Thea

The girls and I walk into the basketball arena and people are pumped full of energy. You can tell by the volume in here that there's going to be a lot of yelling throughout the game. Even though I'm a little bummed to be missing a majority of the game, I am grateful that this wasn't an away game and our opponents had to come here instead of us traveling down South.

I dressed up really nicely so that I would look good for when I see Zach later. Only sad factor is that I will be covered up in a winter jacket when Stella and I go to see the lacrosse game so I can only really enjoy my outfit in here since it's nice and toasty enough for me to take off my jacket but not too hot for the actual players.

My hair is curled in loose waves and I'm wearing jeans with a cute pair of black boots and a gray pull over sweater. My makeup is done, courtesy of Kari and I feel good. Confident. Beautiful. The five of us including Josh; Kari's boyfriend, take our seats and chat while we see people running around and preparing for the game.

I take a quick glance at my phone to see that it's already 6:55. The game should be starting in five minutes but I don't see the opposing team yet? Where are they?

Just as I'm about to ask the girls if they know what's up with that, we hear an announcement in the arena.

"Ladies and gentleman, thank you for coming to today's game. Unfortunately, our Georgia players are running late due to unforeseen reasons so we will be starting tonight's game late. Sit back or grab some food from the concessions during this delay!"

Shit, I hope they're not running too late. I was planning on leaving at 7:30 and that's including any pauses in the game such as time outs, fouls, etc.

By the time 7:20 hits, we finally see all the players come out to warm up. By the time they're done with this, I'll have to leave. The excitement I'm feeling at seeing Zach is somewhat dimming from my guilt that I'll be missing this entire game.

It's okay, Thea. It's just one game.

"Too bad we'll be missing the entire game." Stella says as if she was reading my mind

"You can stay here if you want. I think I'll be okay on my own." I tell her

"No way, T. I want to go with you so you don't feel as nervous but also for safety reasons. We don't know these guys too well."

"I've met up with Zach twice but it was pretty brief. He's really great."

Her face softens "I know girl, but I don't know his friends or who else will be in the stands so I'd rather you have a buddy just in case."

"You're the best Stella. I appreciate you so much."

"Of course, I love you bitch! We should head out now."

We both stand to slip our coats on and say bye to Sisi, Kari and Josh.

"Have fun and be safe guys!" Sienna tells us with a hug

"And tell us how it goes tonight!" Kari says

Josh gives us a quick nod as we wave to him and he slips his arm over Kari's shoulder.

As we both turn around towards the exit, I make eye contact with Will. He looks disappointed that we couldn't even watch some of his game.

I'm sorry, I'll make it up to you. Good luck I mouth to him.

It's fine, he responds but it doesn't reach his eyes.

And at that Stella and I quickly slip out of the arena to head over to Casey's Stadium.

***

Will

My heart drops when I see her exit the arena. I've grown so use to knowing that she's somewhere in the crowd but seeing her leave for our second most important game makes my chest squeeze in a weird way.

She replaces my family; other than Alana of course, who has been supporting me at my games and it was nice to have that. It also doesn't help that I'm not sure how to feel about her talking to one of those lacrosse douchebags.

Gossip between the sports teams around campus travels fast and from what I heard, there was a bet last year on the team on who could sleep with the most girls and that's the last thing I want for Thea. She deserves someone who will treat and adore her like the best person she is, not use her as a number. Unless she isn't looking for anything else?

When Quinn brought up asking her out all those months ago, it bothered me somewhat but he never actually went through with it.

I take a deep breath and shake my head forcing my thoughts to get back into the game tonight. We will win tonight. I can't lose sight of that. Winning NCAA's basketball as a freshman would be insane. I've worked so hard since I played my very first basketball game and my ultimate goal is the pros. Winning and scoring a shit ton would catch some important eyes.

I hear the buzzer go off, ending our warm ups. I take a deep breath in and out. Game on.

***

Thea

I squeal in excitement as I see Zach score a goal, changing the score board to 4-3 with us in the lead. I've seen a few lacrosse games in high school but they were all women's games so it was less physical than what I'm currently watching.

However, oddly enough, the game is very similar to basketball in a way. At least the layout of the game is. Score, defend the goal, get the ball, etc. The very obvious differences are that there is no goalie in basketball and lacrosse sticks are obviously used to score goals.

Look at me, becoming a sport watcher. Who would've thought.

"Wow, he's scored the last two goals. He must be really good!" Stella exclaims next to me

"Yeah, it's really hot." I comment with a cheesy grin on my face

The game finally ends 7-5 with us winning and I see the guys smack each other on the back or helmet. I see Zach pull off his gloves and helmet, looking over to the stands to me and Stella and wave. We both wave back while he yells for us to meet him outside the locker rooms

"God, I can totally see why you're into him. I didn't catch a good look of him last week but he's sexy."

"I know, he oozes cockiness but not in an asshole way if that makes sense?"

"Nope, I can definitely see what you mean."

While Stella and I chat right outside the locker rooms, I feel a huge arm being thrown around my shoulders. The scent of lemon and after shave assault my senses.

"Hey, Thea. Thanks for coming to support tonight." Zach says with a smile

"I told you that I wouldn't miss it." I say a little breathless from nerves

"Who's your friend here?"

"Hi, I'm Stella. Thea's roommate. Nice to meet you." She says while holding her hand out for him to shake

"Nice to meet you too Stella, I'm Zach. My friend Chase will be out in a bit so we can both take you ladies out after this win."

Zach and Chase take us to the lacrosse house for the after party. Stella cozies up to Chase very quickly while Zach and I are in our own corner of the bustling living room.

He leans into my space while curling some loose hair around my ear "I'm so happy you came to hangout tonight. I really like you Thea."

I giggle, the few drinks I had easing my nerves "We've only known each other for a week. How do you know that you like me already?"

My jacket was left in his car and the sleeves of my sweater have been rolled up to help with the suffocating heat in the room.

Zach reaches out to smooth his thumb over the tattoo on my forearm, making my pulse flutter.

"I know that you're hardworking and one of the nicest people I've met. You're kind of shy but it's fucking adorable."

"Hmm, I guess those are valid reasons." I say with a cheeky smile

He moves his hand to my cheek, his thumb playing with my jawline as he leans down.

Oh my god, he's gonna kiss me!

I lean up and meet his lips in the middle. Our lips softly getting acquainted with each other. A thrill runs down my spine. I'm kissing someone who likes me. It feels nice to be wanted and appreciated by the opposite gender.

My hands move up to his chest above the white tshirt that he wears, showcasing his lean muscular arms.

And through all of this, I miss all the calls and messages on my phone coming from Will, Kari and Sienna.