“Mom,” I say appalled. “Seriously, I’d rather not have sex with a sweaty football player.” Let alone four of them.
“I’m just saying.” Mom straightens. “Live your life, Harper. Hiding in the shadows might keep you protected, but it doesn’t let you live.”
“I suppose I could just sleep with the entire football team.” I give her a wicked smile. “You know, make the most of my senior year.”
Mom narrows her eyes on me and she points. “You know everyone needs a goal, but maybe just start with one guy and build up to the football team.”
I laugh, but her words about hiding in the shadows get to me. I’m not in the shadows anymore. I’ve spent years trying to go unnoticed. To escapetheirnotice. Hiding at school. Wearing things that wouldn’t attract attention. It wasn’t a fashion choice so much as a survival technique. Sweatshirts and jeans blend in really well.
But fuck that, I can do whatever I want now.
They’ve noticed me. Every other student knows I belong to them. I can dress however I want. Do whatever I want. I can stand out if I want. Because they put me on the map.
Sure, they want to control what I wear too, but fuck them. I’ve let them control everything about my life for years now.
In a fucked-up way, the horsemen granted me freedom by deciding to own me.
“Hey, Mom, after dinner, do you mind if I go back-to-school shopping? I could use some new clothes.” I give my mom a grin. “You know, to get all the football players to notice me.”
“Onefootball player. Baby steps, Harper. And of course. Just use the credit card.” Mom sorts through the stack of mail that’s come in.
“How about half the team?” Yeah, I don’t have the option to go baby steps.
She raises her eyebrow and gives me a look.
Laughing, I get out my phone and text Kenz.
Me:
Shopping emergency ASAP
Kenz:
I thought the dicks had you tonight?
Me:
Told them Mom grounded me.
Kenz:
LOL Sure.
What time?
Me:
Half hour?
Kenz:
I’ll pick you up
Me:
*thumbs-up emoji*
After our hour-long shopping expedition,Kenz and I pull into my driveway. We got to talk about classes and what I should be wearing. I think she realized I didn’t want to talk about the guys.
