAT?!?
GiaTheQween – I NEED DETAILS. WHAT YOU GUYS DOING? WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN? WHO ASKED WHO?? WHY AM I ONLY KNOWING THIS NOW?!?
GiaTheQween – GIRL, YOU BETTER ANSWER ME NOW. YOU CANNOT LEAVE ME HERE WAITING IN SUSPENSE!! OR ELSE IMMA COME FIND YOU!!
AlyssaNaeher – CHILL, GIRL!! I’ll answer this later, right now I have practise
GiaTheQween – Fine, fine. Damn, and I don’t have a math tutor :(
Shaking my head at her like always, I put my stuff in my locker and headed out with the girls. Coach was already there setting up and waiting for us. “Girls, go through the warm-ups, then we’ll start with some drills. Get to it!”
Practise went by quickly like it usually did for me. I genuinely enjoyed running around with the ball at my feet and playing with my teammates. They've become good friends of mine, and that's what makes playing soccer even better.
Near the end of practice, we were practising plays and I was getting a little tired by then. Completing the play again successfully, I stopped to put my hands on my hips and took in a long breath. Looking around at the other players, I could see the fatigue in their postures and faces. As I was scanning my eyes over the rest of the field, I spotted a lone figure on the side-lines, sitting a few rows up the bleachers.
Focusing my gaze there, I noticed it was Leah who was currently also looking right at me. I couldn’t help the smile that appeared on my face, sending a wave her way as I turned to her.
She returned it with a grin, squinting her eyes as the slowly setting sun shined her way. I couldn’t help but stop and admire the sight, reminding me so much of the morning I woke up next to her. So peaceful, so calm, so intimate. A beauty shining in front of my eyes.
I only snapped out of it when the coach called my name. “Woods! We’re doing the next play. Get to your position!”
A little annoyed that my dreamy state was broken, I continued on anyway as I jogged to my designated spot. Olivia was standing a few meters away, meant to assist me in the play. She came to my side when she noticed the coach was talking to some of the players still. “Was that Leah Bennett you were waving at in the stands?”
I didn’t know what else to say, so I figured I might as well answer honestly. Clearing my throat, I looked her way to be met by an unreadable expression. “Yeah. We're heading out to eat after practice.”
I might have imagined this, but I thought I saw the corners of her lips twitch down for a second before it returned to indifferent. “Cool. You guys have fun,” she said curtly before going back to her position, just as coach said ‘go’.
Shaking off that weird encounter, I went on with the play. Soon, practice was over and I made my over to Leah, who had stood up and headed down to the front to meet me.
“Hey! Sorry for making you wait,” I apologized sheepishly, jogging to a stop in front of her.
She waved me off as she shouldered her bag higher. “No, it’s fine! I didn’t have to wait long. You ready to go?”
“I still need to take a quick shower and get my stuff, but I’ll be quick. Trust me, you don’t want me around you all sweaty,” I reassured, taking a glance back to see some of the girls looking our way, whispering to each other.
Deciding that they were just curious, I brushed it off.
She laughed at my comment, her eyes crinkling in the corners. “I don’t think I would mind too much, but all right.”
Just then, I felt sweat run down my forehead to the bridge of my nose, so I lifted the neck of my shirt to wipe it off. I thought nothing of it, however, as I dropped the cloth, I caught a glimpse of Leah's eyes looking down in the direction of my exposed tan stomach before quickly glancing back up. She instantly blushed as she realised she was caught staring, clearing her throat to draw the attention elsewhere.
“So, you gonna go change?”
“I don’t know. You seemed to like the view down there. Maybe I should give you another peek...” I don’t know where that confidence came from, but I was starting to like it if it could make her turn pink.
Amusingly, she turned even redder as she rolled her eyes at me, with me chuckling loudly along. She pushed me lightly in the direction of the lockers to hurry me up, a smile settling on her lips. “Come on! I’ll be waiting.”
“No! We've just been hanging out! Have you not been listening to me for the past ten minutes?”
Sitting in an Italian restaurant eating delicious cheese-smacking pizza, we caught each other up on what’s been happening recently. But apparently, Ash was a little distracted by the food to actually concentrate on the words coming out of my mouth.
“Yes, I did hear. Although, to me, it sounds like Miss Popular is interested. To put it simply, she’s shooting her shot,” he supplied then ate a huge bite out of his piece.
