Page 21 of Love Me Not

Becca tossed an almond into her mouth. “About the same, I assume. All I’ve heard about is his new friend.”

Not the response I expected.

“New friend?” Josie said.

In an uncharacteristic move, Becca rolled her eyes. “He’s the new football coach. They’re in the same department and the two of them have hit it off.”

“Trey Collins,” I said. “Jacob was introducing him around the teachers’ lounge the first week of school.”

Making an astute observation, Josie said, “Neither of you sound all that enthused about the person.”

“I’ve never met him,” Becca said with a shrug, “but I’m tired of hearing his name. Trey played this here. Trey has done that there. Apparently, the school has hired the most interesting man in the world to be their football coach.”

I knew none of this, and also, interesting was not the first word that came to mind at the mention of Coach Collins. Annoying. Arrogant. Built like a tank. All reasonable descriptors. Interesting might have been on the list, but nowhere near my top ten.

“They put his room across from mine and it’s like Grand Central Station. Students—mostly football players—and faculty are always hovering in his doorway for one reason or another. I don’t get it.”

“Wait, Miles mentioned a new guy at the poker game,” Josie said. “Is that him?”

“Yes,” Becca answered. “Jacob takes him everywhere. Says he’s new in town and doesn’t know anyone, so we should help him meet people.” Becca reached for more almonds. “We’re even taking him to the wedding.”

That better be some other wedding on some other weekend that did not involve me. “What?”

“It was Ryan’s idea,” Becca said. “He had a cousin bail at the last minute so the meal is already paid for. I didn’t think the coach would say yes since he’d know almost no one there, but I was wrong.”

This was supposed to be my weekend to relax and not think about school. How was I going to do that when my school nemesis was in attendance?

Nemesis might have been too strong a word, but if he knew that Aiden and Burke came to see me about the club, there was no way he wouldn’t mention it. And then he’d get to say I told you so instead of me. But then I could remind him that joining the play would take them away from the team, and his story would change real quick.

“Lindsey?” Becca said, snapping her fingers in front of my face. “Where did you go, and why are you grinding your teeth like that?”

“I’m fine.”

“Were you having a pretend argument in your head?”

I really needed to find friends who didn’t know me inside and out. “Who would go to a complete stranger’s wedding?”

“He’s played poker with the guys a few times,” Josie said, “So he isn’t a stranger to Ryan.”

“A few card games doesn’t make them close enough to invite the man to his wedding,” I pointed out. “What did Megan say?”

“She agreed that the meal was paid for so someone might as well eat it.” Lowering her voice, Becca said, “Speaking of the bride, here she comes with an empty glass again. We need to slow her down.”

“I’ve got it,” Josie mumbled. The moment Megan reached us with Miriam Webster—her boss from the library and yes, that was her real name—Josie took the empty glass from Megan’s hand. “Let me refill that for you, hon. Miriam, what can I get you?”

“Megan says the mimosas are good.”

“Coming right up.” Josie gave me a wink as she turned to the row of liquor bottles behind us.

“Are we all ready for the big day?” Miriam asked.

“Becca has everything under control.” The glaze over Megan’s eyes said she’d completely checked out.

“Here you are.” Josie handed both Miriam and Megan their drinks. “Don’t forget about all the snacks.”

“Speaking of,” Donna said, stepping up to the group. “Your sister and stepmom would like more canapes. Are there more in the fridge?”

“I’ll take them over,” Megan said. She then promptly turned on her heels and walked away empty-handed.