Things between us have been strained ever since she joined the team. Neither of us will admit it, ignoring the tension, and not talking about the growing tension. She tosses out snide remarks about me not being able to handle having a girl on my team, but it’s not that. It’s the fact that she’s my girl, taking hits and getting roughed up by guys twice her size.
And maybe it’s a little bit of jealousy.
Not that I’d ever tell her that.
She has this natural ability. Raw talent. And she doesn’t want to do anything with it. Lacrosse stops for her after high school. Yet the scouts have been pouring out to see her, trying to convince her to play for their teams.
Ainsley thinks I’ve been mad because she’s outshining me. But she can outshine me all she wants. She’s an incredible player, and should be recognized for it.
It’s not about outshining me. I just don’t want to beoverlooked.
But UCLA is here for me today.
This is my moment.
Ainsley’s eyes narrow as soon as she spots me exiting the locker room. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” I avert my gaze to the field as we make our way over.
“You’re limping. You’re hurt.”
“I’m good,” I lie. “Just nervous.”
She’s quiet, side-eyeing me as we walk. “You’re going to do great today. You’ll get a full ride to California, and then you can leave this place behind.”
I stop and turn to face her. “You know that’s not why I’m leaving.”
It’s not this place I want to leave. It’s him.
“I know.” She slips her arms around my waist and pulls me in for a hug. “I’m sorry I said it like that.”
I grunt as her grip around me tightens. My torso throbs and sweat beads at the back of my neck as a wave of nausea assaults my stomach.
Ainsley pulls back. “Are you okay?”
I nod, swallowing down the bile in my throat. “I think it’s something I ate. I’ll be fine?—”
She rips up my jersey and I jerk back, but not quick enough. “What the hell is that? You’re all wrapped up.”
I adjust my jersey and start walking toward the field. “I said it’s nothing.”
My head spins, tiny little specs blurring my vision. I stumble.
Ainsley grips my forearm. “Landon, what’s going on? You’re scaring me.”
“I just need to get through this game, and then I’ll be good.” I lock eyes with her. “Please, just leave it alone.”
“You can’t even stand up straight.” Her eyes widen and her lips part, and I see the recognition click into place. “He fucking hurt you.”
I smash my knuckles into my palms, cracking them to relieve the tension coiling inside me. “Nothing new.”
“You can’t play like this.”
Anger spikes in my veins. “Yes, I can. And I will.”
“One hit and you’ll be out. You really want the scouts seeing you like this?”
“Just mind your business.” I push my legs to move faster, heading through the gate and onto the field.
