Secret Crush

Tiffany

    "Girl, you're really about to make this guy a poster," Carrie asks as I looked at different posters. Her ginger curly hair was in a high ponytail as she watched at me.
    "I told him I would, and I don't want to make a liar out of myself," I grabbed the black poster thinking it looked cool.
    "True...so you like him then," Daisy stated. Her hazel eyes shined. I felt myself heat up thinking of Anthony. His smile was something to cherish. I shrugged, trying to play it off.
    "It's a crush, nothing more," I stated. Then two looked at each other, then smirked at me. Carrie crossed her freckled covered arms smirking.
    "Uh-huh, a crush," I nudged her gently.
    "Shut up," I giggled. She grinned.
    "Well you're gonna need a white marker for your crush," She grabbed a white sharpie.
    "Thank you," I replied when she put it in my hand.
    "Now, let's go eat before practice tonight. We have to nail the talent show auditions," she said seriously. I nodded with a smile, walking to check out with her.
                                          000
    I had asked Carrie and Daisy lto come with me to the basketball game, but they totally flaked! What if I needed an emergency abort? I sighed and thanked the campus shuttle driver before I walked off the shuttle holding my poster. I looked at the gym in front of me, seeing a lot of students hanging out around the entrance. I pressed my lips together and walked. Hopefully everything went well today.
        I walked into the gymnasium looking around. A lot of people sat in the stands. Considering it was 5:50, it was understandable. Hopefully I could find a good seat. I felt a bit nervous since I didn't know anybody. Sport games were totally out of my element. I'd much rather be at a musical. However, when  I walked further in and saw Anthony talking to some guy, I felt a bit better. I started walking towards him, my heart racing a bit faster. He was in a green jersey and dark grey basketball shorts, he looked like a total basketball player. I mean, I've seen him in uniform before, but it was different from the picture. Plus this wasn't an official game, the atmosphere was too relaxed.
    Suddenly, Anthony looked past the man and made eye contact with me. I watched his face light up. I laughed softly at that. Maybe I'm worried for nothing.
    "Tiffany!" He cheered happily before he made his way towards me. I blushed brightly hoping that I looked ok. I was wearing my heeled boots, skinny jeans that I knew made my butt look nice, and a graphic shirt, though it was covered by my jacket. My hair was down and bounced as I walked to him. I held the poster close to me as he embraced me.
    Whoa, I thought as I blushed more. I giggled while I hugged him back.
    "Hi," I spoke softly, and tilted my head up to look at him when I pulled back.
    "Hello," He grinned, then his eyebrows came together. "You're tall," I rolled my eyes laughing.
    "I'm wearing heels," He looked down as I turned my foot up backwards.
    "Nice," He said, checking me out. I take in a breath as he looked me in the eyes. "Gorgeous as always," He stated with honesty. I suddenly felt bashful and I tucked my hair behind my ear and looked away, then back at him. He grinned. "I saved you a seat,"
    "Oh! Thank you, I was actually wondering where I should sit," I replied. He held out his hand to me with a smile. I blushed and placed my hand in his, allowing him to lead me though he crowd to my seat. I looked around and saw Mary and Jisoo above where my seat was, which was in the front row. I waved at Jisoo, who simply just stared. She looked confused. Mary simply narrowed her eyes at me. What's their problem?
    "This is my bag, just so you know," Anthony said, letting my hand go when he motioned to the black bag on the floor .
    "I shall guard it sir," I smiled at him. "Oh, this is your poster," I held the poster out to him. He smiled and took it, looking it over. He boyishly grinned at me.
    "Thank you Tif, it's perfect," I blushed more, he was being dramatic. It was just a drawing of a basketball and the words "Let's go Anthony!" With a little heart on it. It wasn't that great. But the way he looked it over again smiling happily made my eyes soften.
    "I'm glad you like it," I replied softly.
    "Hold it high for me," He spoke before a mixed guy with golden skin and curly sandy blonde hair bounced over with Gary.
    "Well, well,well, if it isn't the popstar herself," Curly teased. I smirked.
    "Hi there," I replied wondering what his name was. "What's your name?" I asked curiously. He grinned goofily.
    "I'm Cole," He answered. "I can't believe you actually came."
    "I told y'all she was coming," Anthony put his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close. I giggled softly. "She's gonna be our good luck charm." My jaw dropped.
    "Don't put that on me!" I argued back, they laughed. I couldn't help but to wonder if Anthony was this intimate with Mary as well or just me.
    "If we win, you gotta come to each game little lady," Gary said with a smirk.
    "I'm not little!" I exclaimed. The three men laugh. I pouted slightly while Cole and Gary left, giving Anthony knowing looks. Anthony grinned at me.
