Writing the Rules: A Fake Dating Standalone by Mariah Dietz

Author:Mariah Dietz [Dietz, Mariah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-04-28T16:00:00+00:00

Paxton

My current high beats any substance-driven high I’ve ever experienced in my entire life. I could feel the difference tonight, my looks were fast and sharp, my movements even faster. It was like I didn’t even have to think tonight, my body acted on instinct, and it paid off. Coach Baker made a point to shake my hand after the game and tell me he was glad to see me back and as much as I wanted to tell him I hadn’t gone anywhere, that I’d been there every day of this season, working my ass off in the gym and during every practice—I knew what he meant. There was a difference in my playing, and I felt it, and so did my teammates and coaches.

I rest my hand against Poppy’s waist. It’s an easy feeling, and for the first time in what feels like months—maybe years—it doesn’t feel like an obligation or like a claim. Poppy isn’t going to intentionally try and make me jealous or scream at another girl who looks at me. I’ve defended Candace for much of the past few years, but this time apart has been eye-opening in so many ways. Things I hadn’t realized or deemed unhealthy or toxic now feel like textbook examples of unhealthy relationships.

“I need to use the restroom,” Poppy says. “I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll go with you. I have a feeling it’s going to get a lot more crowded in here,” Rae says.

Poppy doesn’t object, but I can see that she wants to. I’m sure my sister does as well, but she doesn’t let it stop her from going.

“I’m missing beer tonight,” Lincoln tells me as he peers around at the party. It’s still early, most of the crowd standing around and talking, drinking too fast in an attempt to fast forward the evening since it’s already getting late.

“Hey, Pax.” The all too familiar voice has me turning around, discovering Candace. “You had a really good game tonight.”

I wait for the dig or the punchline, but instead, she gives me a guarded smile. “Could we talk for a minute?”

“Now?”

She shrugs. “If you don’t mind.”

Lincoln gives a single shake of his head.

“I just want to apologize and clear the air,” Candace says.

“It’s so clear, a fucking plane could take off,” Lincoln says.

Candace keeps her gaze on me. “Please. I don’t want things to end the way they have. We’ve known each other for so long.”

I want to assign a time limit or a short list of rules, but this would be callous and demeaning and not the kind of guy I ever want to be. However, after my dad cheated on my mom, I also have no desire for even a whisper of infidelity.

“There’s no bad blood,” I tell her. “I appreciate you coming and talking to me, but you can rest easy in knowing things are cool between us.”

Candace glances at Lincoln, who’s still nearby. He lifts both hands and takes a few steps back, joining the rest of the crew.

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