“Yeah, that detective is a scumbag.”
I nod and breathe in deep. I’m doing well dealing with Ella’s loss, but it still hurts to think about.
He swims over and treads water next to me, changing the subject and easing the sadness trying to creep up on me. “What did Cull say about all this? I know he was pretty set on it being Mason, too.”
“I told him about it all during our joint therapy session. He took it better than I thought, and when we talked through it, he couldn’t deny that it has to be someone else.
“That’s good,” he says simply.
Yeah, it is good. Cullen’s progress is already shining through, and I’m proud of the honest effort he is putting into his therapy sessions.
“Alright, I’m getting pruny.” I haul myself out of the pool, water dripping onto the concrete. “I’m ready for another round of 1v1, and this time, I’m going to kick your ass.”
“Dream on motherfucker,” Archer chirps, his smile returning as he climbs out of the pool and races over to the soccer ball. “Loser has to prank call Coach and ask him if his refrigerator is running.”
My laugh bounces off the fence as I chase after him, hot on his heels. “You’re fucking ridiculous, but you’re on!”
I beat him to the ball, feigning left, him falling for my fake. I sprint down the yard toward our makeshift goal, the ball alternating between my feet. I breathe in the humid summer air, letting the oxygen bolster me.
Without warning, I’m being slide tackled from behind, the ball flying out from under my feet. I trip and end up eating dirt.
“Unnecessary, dude,” I complain, though I’m laughing as I get up and swipe at my shorts.
“Couldn’t resist sliding into that ass.”
I whirl around to see Cull smirking at me.
“What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be grounded.” I pull him into a tight hug and give him a quick kiss.
“My parents had mercy on me. They sat me down and said they could see how hard I’m trying with my therapy and gave me one last shot.”
“What happens if you fuck up again?” Archer asks, juggling the ball on his knees.
Cull shivers. “I don’t want to find out.”
Archer snorts. “Fair enough.”
We form a circle and start passing the ball between us, making small talk.
“So, Archer plans on banging half of the Ashbridge freshman class this fall,” I toss out.
“Dude, what the hell?” Archer grumbles, picking up the soccer ball and chucking it at me. He laughs when he gets me square in the gut.
“If you’re going to slut it out, go to the other dude’s room. That way I can have ours to myself to have phone sex with Hud.”
“What?” Archer looks at Cull, confused.
“That was my shitty way of asking if you’d room with me since Hud…”
“Since it’s not looking like I’ll be getting my spot back.” I smile, but it feels thin.
“Hell yeah, man. Matt never got off the wait list, and I was trying to hold out for him.”
Cull nods his head and gets back to passing the ball.
“I mean, I’m not happy that you won’t be there, Hud, but I’d rather room with Cull than some stranger.”
“I’d rather you be there with him, too,” I tell him, kicking the ball his way.