My shoulders closed in as I grew uncertain. “Are you sure, though? I mean, she’s Leah. She’s out of everyone’s league. How can she be interested in me?” I said, my insecurities talking for me.
“Come on, Aly. You’re you. You’re kind, thoughtful, gorgeous, and absolutely adorable,” he listed swiftly, causing a blush to appear on my cheeks. “Heck, I’d go for you if I didn’t know you were into girls. Don’t think of yourself any less just because you’re shy.”
I didn’t reply right away, just wanting a moment to soak in his words. He was right, about not letting my shyness get in the way of how I viewed my worth. I don’t think all the things he described me with rings true, and I don’t know if I’ll ever have the chance to be with Leah, but for now, I’ll indulge in that fantasy.
I propped my fist under my chin as I hummed in acknowledgement, my insecurities suddenly less loud in my head thanks to him. His previous words came back to me. “Wait, did you say you'd hit on me?” I questioned, a little bit amused and weirded out at the same time.
“What! N-no, you must be hearing things,” he sputtered out defensively. “And by the way, that is the last time you’ll be hearing anything nice from me for a while.”
I watched his fidgeting form in amusement, loving how I could make him squirm sometimes, however rare it happened. Shifting in my chair to lean forward, I thought I’d change the subject and focus more on him. I really haven’t had the chance to talk to him, so now’s my time.
“So, what’s been up with you? How’s Zach?” I asked, not intentionally meaning for it to sound sarcastic, but it just came out that way.
His sea-green eyes narrowed at me with confusion at my tone. “Um, he’s alright. He’s on the basketball team with me, and he’s a pretty funny guy. Why do I get the feeling you don’t really like him?” he questioned, prompting me to answer with an eyebrow raise.
“No, he’s fine. He seems like a nice guy, it’s just...” I paused, trying to think of how to word this correctly without sounding like that friend. “You’ve been spending a lot of time with him lately, and I just don’t get to hang out with you as much as before.”
He looked at me with wide eyes, surprised to hear that. “I didn’t even notice that I was spending so much time with him.” He furrowed his brows as he now looked at me with realization. “I guess I just got excited for a sec to have a guy friend who's that chill,” he mumbled, staring at his joined hands resting on the table.
“No, I get it. He’s a new friend, it’s always exciting,” I said, trying to let him know that I understood. “Maybe we can do more group hangs so Gia and I can get to know him better. And perhaps... he might even join our trio,” I suggested, smiling gently in reassurance.
He gazed at me then, a small smile on his face to hint at the joy he felt at that. “Yeah, that sounds nice.”
I picked up another slice of my pepperoni pizza and readied to take a bite. “So, tell me about him.”
________________
The school hallways were bustling with chatter when I stepped through the front doors. But it wasn’t like the usual level of noise that generated this early in the morning. No, this was the sound of when new gossip was circling around.
“Geez, everyone but us is excited for school on a Monday morning,” Ashton snidely commented as he walked by my side.
“No, there’s some gossip going around. I’m guessing it’s something about the party from Friday,” I said dismissively as I continued on without a care. Gossip wasn’t really my style.
We headed to my locker first, since it was nearer, and ignored the excited teens babbling about. As we were nearing our destination, Ashton suddenly tapped my upper arm with urgency, his eyes lighting up with alarm. “Aly, do you think all this is about Leah and Blake?”
Right when he mentioned Leah's name, realisation struck me in the face. Blake made it pretty obvious to everyone in proximity at the party, and that sort of news was surely going to spread with how popular the couple was individually. Such a personal matter like that being blown up for gossip like this was never good.
Now, all I could think about was how Leah was going to be when she heard this. She might’ve heard it already, but I couldn’t help but worry for her.
Quickly whipping out my phone, I typed a message and sent it to her in the hopes that she would answer honestly.
Lyssaaa – Are you alright?
Her answer didn’t come until near the end of second period, in Literature class. I took out my phone subtly and read what it said whilst the teacher had his attention preoccupied on the board.
Leahbear – I’m okay. The gossiping isn’t new to me, and it was bound to come out some time, but I just want it to move on soon.
Relieved that she was alright, I typed a reply as I sympathized.
Lyssaaa – It will. Something will come along and everyone will move on from the fact that Blake is an asshole. Hope nobody forgets that though.
Leahbear – Lmao. I hope nobody does too. I’m just glad I’m done with him.
Lyssaaa – I’m glad you are too.
