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I turn around and face the front, noticing the clock is either fast, or the professor is late. I try to concentrate on the chatter around me and not the typing and giggling coming from Charlie. I don’t know why I’m so irritated, but I am. I want to take that phone and chuck it out the window. Charlie hasn’t even asked me how things are going with Hunter or with my parents. Although, maybe I’m being just a little bit selfish. It’s not often Charlie meets a guy who makes her smile. I should give her a break. The world doesn’t revolve around me.
I dig into my own bag, grabbing my cell and looking through the message box. I frown. Hunter was supposed to message me today, but he hasn’t. I sigh and set my phone on the table. Why am I not surprised?
Chapter 8
HUNTER
Iscramblebackward,theball in my hands. I search through the crowd of players running toward me, clothed in the Cowboys’ white and navy blue. I find a bright orange jersey. Brody. He catches my eye and holds out his hands. I throw, aiming for him before I am tackled to the ground. I don’t know if he caught it. All I can feel is pain in my back and ribcage. At least three men are on top of me, each weighing at least two hundred pounds.
They roll off me, one offering his hand, which I take to hoist myself up. The crowd cheers, several standing and shouting. I look around, finding the score behind me. My lips part, shock filling me as I read the board:
Cowboys: 24
Bears: 31
I laugh, unable to stop myself as I tug off my helmet and run toward my team. I can’t believe we did it. We won. Brody caught my pass and we won. I honestly didn’t know if he would make it or not.
“Hunter!” Adrien shouts as I make it to the bench.
My teammates are huddled together, several jumping up and down, trying to contain their joy.
“We won!” I shout to Adrien as he claps a hand on my shoulder.
“All thanks to you,” says Adrien with a pat.
I search the crowd of Bears’ jerseys, finding several of the men gathered around Brody. They pat his back and I hear, “Good job, Brody.”
I grimace, my stomach churning.So why don’t I feel like I did anything?
After Coach gives his speech about our first big win of the season, which I barely listen to, I follow my teammates inside. I don’t know why I feel this way, like I should be more excited about our big win. I do feel happy, but somehow it’s stunted. But why? This is everything I have ever wanted. I made it to the NFL. I threw an amazing pass. Why am I not screaming with joy? Why am I not calling Rachel, wanting to share my love of the game with her? Is something wrong with me?
“Hey, Hunter!” I hear Brody shout behind me.
I don’t bother turning around as I open my locker door and take out my white button-down. I already know what he’s going to ask me, and I already know the answer I will give him.
“Let’s go party!”
I snort.So, it’s not a question this time, more like an order.I sigh while shaking my head. “Not tonight, bro. I’m too exhausted.”
I can practically hear him rolling his eyes. “Are you fucking kidding me?”
Nope. Not at all,I think with a smirk while pulling my jersey off.
“With a throw like that?” Brody continues, catching my attention. I glance over my shoulder, finding several of our teammates watching us now. Brody shrugs, looking sincere compared to his usual cockiness I’ve grown so used to. He smiles at me while crossing his arms. “Let’s go celebrate. You’ve earned it.”
Why is it so quiet? I feel like everyone is watching us, wondering what I will say. I can’t go to a bar. I can’t drink. Who knows what terrible things I will do if I have only one beer. I can never just have one beer. I should say no.
However, Brody is offering me a hand, giving me an opportunity to bond with the guys. He also complimented me. Brody complimented me! How is that possible? I didn’t think it would ever be possible. Well, I guess he didn’t quite compliment me. Just my throw.
I shrug. “I guess I could join for a bit,” I say, my voice low, uncertain. What am I saying? I should have told him no. Being in a bar is like a kid in a candy store for me. There’s no way I can keep my hands to myself. I’ll get the itch. There’s too much temptation.
I feel a slap on my shoulder and turn, finding Adrien at my side. “We’ll both go,” he says with a forced smile. He looks like he’s grimacing rather than smiling. He obviously doesn’t want to go.
“Well, maybe—” I start, but Brody is turning around, already ignoring me.
“Did you see the boobs on those cheerleaders?” Brody laughs while grabbing his crotch. “Wonder if she’ll be interested in partying.”
I glance at Adrien, who’s shaking his head in disgust. The guy obviously hates Brody. He never goes out to the bars with him. I don’t understand why he changed his mind.