    "When the game is over, don't leave ok?" He looked me in the eyes. I was captured under his spell. His eyes were enchanting, drawing me in. I nodded.
    "Ok," I replied softly. He smiled shyly at me, then stood, running to court. I let out a breath and swallowed. I watched Anthony shoot around, and I bit my bottom lip.
    Anthony.
000
    I watch not understanding much, but interested. Anthony and Cole stood on the sidelines watching their team play. They both were sweaty and looked frustrated. I mean, they were winning, so I didn't get what the problem was. The ref blew the whistle again and Anthony groaned and walked to me, sitting by my feet. I look at him wondering if he was allowed to sit here right now.
    "This is stupid," He stated. I blinked confused. "The ref keeps calling fouls on us when we've done nothing wrong and the other team keeps getting the ball because of it," He looked at me. I made a 'oh' face, looking back at the game.
    "Well that's not fair," I stated. Duh Tiffany, I internally slap myself. Then I looked at him. "Well, you guys are still gonna win. Well, if you and Cole back in and bring other tall dudes out. They just hog the ball and miss the shot," I pressed my lips together as he chuckled.
    "You're completely right," He said. "I'll talk to Gary about it," He stood and winked at me. I smiled and ignored the flame of my cheeks as he went back in.
    The rest of the game finished with the two other tall duded out, and though the ref kept whistling, they still won. I cheered happily for Anthony and his team. Anthony walked to me with a smile at my cheers.
    "Congratulations! What do you win?" I asked curiously.
    "One step closer to a $100 gift card," He smirked at me. I gasped.
    "You gotta win," I grinned at him proudly.
    "We should go out," One of the other tall dudes said. Anthony swong his book bag over his shoulder. Go out? I wondered. We all started to walk out of the gym. I followed Anthony closely to not be lost in the sea of height.
    "Can we go eat and not to a club. I don't feel like going to change," Cole said as he patted his stomach with his golden hand. "I'm hungry," He pouted.
    "You're always hungry," Anthony teased, looking at his friend who groaned a "I know!" Gary chuckled.
    "Why don't we go bowling? We're going out, like Sam wants; and we can eat as well," Cole grinned.
    "This is why you're the team captain. You're so smart," Cole said, going to hug Gary, who simply helped him back with an arm. I laughed softly while I watched them when I felt Anthony grab my hand. I turned to look at him.
    "You're coming too right?" He asked gently. I blushed softly, then nodded.
    "It's only 7 o clock," Plus I wanted to spend more time with him. I grinned up at him when his eyes soften looking at me. He took in a breath to say something, but was interrupted by someone jumping on his back. He looked shocked.
    "Hi Tony," Jisoo said while she hugged him close from behind. They know each other? I wondered as he chuckled awkwardly. "Can we come eat too?" She asked as Mary walked up, smirking with her arms crossed. Oh no.
    "I don't care where you go, but you got to get off me," He replied nicely, moving her hands from around him. She giggled and stood by him happily. I watched them curiously, they were comfortable with each other...too comfortable.
    "How many people are coming then?" Gary asked curiously.
    "You, Cole, Tif, Me, Sam, Micheal, Ji and Mary," Anthony named people. Ji? How close were they? I felt my heart drop as I look at Mary who was smirking slightly at me. That's when it hit me: he was in a relationship with my friend for like a semester, then they broke up. Her voice from Pizza Hut came to mind. I looked at Jisoo as she looked up at Anthony with adore. He didn't even notice as he spoke to Gary. Holy shit! My roommate was his ex?! "So if Lisa decides to go, that's nine people. Cool," Anthony smiled.
    "I got my own car if anyone wants to ride with me," Sam said, looking at Jisoo. She made a face as Mary spoke up while I had my mental explosion.
    "I'll be riding with my best friend," She hugged Antony's arm. I suddenly felt like the outcast as I came back to the conversation. Maybe I should go...it would be awkward with me around anyways. I was about to speak up, when Anthony spoke.
    "You don't want to ride with Sam? You both could," He looked at Jisoo and Mary. They both looked shocked at his request. "Or even Cole," Cole looked up from his phone at this. He looked comical.
    "I don't know Sam and I don't know how Cole drives. I'd prefer to ride with you. Stop trying to push us off on nigga's we don't know," Mary crossed her arm glaring at him. Anthony sighed heavily.
    "To be fair, I have a better driving score than your "best friend"," Cole used air quotes. "Statically speaking, you're safer with me, than him. But it's whatever," Cole said. Mary rolled her eyes.
    "Whatever, I want to ride with Anthony," She said.
    "Ok, well, Tiffany is sitting in the front," Anthony put his arm over my shoulder. I looked up at him, then at the other two girls. Jisoo stared in disbelief at Mary glared at me. Oh damn. Then she smirked devilishly at us.
