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Take a picture, bitch.
Xavier’s eyes lock with mine, his aqua irises charged with frustration, regret, fear.
“Shit, I have to go.”
“Go kill it.” I muster a weak smile.
I let out a small gasp when Xav takes my head into his hands and plants a kiss on my forehead. No hesitation. He just did that, in front of everyone, knowing damn well they were staring.
“This isn’t over,” Xav promises.
I nod, but inside, I’m thinking…
Yes, it is.
I watch as Xavier walks away from me and go join Dia in the crowd. She smiles when she sees me, but her joy fades as soon as she notices the water pooling in my eyes.
She has the good sense of not asking me about it, linking our arms together for emotional support. The speech kicks off with the guys’ coach thanking everyone for being here and kissing Finn’s father’s ass for hosting the thing.
Coach Diaz rambles on about his career and what drove him to Easton and coaching the Stallions for twenty minutes straight before cutting to the point.
“Anyway, enough about me. I think it’s time we acknowledge our brightest star, don’t you?”
There isn’t a single person in the backyard that doesn’t clap.
Probably because they’re glad he’s done.
“I know we do this every year, but, let me tell you, this part never gets old.” Coach Diaz grabs something on the table set up behind him and lifts a cheap looking, golden plaque in the air for the crowd to admire. “Many of our guys played well this season, but one player in particular carried us to victory.”
Finn and Theo swat Xavier in the shoulder like two hyped-up kids, and I suppress a smile. Can’t believe I’m about to say this, but… I’m going to miss these idiots.
“He was outstanding on the court, never missed practice… Well, except one, but nobody’s perfect, eh?” Coach Diaz teases, and people’s laughter blends as one.
I know exactly who he’s referring to when I remember Xav’s surprise visit at my house to bring me my “homework.” You’ve got to appreciate the irony of him bringing me an earth-shattering orgasm instead.
Coach Diaz pauses for suspense and laughs a wheezy laugh. “Who am I kidding? Xavier Emery, get up here, son.”
The crowd breaks into cheers.
And my heart breaksperiod.
Xavier rises off his seat, making his way over to the stage. Coach Diaz shakes his hand in a congratulatory way, pats him on the shoulder, and hands him the Player of the Season plaque.
“Hold on.” Xav adjusts the mic to his height, seeing as Coach Diaz is much shorter than him, and the crowd snickers. “Man… I don’t even know what to say.”
Finn curls his hands around his mouth like a megaphone. “Try thank you!”
Parents, teachers, and athletes laugh again.
“That would be a good place to start, wouldn’t it?” Xav grins, and I hate that even his smile hurts now. I hate that I can’t stand seeing him like this.
Happy.
Not if it’s the last time.
“Thank you.” Xavier inspects the golden plaque up close. “I have to say I’m not sure how much I deserve this. I didn’t carry us to victory this season. The team did. Great team, great friends, great coach. What else can a guy ask for?”
Yep, I can’t do this.
