Weak Side (Bexley U)

by S.J. Sylvis

“Not busy on Thursdays, I see.” Claire began stacking cups off to the side. “Not really, but tomorrow night we will be. Everyone seems to come here after the game, before they hit the parties.” “You work tomorrow night?” I asked. Claire shook her head, and I watched her closely. She looked both relieved and deterred by that. “So…” I leaned in close so she was forced to peer up at me. Her cheeks turned pink when I smirked. “That means you’re coming to the game, then?” Her laugh was abrupt. “No.” I slapped the top of the bar and pulled myself away from her space. “Come on, Bryant. What else are you gonna be doing if you’re not working? You’ve been nonexistent this week. I live with you and haven’t seen you.” Was this my attempt to dig and figure out what was going on with her and Chad? Yes. Was it a poor attempt? Also, yes. Claire’s shoulders fell. “I’ll be catching up on homework, and I’ll probably head to the auditorium and practice.” I felt the skepticism in my expression before I allowed it to come out in my voice. “How often do you need to practice? You’re already there by the time I wake up to run.” I thought I was obsessed with being the best, but damn. Claire paused as she tucked a stray hair behind her ear. “How do you know that?” I stilled but recovered quickly. “Because I run past and see your car there every morning.” She didn’t need to know that running past the auditorium was not my usual route, but deep down, I knew it. So what? I wanted to check on her. T...