    "Oh, ok Brown, I see," She spoke. "You're just trying to get some pussy tonight," I felt my jaw drop and my whole body heat up. What was her issue? I looked around feeling embarrassed.
    "Mary that's out of line," Anthony glared at her, using a tone I never heard him use before. Everyone got quiet staring back and forth from Mary to Anthony.
    "Well you're always acting some sort of way when she's around. What, y'all fucking or something?" She asked.
    "No!" We say at the same time, much like when we were trying to eat dinner together. I had enough of her.
    "Mary, you need to relax. We're just trying to go out and have a good time, but you're making a huge scene over nothing. It's a seat, it's a car," I spoke, swallowing my nerves as she glared at me.
    "Girl, nobody was talking to you," She spoke.
    "Well when you start making assumptions about what I do with my body, you start talking to me," I stated. "You're the one acting like y'all are messing around when you're not. It's his car, you already bursted into his dorm whenever you please, at least give him a space where he's allowed to choose. You're being too intense for this situation," I crossed my arm. Mary huffed at that, then looked at Jisoo who was staring at me with shock.
    "Whatever, I'm not going anymore," Mary turned walking away. Jisoo looked at her, then waved at Anthony before following Mary quickly. I let out a breath when suddenly Cole was squeezing my shoulders.
    "The real MVP!" He said, I squeaked and moved away laughing. Gary smirked at me as Anthony just looked relieved. "Anthony doesn't know how to put his foot down. The dude is too nice. I'm glad someone told her to relax," Cole grinned at me. I laughed softly, then looked at Anthony who looked sheepish.
    "I'm sorry," He said knowing his weakness. I shook my head at him, though it did make me wonder if he was just being nice to me. "So, the bowling alley?" He asked and we all agreed.
000
    In the car, I couldn't help but to think of Jisoo. She was probably the ex Mary spoke of. I wasn't 100% positive, but my gut told me it was true. Regardless, things were going to be awkward simply because she's Mary's friend. I sighed heavily.
    "Welp," I mumbled. I guess it can't be helped.
    "What's up?" He asked. I looked at him. He was driving with one hand.
    "It's just, things are probably going to be awkward now in my room," I replied.
    "Oh? Why?" He asked. I looked at him, then remembered he didn't know my roommates.
    "Jisoo is my roommate," He looked at me shocked, then back at the road. He pressed his lips together. "You and Jisoo used to date?" I asked.
    "Yeah...It was sophmore year though. We broke up that Christmas break, but like fooled around that spring semester as well," He explained. I look away feeling slightly envious of her.
    "It's ok Anthony, you're single. You don't have to explain yourself to me," I played with one of my twists.
    "Yeah, but I'd rather tell you the truth, than having you think I still like her. I don't. Not romantically anyways, and you know I don't like Mary either," I nodded, then turn to him. I looked at him curiously. He always made an effort to make sure there was no confusion on who he liked and who he didn't. It brought me back to when we went to Power. He said he'd make an effort to talk to the girl he liked everyday, to spend time with her...my heart skipped a beat as he looked at me. I blushed brightly.
    "Well do you have a crush on anyone?" I asked. He looked shocked at the question, then looked at the road shyly.
    "I do," The statement was powerful. I looked away, my heart beating quickly. Did I want him to have a crush on me? The answer was a no brainer, I did. He was an amazing guy, and I had a crush on him. But what would that mean? I didn't want a boyfriend before, do I want a boyfriend right now? I swallowed, I could also be over reacting, and he likes a whole different girl. So I decided to keep questioning him.
    "Well, why not invite her to the game?" I asked. He chuckled softly.
    "I did,"
    "Did she show up?" I asked as we stopped at a stop light. He looked at me gently smiling. He nodded.
    "Yup, it made me happy," He admits. My cheeks flamed up.
    "Well, why didn't you talk to her? She should have come to eat," He grinned.
    "I am, and she is. She's you," I took in a breath at the raw emotions in his eyes. "Tif, I have a crush on you." It felt like someone just set me on fire. It was so hot in the car suddenly! I was nervous and ecstatic all at the same time. I stared at him with wide eyes,in shock. A guy had never just bluntly said he had a crush on me first before. Normally I was the one to show interest first. But here we have Anthony: sweet, lovable, adoring Anthony.
    "Are you sure?" I asked lamley. He grinned at me, then laughed, covering his mouth slightly with one hand, as if trying to hide his laugh. He started driving again as he replied.
    "Yes, I'm pretty sure," He looked at me slightly, then back at the road. I got quiet. Should I tell him I like him back? What he wants me to be his girlfriend right away. What if he just wanted sex? What if he wanted to kiss? Well, I wouldn't mind a kiss or two. I blushed at that thought, as if my face wasn't red enough. "You don't have to have a crush on me too Tif," He spoke gently. I looked back at him. He was smiling softly as he drove. "I just want to be honest with you, and not pretend like I don't have feelings for you. I care about you a lot," His tone was so gentle and understanding. My worries were put to ease with his words. I smiled softly, and poked his arm gently.
