The Pitcher's Act

21

OLIVIA

Colby and I completed two play-reading nights without even kissing each other. I secretly hoped he would, but he never came close enough for me to even smell him.

He's acting weird. Distant.

I hate the secrets. The sneaking around. I can't even talk to my friends about it because I don't want them to know. I don't even know why. I want to scream to the world that I'm into him, but I'd be like every girl on this campus. Not original.

We had the Athlete's Ball tonight. I was wearing my rose-gold sequin gown paired with silver heels. Thanks to Sadie, the hair expert, my blonde hair was curled perfectly. My best friends and I looked hot.

My arm is wrapped around Miller's arm loosely as we walk inside the building where the dance is being held. It's full of college students standing there, bored out of their minds. We need alcohol to have fun at any school event.

Miller pulls out a flask as we step inside, "We getting fucked up, or what?"

I laugh, "No whiskey for me tonight, Mills. I am going to try to leave this place in one piece. I'm going to find a glass of wine. Hopefully, they at least allowed that." I squeeze his arm and leave him with our friends to find the bar.

I'm already bored to death. I should have told him I wanted to smoke before we left. At least I could have mellowed the night out.

Getting absolutely hammered tonight sounds like fun, but coach called for an early morning practice tomorrow, so I'll be in bed before midnight. That is, if the night goes the way I want it to. Just calm.

"Liv!" A voice squeals behind me, following the sounds of heels clicking on the floor.

I stop and turn to see Sadie and Crawford heading my way. "Hey, guys," I say. Crawford came and got Sadie before Bella and I left to pick up the guys. "I see you found the perfect tie."

Crawford grins, straightening his tie, "Thanks. My mother actually found it for me at Kohl's. I'm horrible at shopping. I end up coming out with everything except the thing I actually needed."

"You headed to the bar?" I ask, looking around at everyone. I knew most of the guys, but I only recognized a few of the girls here.

Crawford laughs, "Hell yeah, we are. This shit is boring."

"Agreed. I can't believe they forced us to come here to give the school clout," I say as we continue to walk towards the bar.

"Did you come with Miller?" Crawford asks as we reach the bar's line.

I nod, "Yes. He brought an extra large flask of whiskey, so he's already covered for the night."

"Of course. Colby brought something with him, but I have no clue where he went," Sadie says, looking around.

My face heats at the mention of Colby. He's been very professional with me this week. Strictly school, no play. It's honestly weird, but I didn't say anything.

"He brought Sophie," Crawford adds.

Thanks for the information. I love knowing what he's doing. "Who?" I ask, even though I know exactly who she is—the girl he ditched to take me home last weekend.

"Softball girl."

"Ah," I say, approaching the bartender to order my drink. "Pink Moscato, please," I say, handing the bartender my drink ticket. The school gave us each two tickets for free drinks. They only have beer, four different wines, and seltzers it seems. This will do for now. Hopefully, we won't be here long enough that I'll need more than two.