Between You and Me (A college hockey romance)

Twelve

Lennon

The new hardcover, special edition of my favorite romantasy book lays in front of me. The beautiful golden sprayed edges could make me cry. I almost don't want to touch it. I open the cover, seeing the beautfiul painted portrait of Melody and Rai, the two main characters. Her long, purple hair flows around Rai and continues onto the next page. A quote about letting love in is printed as the dedication.

It might be the most beautiful edition of all editions I've ever seen, let alone owned. It's getting a centre spot in my library that I am trying to intergrate into our apartment. So far, I haven't been very successful because Arden and Jade don't care about books and would prefer if they didn't take up all space in our living room. 

"What are you reading this week?". Greyson's voice breaks my spell and brings me back to the diner. I groan and put my forehead down on the table. Why is he hellbent on ruining my peaceful reading time?

I lift my head, giving Greyson a mock-exasperated look, trying to convey my annoyance. "I'm in the middle of something" I tell him, waving my hand over the book as if it is a precious artifact. To me, it might actually be just that.

I haven't seen him since I slept in his room three days ago. From what I heard from Owen, they've been busy finishing up pre-season and getting ready for the first game. I almost forgot he existed. Emphasis on almost. Because for some reason, Greyson is very hard to forget.

"Every time I come here you're so entranced. I would've thought you'd except me to be here by now, but nope". He overexagerates the 'P', making a popping-sound.

I meet his eyes. He's wearing a black t-shirt with a small, yellow Oakwood logo above his heart, and a green cap. I've realized he doesn't wear anything other than Oakwood clothes. He's literally a walking commercial for this school. His hair is messy, like it's just been washed and dried, and he hasn't put anything in it yet. He looks frustratingly good even when he's not trying.

"So, I just want to know what gets you so entranced".

I sigh. It feels like we've already been here. That this is a moment replaying that has happened before and I don't like it. It doesn't go with my strict schedule, and with my dad arriving in two days and school starting next week I can't afford to not stick to my schedule.

"You don't want to know" I tell him, reluctantly shutting my book, making the gold edges glint in the light. I have to fight the urge to turn it over and over, just so I can see it again. 

"I do want to know".

I search his face for a hint that he's lying but I can't find it. "Why?" I hesitate.

"Because you're so engrossed in those books every time, you're here you block out anything that happens around you". Greyson sits up straighter, putting his arms on the table. "Last week, Arlo dropped two plates just on that table over there and you didn't even flinch. Two weeks ago, there were a mommy-meet-up with the loudest group of babies I've ever fucking heard, and your eyes never left your book. If they can keep your attention like that, they must be good".

He sits back in the stall. "So, tell me about this book".

"It's just.... this edition is perfect" I explain, trying to convey accurately how I feel about it without sounding like a psycho. "It's my favorite book and they've made a special edition and it's the most beautiful masterpiece I've ever laid my eyes on".

"Except me of course" Greyson chuckles and I roll my eyes.

"You're not on that list - at all". It comes out harser than I inteded but he just laughs. 

"You really feel all that about a book?".

I bristle, feeling a familiar defensiveness rise up. "This isn't just a book, Greyson. It's a sweeping, epic fantasy world with very complex characters and a love story that would leave you breathless".

Once I've started, I can't stop.

I pause, taking a deep breath as I gather my thoughts. "You see, Melody and Rai's story develops as they fight for the opposite teams. Rai's overcome by the power of darkness and Melody has to help him find the light. And it's about a beautiful yet heartbreaking sacrifice that needs to happen for two lives to intertwine" My voice trails off as I realize I've gotten carried away.

Greyson looks at me, a mixture of amusement and curiosity on his face. "I knew you were into books, Lennon, but this is a whole other level". There's a hint of teasing in his voice.

Then he breaks into a devastating grin and a feeling of warmth spreads in my chest.

"I know. It's kind of my life" I match his grin. "It's a magical way of life and I won't apologize for loving it. I'm sure you can relate with hockey".

Arlo's seem to fade into the background as Greyson and I lock eyes, a silent understanding passing between us. I know being the it-man in a college world sport can't be easy, despite how much he tries to make it seem otherwise. For a moment, I swear I can see a flicker of emotion in his eyes, but he breaks eye-contact, pushing whatever spell away. 

He clears his throat, ignoring my comment. "I have to go to practice. And you have fourteen minutes left of reading time before you have to go, so I'll let you get back to it".

Greyson stands up, smiling at me. "But hey, maybe I'll borrow that book one day. See what the fuss is all about".

"Careful, Greyson. You might find yourself become addicted".

His eyes flick down to my lips, for just a second, before finding my eyes again. "I think I already am".

He walks away, leaving me with a raising heart and a thousand more questions, for the third time at Arlo's.