    "I care a lot for you too Anthony," He looked at me with his gorgeous grin.
    "That's good enough for me," He replied happily, a soft laugh making his way through his throat. I bit my bottom lip, suddenly feeling giddy. I giggled happily.
    "A guy has never admitted to liking me first before,"
    "Really?" He asked with a chuckled.
    "Yeah, normally I like someone first, or they don't like me back. But this time it is mutual."
    "So you like me as much as I like you then?" He asked, hope laced in his voice. I looked at my hands feeling butterflies.
    "Well, I'm pretty sure. I like spending time with you, I like texting you, I miss you when you're not around," I blushed noticing his smile broadening. "You're so cheerful now,"
    "Because, I've had a crush on you for a while now, and you actually like me back. I'm just on cloud nine right now," He pulled into the bowling alley parking lot. I grinned at him as he parks. He looked at me, and sighed softly, still smiling. "Ready to eat?" He asked. I nodded, and waited for him to come around and open the door for me, as usual. I slipped out and looked up at the tall male. I poked his stomach.
    "Good, you're not sweaty anymore," I spoke, then wrapped my arms around him. He held me close, resting his head on top of my head. I closed my eyes, enjoying the moment of his warm and safe embrace. He was simply amazing, and I was happy we both had feelings for each others.
    "Aye! Y'all ready to lose?" Sam yelled. We pulled away from each other and looked back at him. Cole smirked at us, giving us a knowing look. I blushed as Anthony put his arm over my shoulder to lead us toward the group.
    "Don't you still use the rails?" Anthony questioned teasingly, holding a finger up lazily towards Sam. We laughed as Sam pouted while we walk in together. The bowling alley wasn't really full since it was a Tuesday night, but a couple people were there enjoying the sport, filling the building with the sound of pins falling.
    "Can we eat first?" Cole asked. I giggled softly.
    "He needs to be fed," I commented. Cole nodded eagerly as we found a lane we wanted to use.
    "Come on you baby," Gary said with a chuckle. Sam and Micheal decided to stay back and watch our lanes, while Anthony, Gary, Cole and I went to order food.
    "What are you going to get?" Anthony asked standing next to me.
    "A chili dog, what about you?" I asked looking at him. He moved his lips to the side as he thought.
    "The grilled chicken salad," He decided. I made a face.
    "A salad from a bowling alley...and a grilled chicken one at that...are you sure?," He laughed.
    "Yup," He put his arm around my shoulder again bringing my face to a flame. I wondered if he was just touchy, or if he wanted something sexual from me. Either way, I was happy at this moment. I was with the guy I liked. He liked me back, and wasn't afraid to show me affection in front of his friends. I wanted to remember this moment forever so I took out my phone.
    "Want to take a picture?" I asked shyly looking up at him. His eyes danced as he grinned.
    "Yeah," He agreed. I smiled softly, then held my phone up, while Anthony leaned down. I felt butterflies in my stomach as our cheeks touched slightly because of how close we were.
    "Cheese!" He said goofily. I giggled while taking pictures of us. When it was our turn to order, we stood normal, but I continued to blush, still feeling his cheek on mine.
000
    "Send me those pictures please," Anthony said as we sat next to each other eating. I nodded sipping my sweet tea. We were finally playing the game, but we did so while eating. Cole was up next.
    "Damn it!" He said when the ball only hit one pin.
    "It's ok man," Anthony said with a chuckle when he sat back down. He ate his fry.
    "This is why I'm a baller not a bowler...is that what they are called?"
    "Is bowling even a real sport?" Sam asked.
    "Don't like the bowlers hear you say that," I replied.
    "Yeah Mr. Rails," Cole teased. I giggled as we watched Sam sigh heavily. "So Tif, how's Carrie?" Cole suddenly asked. I looked at him, slightly shocked.
    "Uh, she's good. I have a lab with her," I replied. He nodded softly.
    "Cool. Does she have a boyfriend or anything?" He looked away slightly, pulling one of his sandy blonde curls, his hazel eyes following the hair.
    "No," I dragged out.
    "What interesting information," Cole decided. Anthony chuckled softly finishing his salad. I smiled softly at Cole. Did he like Carry? That was interesting information.
    "Want me to throw your plate away?" Anthony asked me since I finished my hot dog.
    "Sure," I agreed, then watched him leave thinking of what if Cole, Carrie, Anthony and I went on a double date. I smiled softly, turning to look at Anthony slightly when he sat back down. I think that would be a fun idea.