Playing For Keeps

8| Chapter 5-Lola

You know what's lying to everyone in your school that you're in a relationship? 

Lying to a sweet grandma who thinks you're actually dating her wonderful grandson.

Next time I come to earth, please don't kill me, Nana Adeyemi

—Lola

''Would you do it?''

''No,'' Tayo says, grabs his bag off the ground, and walks away. I stare at his retreating back wondering whether giving up and telling the truth wouldn't hurt, then I picture Mabel's smug grin and run after him.

''Wait...hold on. Just listen to me,'' I say, panting and drop to my knees. The other guys are still there, their eyes moving from Tayo to me before one of them rolls his eyes, walks to him and drags him back. They exchange a few words, Tayo trys to shrug him off before he throws his hands in the air and comes back.

''Follow me,'' he says, before beginning the trek to where we were.

Even though our first meeting was short by definition, I find Tayo Adeyemi to be the most irritating person I ever had the pleasure of meeting. Then I thought about Richard and change my mind, they were both unbelievable in their ways.

While one comes off as a jerk on and off the ice, the other one is a smooth talker and graceful, attributes I don't want to give him—ever again. During the ride, my brother told me all about him. Though he'd gone to Beaver High, he had long graduated before Tayo had started but he still had connections that told him everything that is happening with the hockey team.

He was crass and a loudmouth, didn't speak to anyone except his hockey teammates and was always buried in something hockey related. Luckily for him, he had good grades otherwise his behavior would have gotten him in academic trouble.

Serious trouble for any Nigerian child.

The only thing I see that bothers me more than I'm willing to admit, is the fact that Tayo has never had a girlfriend. It's no wonder Mabel and everyone were shocked and had their eyes on me like I had stolen the last gelatin.

Tayo's the one standing between me having sweet revenge but there was one tiny caveat. He's not interested in helping me.

''I see we got off on the wrong foot and that's my fault. Sorry for telling everyone we're dating when we're not. If I could I would tell everyone the truth.''

He scoffs. ''You can. Simply send a message and saying that would clear things up.''

This dude's not the brightest tool was he? Obviously I wasn't saying the truth. Why would I tell everyone that I lied?

''Yeah...no. There's no way I'm doing that. I thought I explained why.''

Tayo's scarf hits his face as the wind grows stronger causing me to pull my jacket closer and keep my hands in my pockets.

With September in full swing, it wasn't only autumn that is harping on my vibe, winter is as well. No matter how many winters I had spent in Minnesota, it still made my bones ache and my blood run cold at the thought of bundling up every December.

Even worse, I had to spend my birthday under so many coats and unable to feel my toes. Why couldn't I have been born in June or July.

A summer baby.

''I know you probably have your reason for not dating someone but can't you just...I don't know, keep the ruse for me? I'm not going to stop you from practicing and I'll follow you to your games and all that. All I'm asking is that you keep this for at least four, five months for me.''