Saturday brought anxious excitement as the team filed onto the bus for their second CCC Championship game. Riley took her usual seat by the window with Kenny beside her but couldn't stop her mind from wandering to James who sat three rows back. Riley had been so lost in thought that she hadn't heard her room assignment until Kenny repeated it to her.
"Wait, what?" Riley asked when she realized Kenny was talking to her.
"I said that I can't believe you and James have to room together again."
"Me and James?" Riley repeated, confused.
"Yes, Riley! Coach V just said you two are paired up tonight." Kenny explained exasperatedly.
Riley's head was spinning. She wanted to look at James but knew she couldn't. Not knowing what the appropriate response should be, she settled for a meager "Oh."
Kenny rolled her eyes at Riley's bewilderment and said "Just go back to your music. We're gonna be at the rink soon."
If Riley hadn't been one of the best player's nationally, she would have seriously ruined the game for her team. Her disorientation from the bus had continued along with racing thoughts and nervous anticipation regarding her roommate situation for the night. Despite this, her team managed to pull through with another win.
When the giddy celebrations ended and the coaches told everyone to go to their own rooms for bed, Riley walked as if heading to her own execution. Yes, she had imagined this exact scenario hundreds of times. Yes, she wanted James. But she was nervous. It was one thing to have short, fun interactions with your crush. It was another thing entirely to spend the entire night alone with them. She didn't know what James was expecting. She didn't even know how far she wanted to go. Her flirty confidence deflated entirely when faced with true, unrestrained opportunity.
With a shaking breath, Riley pushed open the door to find James sitting on the edge of the bed waiting for her.
YOU ARE READING
Unknown Beginning
General FictionRiley has just started over at a new college and is trying to navigate relationships with her new best friend, Kenny, while integrating to a new disgruntled hockey team. One particular captain seems to hate Riley and she doesn't know why but she's g...