After I sent that, I realised that message could be taken in a completely different way than I meant, but it’s not like I can un-send it now. I just hoped she didn’t think I was being forward, but admittedly, I was glad for that reason too. Just a smidge.
Another period later, I was released for lunch. Quickly packing my things together, I rushed out to get some food before the good stuff ran out. I walked through the hallway with a quickened pace as a dodged and slipped by students left and right. Being an athlete had its benefits.
As my eyes subconsciously roamed around the moving crowd, I spotted a dirty blonde head through the masses. I don’t know how I found her, but I somehow recognised Leah just from the view of the back of her head. I guess it was memorable?
I sped up my footsteps until I caught up with her. As I got closer, I noticed then the two other girls she was walking with on her left, the unknown girls chatting amiably whilst Leah faced straight ahead. I sidled up to her right and realized then that the girls were Leah's friends that I talked to at the party. Riley and Sasha?
“Hey, Leah,” I spoke up, drawing the attention of her hazel eyes to me, as well as the other two girls unintentionally.
“Oh, hey Lyssa! How are you?” she asked kindly, her gorgeous smile reaching her eyes.
“I’m good. How have you been?” I questioned, concern in my tone.
Her smile dimmed slightly, but she still managed to keep it there. “I’m better than this morning,” she sighed softly.
Nodding slightly, I tried to give her a supporting smile, hoping she understood that I was here for her.
“Who are you? And why do you look familiar?” the blonde girl to Leah's left inquired, a little puzzled with our encounter.
I remembered her presence just then, standing there with the ebony-haired girl at her side, and so I turned my attention to them. “I'm Alyssa. We met at the party the other night..?”
“Oh! I remember now!” she exclaimed excitedly. “We dragged Leah away from you. Sorry about that,” she said sheepishly, scratching her head with mild embarrassment.
“No! It’s fine. I survived, so it’s all good. Sasha, was it?” I guessed unsurely.
“It’s Sara,” she corrected lightly.
“Oof, sorry. And I think I remember, you’re Riley?” I said, directing it to the ebony-haired girl with beautiful tan skin.
“Yes, that’s right. Nice meeting you now that I’m sober this time,” she joked with a dazzling grin.
I returned her smile happily. These girls were pretty nice so far. I wanted to talk to Leah alone for a bit though, so I thought I might as well ask now.
“Leah, I wanted to ask you something.”
She raised her eyebrows at that sentence, but nodded nonetheless and looked to the other two. “You girls go ahead. I’ll catch up.”
The two looked curious but walked ahead without a comment. Leah and I slowed our steps to a leisurely crawl, gravitating to the sides of the hallway instead. Curiosity was now taking over her features. “What is it?”
Suddenly, Ashton's words from last Saturday flitted through my mind. I knew I shouldn’t let my shyness dictate my value, but maybe I could overcome that and not let it stop me from what I want. That was enough to give me the courage to ask my question
Taking a deep breath, I ran my hand through my hair and bit my lower lip before asking. “Remember how I owe you a meal?”
“Yes?”
“Well, how about we go for that meal after school, today for dinner,” I suggested, trying to sound as confident and as casual as I could.
She smiled and teasingly contemplated for a few seconds, placing a finger on her chin before she answered. “Yeah, I’d like that. How could I turn down free food?” Before I could start internally celebrating, she continued. “Although,” she warned, “I have a student council meeting after school, so I can't go straight away.”
Quick on my feet, I thought of a viable plan as we got in line for food. “I have soccer training after school too, so maybe we can meet up after? Although, I have to warn you that training may take a bit longer than your meeting, so you might have to wait a bit. Is that alright?” I asked nervously, hopeful for a positive answer.
“Yeah, I’m okay with that. I’ll meet you near the field. You’re lucky I didn’t bring my car today,” she teased, a smirk stretching her lips.
I grinned widely at that. “Lucky me.”
_________________
The rest of my classes flew by after that as I excitedly imagined how my evening would go, daydreaming happily as I sat in class. Before I knew it, the final bell had rung and released me to a couple of hours of soccer practice.
I got out of class, chatting with a teammate of mine that came from the same class when I heard a beep, I excused myself and took out my phone to see that there was a text from Gia. “Gimme a sec.”
I looked at the words and rolled up eyes at her usual dramatics, even through the phone.
GiaTheQween – ALY!! YOU GOTTA COME TO MY HOUSE AFTER YOUR PRACTISE. I. NEED. HELP.
AlyssaNaeher – Help with what??
