Fair Game

Chapter 6

"Wow, so you actually let me take you out for ice cream. I thought you were ditching," joked Asher, paying at the counter. We took a seat at one of the tables.

"No way. I would never," I smiled. "Thanks for the cone."

"What's going on here?" a voice asked from behind me. I turned around and saw Dixie standing there with her arms crossed. She was wearing a basic white top with blue overalls. Way more casual than my tank top, plaid cardigan, and white tennis skirt. "Are you... on a date, Asher?"

"Yeah," he answered. Why did she have to show up? Now?

Dixie's mouth fell open, but she quickly recovered. "So you're dating both of us?"

Asher shifted in his seat uncomfortably. "Actually, I'm not dating either of you. I'm just getting to know you guys."

"Well, I always like a bit of competition," Dixie grinned. But I could tell her positive attitude was forced. She gave Asher a half-hug, waved, and left the shop. I shook my head, annoyed.

Asher noticed. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," I said. "It's just... I really don't like Dixie."

"Why not?" he asked, taking a bite of his strawberry ice cream.

I bit my lip. Was I really about to tell Asher one of my secrets? Yes, I guess I was. "Dixie and I used to be on the same esports team, until..."

Asher put down his spoon. "Wait, you play esports?" There was obvious surprise in his voice. But I realized it wasn't the good type of surprise. More like... he didn't want it to be true.

So I lied.

"No, no, I used to play. With Dixie. But then, I stopped, so that's why she's been mad at me ever since," I nodded slowly. "I realized it was dumb to play anything that wasn't real sports, you know?"

"Yeah, I get that. You grew up and she didn't. You made the right choice," he smiled at me. Oh, gosh. He looked so cute.

"Right..."

"So, I was thinking. Do you want to come over and play basketball again? Make another bet?"

I lowered my eyes. "Sure. I'll come by one day."

"Cool."