Crossing Paths

Chapter 16: Good Shot

**Alex's POV**

The morning after I confessed to Kate about Sam, I felt a knot of anxiety tightening in my chest. I knew I had to give her space, but the uncertainty was eating me alive. Jessica, Jordan, and I decided to grab breakfast together, hoping to distract ourselves from the looming day ahead. As we settled into our usual corner of the dining hall, I tried to push my worries aside and enjoy the moment.

"Did you see the way Coach freaked out yesterday when I accidentally kicked the ball into the stands?" Jessica laughed, shaking her head. "I thought he was going to have a heart attack!"

Jordan smirked, taking a sip of her coffee. "Yeah, and then he made you run laps. Classic."

I chuckled, grateful for the distraction. "Hey, at least you didn't trip over your own feet during the warm-up. That was a new low for me."

Jessica grinned, nudging me playfully. "You're just setting new records, Alex."

We laughed, the tension easing slightly as we joked around. But as the conversation lulled, Jordan turned to me, her expression more serious.

"So, Alex," she began cautiously, "how are things with Kate? Did you guys talk more last night?"

I sighed, picking at my food. "Yeah, we talked. Well, I told her about Sam. It was... tough. She was really hurt."

Jessica raised an eyebrow. "Did you explain everything? Like why you didn't tell her Sam was coming out with us?"

I nodded, feeling the guilt wash over me again. "I did, but I don't think she fully understood. It just made everything worse."

Jordan leaned in, her voice gentle but firm. "Look, I get it. You didn't want to upset her, but not telling her made it seem like you had something to hide."

I swallowed hard, knowing she was right. "Yeah, and now she's questioning everything. She asked if a part of me wanted Sam to kiss me. I told her no, but I can't blame her for doubting me."

Jessica reached across the table, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "Just give her time, Alex, and let her know you're committed to making things right."

I nodded, appreciating their support. After breakfast, I sent Kate a message: *"Good morning, Kate. I know you don't want to talk right now, but I just want to say good luck on your game. I'll be here whenever you're ready to talk."* I stared at the screen for a moment before hitting send, hoping it would be a step toward healing.

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**Kate's POV**

On the bus ride to our game against Iowa State, Caitlin and I were watching a movie on my phone, a light-hearted comedy to keep our minds off the day's tension. I couldn't fully focus, though. My thoughts kept drifting back to Alex and our conversation last night. A notification appeared on top of my screen, a message from Alex.

Caitlin noticed my distraction and paused the movie, seeing the same message I saw. "Do you want to talk about it?"

I sighed, pulling my knees to my chest, and told her everything about last night, from Alex's confession to my own mixed feelings. Caitlin listened patiently, her expression thoughtful.

"So, Alex didn't tell you Sam would be there?" she asked, frowning slightly.

"No," I said, feeling a fresh wave of frustration. "And that's what's bothering me the most. She knew how I felt about Sam, and she still didn't tell me."

Caitlin nodded, understanding. "Yeah, I get that. It feels like she was hiding something, even if she wasn't."

"Exactly," I said, glad she understood. "And now, I can't help but wonder if there's more to it. Like, what if a part of her wanted Sam to kiss her?"