He sat.
That drew attention. A ripple spread through the room—interest turning into focus. I didn’t let just anyone sit at my table.
“You mouthed off during drills.” I took a sip of the drink Madison placed in front of me, along with a tray. “Coach doesn’t put up with shit like that.”
“He was wrong,” Ethan snapped. Then he caught himself and lowered his voice. “I mean—he overreacted.”
“But you did it in front of the team. That was stupid.” I eyed him with disdain.
I’d never be that big of a dumbass. That’s why I ruled this school, and he didn’t.
Ethan exhaled, frustrated. “So, you won’t help me?”
“I didn’t say that,” I smiled, showing all my teeth. “Give me a reason.”
Lila watched him like a cat watches a bird.
“I’ll do whatever,” Ethan said quickly. “But I need to be back on the team.”
He demonstrated his lack of intelligence with such an open-ended promise. The fool didn’t realize I would’ve done it for free. I wanted that weekend away from Ben so badly that I was willing to do almost anything.
I considered him. “You’ll apologize. Publicly. At practice.”
His jaw tightened. “That’ll make me look weak.”
Hewasweak.
“No,” I smiled. “It’ll give Coach a way out.”
Silence stretched, but I knew he’d do it. Friday night football in Ashford, Texas, wasn’t just a game. It was life, at least, to sheep like him.
“And,” I continued, “you’ll stop running your mouth about tests you didn’t study for.”
Ethan blinked, trying to look innocent. “What?”
“Bio,” I said lightly. “You’ve been a naughty boy, haven’t you?”
Color crept up his neck. “I didn’t?—”
“You did,” I winked. “But you’ll do what I tell you to fix it… won’t you?”
He stared at me in fear. Now the imbecile was getting it.
“Deal?” I picked up a fry from my plate and took a bite.
Ethan nodded reluctantly. “Deal.”
I smiled, and he flinched. “You’ll be back in the game Friday.”
He stood, relief and fear tangling across his face. “Thanks.”
I didn’t respond.
He walked away, shoulders squared, pretending he hadn’t just bent the knee in front of half the cafeteria. But it was too late for that; everyone had seen it.
Madison looked at me with adoration. “God, that washot. It almost made me want to switch teams.”
Brooke laughed. Lila didn’t.
