Absolutely Not in Love (Sweater Weather, #7; Appies, #2)

by Jenny Proctor

Mom pulls out her cell phone. “Here. I want to show you something.” She scrolls through a few screens, then holds it up so I can see a text exchange she had with my father. Emily Game is over, and the Appies won in front of a sold-out crowd. So proud of Felix. Derrick How did Felix play? Emily He was perfect. Total shutout. Derrick Good. I’m not sure what Dad means by good. If it hadn’t been a shutout, would he have said something like better luck next time or that’s too bad? But the hope in Mom’s eyes says she wants this to make me happy. And it is nice that Dad asked. “That’s great, Mom. Really great.” “I promise he cares, Felix. He’s proud of you.” I force a smile. “I know. I’m glad you were here tonight, Mom.” Beside me, another teammate, Ryan, greets his girlfriend, who practically bowls him over when she launches herself into his arms. Ryan barely got any playing time, but she’s still here, kissing him like he just scored the final goal for a Stanley Cup win. Mom follows my gaze. “I thought that neighbor of yours might come to watch you play.” If only. Even if Gracie does, eventually, agree to go out with me, I doubt she’ll ever come to a hockey game, which, considering my present mood, has me reconsidering my newfound crush. Will it matter if the person I’m with isn’t here to support me at my games? Any other day, I might have said no, but watching Ryan with his girlfriend and Logan, earlier, when he was looking at Parker, it’s hard not to want what they have. I kno...