Books, Boys, and BFF's: Sophomore Year

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"You know, I don't understand how you can be as smart as you are and waste it playing basketball," Sky mindlessly thumbs through her textbook. "Why aren't you on the school's academic team?"

"Because I'd rather play ball instead of whose brain is bigger with a bunch of nerds," I roll my eyes. "What's yourexcuse? Why do you need a tutor? Aren't white people supposed to be smart?"

"That's reverse racism, Sid."

Reeling back, I look at her like she's crazy, "What?"

"Black people get all up in arms when other people stereotype them, and now you're stereotyping me."

"I'm gonna pray for you," I laugh. "Most stereotypes about black people are negative and not meant to be a compliment, Sky. That's why we get all up in arms. If it were something positive like being smart enough to not need a tutor, we wouldn't care."

"Still, it's hypocritical."

"So is not dating me because I'm not black." Quincy chimes in.

"Here we go." I sigh.

"White boys need love too," he winks at me. "Brothers aren't the only ones who like chocolate."

Grimacing and shaking my head, I tell him, "I'm not even going to point out all the things wrong with those two statements, and why nothing like that should ever leave your mouth again."

Quincy and I both laugh. He shoos Sky away, taking my textbook out of my hand and sits it on the coffee table. Just when I thought he would finally let things go, he turns up the charm, and tries even harder. A smile forms on my face and I look away. Quincy is growing on me and I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing.

"Come on Sid, go out with me," he presses me. "You never know, I might surprise you."

"I have no doubt you are FULL of surprises," I smirk. "I'm just not sure we're a good fit. I mean I'm this super cool basketball player who tutors for extra credit, and you're just this corny basketball player with moderately attractive good looks."

Quincy laughs. "Ha-ha. You're hilarious," he shakes his head. "I'm serious, Sid."

"Drew would make your life a living hell."

"He already does. It's no secret I like you."

"Why not let it go then?"

"I guess I'm a glutton for punishment." He aims his delicious smile at me.

His smile rivals Drew's in the sexy department. I can't go out with Quincy. I'd feel weird about it. I reach over to grab my book and he moves it further away.

"Seriously Quincy, I should be tutoring your sister, not talking to you."

"What are you afraid of?" His eyes invade my personal space. "You afraid you're gonna fall for me?"

"Oh please," I scoff. "I'm more worried about you falling for me. I wouldn't want to break your heart."

"I wouldn't mind." His eyes burrow into mine.

I'm suddenly aware of how close Quincy and I are sitting to one another and quickly back away. Sky comes back inthe room, thank God, and he backs off.

"Will you please go out with Quincy and put him out of his misery?" Sky begs.

I look over at Quincy who gives me the sexiest set of puppy dog eyes I've ever seen. I can't with him... I just can't. I shake my head no, but now Sky isn't taking no for an answer.