GiaTheQween – I NEED HELP WITH MATHS. I DON’T GET IT.
AlyssaNaeher – As much as I want to come and help you, I can’t today. I have plans with Leah
I knew that was going to get a hell of a reaction from her, so instead, I put my phone away and proceeded to change into my gear once I got to the changing room. Only when I finished putting on my cleats, did I check up on my phone again.
GiaTheQween - HOL' UP. YOU WHAT?!?
GiaTheQween – I NEED DETAILS. WHAT YOU GUYS DOING? WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN? WHO ASKED WHO?? WHY AM I ONLY KNOWING THIS NOW?!?
GiaTheQween – GIRL, YOU BETTER ANSWER ME NOW. YOU CANNOT LEAVE ME HERE WAITING IN SUSPENSE!! OR ELSE IMMA COME FIND YOU!!
AlyssaNaeher – CHILL, GIRL!! I’ll answer this later, right now I have practise
GiaTheQween – Fine, fine. Damn, and I don’t have a math tutor :(
Shaking my head at her like always, I put my stuff in my locker and headed out with the girls. Coach was already there setting up and waiting for us. “Girls, go through the warm-ups, then we’ll start with some drills. Get to it!”
Practise went by quickly like it usually did for me. I genuinely enjoyed running around with the ball at my feet and playing with my teammates. They've become good friends of mine, and that's what makes playing soccer even better.
Near the end of practice, we were practising plays and I was getting a little tired by then. Completing the play again successfully, I stopped to put my hands on my hips and took in a long breath. Looking around at the other players, I could see the fatigue in their postures and faces. As I was scanning my eyes over the rest of the field, I spotted a lone figure on the side-lines, sitting a few rows up the bleachers.
Focusing my gaze there, I noticed it was Leah who was currently also looking right at me. I couldn’t help the smile that appeared on my face, sending a wave her way as I turned to her.
She returned it with a grin, squinting her eyes as the slowly setting sun shined her way. I couldn’t help but stop and admire the sight, reminding me so much of the morning I woke up next to her. So peaceful, so calm, so intimate. A beauty shining in front of my eyes.
I only snapped out of it when the coach called my name. “Woods! We’re doing the next play. Get to your position!”
A little annoyed that my dreamy state was broken, I continued on anyway as I jogged to my designated spot. Olivia was standing a few meters away, meant to assist me in the play. She came to my side when she noticed the coach was talking to some of the players still. “Was that Leah Bennett you were waving at in the stands?”
I didn’t know what else to say, so I figured I might as well answer honestly. Clearing my throat, I looked her way to be met by an unreadable expression. “Yeah. We're heading out to eat after practice.”
I might have imagined this, but I thought I saw the corners of her lips twitch down for a second before it returned to indifferent. “Cool. You guys have fun,” she said curtly before going back to her position, just as coach said ‘go’.
Shaking off that weird encounter, I went on with the play. Soon, practice was over and I made my over to Leah, who had stood up and headed down to the front to meet me.
“Hey! Sorry for making you wait,” I apologized sheepishly, jogging to a stop in front of her.
She waved me off as she shouldered her bag higher. “No, it’s fine! I didn’t have to wait long. You ready to go?”
“I still need to take a quick shower and get my stuff, but I’ll be quick. Trust me, you don’t want me around you all sweaty,” I reassured, taking a glance back to see some of the girls looking our way, whispering to each other.
Deciding that they were just curious, I brushed it off.
She laughed at my comment, her eyes crinkling in the corners. “I don’t think I would mind too much, but all right.”
Just then, I felt sweat run down my forehead to the bridge of my nose, so I lifted the neck of my shirt to wipe it off. I thought nothing of it, however, as I dropped the cloth, I caught a glimpse of Leah's eyes looking down in the direction of my exposed tan stomach before quickly glancing back up. She instantly blushed as she realised she was caught staring, clearing her throat to draw the attention elsewhere.
“So, you gonna go change?”
“I don’t know. You seemed to like the view down there. Maybe I should give you another peek...” I don’t know where that confidence came from, but I was starting to like it if it could make her turn pink.
Amusingly, she turned even redder as she rolled her eyes at me, with me chuckling loudly along. She pushed me lightly in the direction of the lockers to hurry me up, a smile settling on her lips. “Come on! I’ll be waiting.”
End of Comfy Closets Chapter 13. Continue reading Chapter 14 or return to Comfy Closets book page.