“Crosswell won the state championship last year. I can’t let that happen again. That’s why I’ve been practicing so hard.”
It was just a game, but she couldn’t tell him that. Football was Zach’s life. “Barnett’s not going to make a decision based off one game. You’ve proven you’re good.”
“I need to prove that I’m the best. Or at least better than JT. The big Edgewood-Crosswell game is coming up and I absolutely have to beat him.”
She understood his need to win, but not at the expense of hurting himself. Why couldn’t he see that? Passion must blind a person. Maybe it was a good thing she wasn’t passionate about anything. At least she could keep a clear head. “You need to tell Mom and Dad. Or at least your coach.”
“I know my own body.”
Keeley wasn’t going to let it go. Not when his safety was involved. “Tell them, or I will.”
“You’re serious.” A dumbfounded expression. “Okay, I’ll tell them this weekend.”
“And you’re not going to pull pranks on Crosswell again, are you?” He almost got busted last year.
His chin jutted out. “They do stuff to us, too.”
There was no point in arguing. He would do what he wanted to do. “One more thing. Can you give me a ride to the train station tomorrow?”
He perked up. “You’re really going? I thought you’d flake at the last minute.”
“I wanted to,” she admitted. But visiting meant a great deal to her brother, and she could use the tour as a way to see what she liked or didn’t like in colleges.
“I think you’ll be surprised how much you like it. What time do you need to leave?”
“Six. Bright and early.”
After leaving his room, Keeley snatched her clothes out of the dryer and dumped them on her bed. Was she supposed to dress up for this trip? Or were her normal clothes okay? Nicky would know.
Keeley grabbed her phone and called. “I don’t know what to bring. Am I supposed to be fancy and businesslike or casual?”
“Bring a couple outfits. Some nice, like that one blouse you have, and some more casual.”
Keeley rummaged through the pile and found the green blouse. “I’m going to bring your floral skirt, too. How did things go with the college guy?”
Nicky groaned. “I read his text all wrong. He invited everyone from the study group, not just me. I don’t think he’ll ever look at me in that way. At least I get to go to the spa with my mom this weekend.”
“I wish you were coming to Barnett with me. Sure you don’t want to change your plans?”
“Thanks, but getting pampered sounds really good right now. You think Talon will show up?”
No, she didn’t. Not with the way that phone call ended. “I don’t get why he bothered calling.” He’d already decided they weren’t going anywhere.
“He called to mess with your head. You need to forget about him, Keeley. Just move on.”
Nicky was right. Keeley needed to move on. Talon was a stupid summer crush that was distracting her from what was important, and Barnett was the perfect opportunity to think about her future.
The next morning, Keeley slid into her seat on the train. She grabbed her e-reader, excited to start another book.
“Is this seat taken?”
Keeley whipped her head around and saw a squat, burly man standing in front of her. “Sorry,” she said with an apologetic smile. She really didn’t want to spend four hours sitting next to a complete stranger. The man nodded and moved on.
The train jolted forward and started its journey along the coastline. Keeley leaned back in her seat and turned to the first page.
Then her phone vibrated with a text. Her heart jumped when she saw who it was from.
Talon: Excited about Barnett?
She leaned her forehead against the window, a grin spreading across her face.
Is that smile for me?
Her head popped up.
How do you know I’m smiling?
Reflection in the window. Turn around.
All the air in her lungs whooshed out. Heart pounding with anticipation, Keeley slowly rose from her seat. She set her knee on the seat cushion and turned to look at the passenger behind her. “Talon,” she breathed.
He was casually leaning in his seat with his arms crossed over his chest. Keeley couldn’t help noticing how handsome he looked in his blue hoodie and dark jeans. His piercing eyes were trained on her. He cocked his head to the side and smiled.
“Fancy seeing you here, baby doll.”
He was here. He was actually here. She opened her mouth, but the words stuck in her throat.
“I guess I’ve rendered you speechless.” He stretched his body and leaned forward in his seat, resting his arms on his knees. “I seem to have that effect on a lot of girls. Must be my unforgettable charisma.” He sounded like he had when they first texted — self-absorbed and self-obsessed.
She wasn’t in the mood for this. She missed the other Talon. The one she’d thought of as the real Talon. “The only effect you have on me is to my gag reflex.”
Was he smirking or smiling? “I’ve missed this. Life’s been dull without you.”
“So that’s why you’re here? Because I add spice to your life?”
“Someone thinks highly of herself.”
“I don’t know why I ever thought inviting you was a good idea.” Keeley plopped back down in her seat.
“Because of my chiseled body and boyish good looks?” He was hanging over the seat next to her, his arms wrapped around the headrest.
“I’ve seen better,” she responded tartly. It was messed up, but she missed the banter, too. Felt like it made her come alive somehow. Why was it different with him and only him?
“My charming personality and quick wit?”
“Take your seat, Talon.”
“Can’t I sit next to you?” he said, motioning to the jacket she had placed to keep people away.
“I’d rather sit next to a cactus.”
“Did you think I’d forgotten you?” he asked. “Don’t worry. Your number is on my top-ten list of girls to call.”
Her jaw dropped.
“Okay, okay! Top five. But that’s all I’m willing to concede.”
Keeley grabbed her earbuds and plugged them into her phone. She’d rather have Randy than this version of Talon. And geez, wasn’t that comparison fitting. Randy had two personalities — one with his friends, one with her — and apparently so did Talon.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Ignoring you.” She turned up the volume to make it clear she didn’t want to talk, but Talon had other plans. He snatched the phone away and disconnected the earbuds. “Hey!” she cried. She reached out to grab it, but he jammed her phone into the pocket of his jeans. “Give it back!”
“Not until you tell me what’s wrong.”