Dean (Face-Off 6)

Once we reach the cafeteria, I grab two cups and hand one to Kat.

“I’m not sure what to say, Dean. After what we did, I feel differently about you. I have no idea how to process everything.”

She slips in front of me to add every brand of fountain soda on tap to her cup.

“Gross,” I say, filling my cup. “Why can’t you choose one brand of soda like a normal person?”

“Because I can never make up my mind.” She turns around, with the cup in her hand, and takes a sip from the straw. “Maybe you would like it. You don’t know until you give it a try.”

“I didn’t know how much I would like you until we gave it a try.”

A blush creeps up her neck and to her cheeks. “Dean,” she whispers as I brush my fingertips along hers and move closer. “We graduate in a few days. It’s too late.”

“We should’ve had this conversation sooner.” I sigh. “Please don’t shut me out. I’m not some random guy you hooked up with at a party.”

“I’ll tell you what,” she says, our mouths only a few inches apart. “If by some miracle we end up in the same city after the NHL Draft, then we can see what happens. I grew up with a dad who traveled from city to city and was never home. I can’t handle the constant disappointment that will come from you never being around.”

“We don’t even know if I’m getting drafted. Do I have a good chance? Yeah, of course, I do. But there’s no guarantee.”

“It’s a definite, Dean. My dad said there’s no way you won’t get picked up. You have a few teams that want you. You could end up anywhere.”

“We still have the summer together,” I point out.

She shakes her head. “No, we don’t. You have to go back home to help your mom, and I have an internship waiting for me.”

She’s right. I already have a job lined up with the plumbing company I work for every summer. Digging ditches in the hot Florida summer sun is no joke. It’s hard fucking work, and it pays very little. But my mom needs the money.

I lead Kat toward the register. On our way, she grabs a bag of Cheetos from the rack and adds them to our order.

“We can still be friends,” I say. “Don’t let a kiss change our friendship. I still need you in my life. You’re my best friend.”

“I need you, too,” she says in a hushed tone. “But now I want you in ways I never did before. I can’t handle seeing you with other women. In that regard, our relationship has changed.”

“Then, I won’t even talk to another woman.” I hand the cashier money, still focused on Kat. “Problem solved.”

A smile turns up the corners of her mouth. “You’re cute.”

“And you’re beautiful. I missed you so much, Kitten. I don’t care if I have to remain celibate for the rest of my life if it means I can have you in my life. We can go back to being friends.”

She leans into my side and nudges me with her elbow. “I missed you. I’m sorry for being a bitch.”

“Don’t worry about it. I forgive you.”

Once inside the game room, we find an open space by the window and lean against the wall. The entire place is buzzing from the latest air hockey tournament. Kat tears open a bag of Cheetos and stuffs a handful into her mouth. She chases it down with her mystery soda.

I shake my head, disgusted. “You have the worst taste in food.”

“I have excellent taste,” she mutters between bites.

“Can I ask you something?”

She stuffs more food into her mouth and nods.

“Are you afraid to be with me because of your brothers?”

She sighs and then turns to me. “You’re an only child. Imagine having four brothers harassing you all the time.”

“I would’ve loved that. It sucked not having anyone to play with as a kid. Your brothers might give you a hard time about things, but they’re just looking out for you.”