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“Go fuck yourself,” I snapped.
“What did you say?” Monroe blew toward me.
“You heard me.” Shoulders squared, I matched his stance.
“Thatch,” Gav said. “He isn’t worth it.”
“Yeah,Thatch,” Monroe smirked, “you should listen to your guy. Or don’t… Take your best shot.”
He was baiting me. Hoping I gave him leverage to get me benched for the rest of the season.
“Do it,” he spat, whipping his head forward and stopping before he made contact. I didn’t flinch, just stood there, glowering at him. “Face it, Thatcher. You’re my bitch now.”
My fingers flexed, curling into a tight fist. But the sound of the coaches’ laughter made us both glance over at the door.
“What’s it gonna be,Thatchman?” A wicked glint flashed in Monroe’s eyes. He wanted me to fuck up. He wanted me to slip up before I even got the chance to show everyone what I was capable of on the field.
“You might be number one now,” I seethed, anger vibrating in my chest. “But the thing about being on top, it’s a long way down when you fall.” I dropped back and spun on my heel, heading for my bench.
“Get moving,” Coach yelled, glancing around at us. “We need to be at Bell’s stat.”
* * *
Bell’s was a bar downtown.The place was littered with Raiders paraphernalia, charting the team’s highs and lows over the years.
“Hey, look at this,” Bryan said, nudging me toward the wall. A huge photo of Coach with two other players took centerstage.
“That’s Cameron Chase; and Aaron’s dad, Asher Bennet.”
“I remember that day like it was yesterday,” a voice said from behind us, and we turned coming face-to-face with Aaron’s dad. “I didn’t get a chance to properly introduce myself the other night. I’m Asher. Asher Bennet.”
“It’s good to meet you, sir, officially,” Gav said, and I frowned.
Kiss ass.
“You must be Kaiden Thatcher.” He fixed his eyes on me. “I was sorry to hear about Rixon East. That’s got to suck the summer before your senior year.”
“It is what it is.” I shrugged.
“Dude,” Bryan whistled under his breath.
“It’s okay.” Asher chuckled. “I’m one of Coach Ford’s best friends. It’s understandable you’re wary of me. But I come in peace.” He held up his hands. “My son only has good things to say about you.”
“Not good enough,” I muttered.
“It’s only the first game of the season. Plenty of time to make your mark.” His mouth curved into a knowing smile.
“Hey, Ash, get over here,” Coach Ford beckoned him over.
“I guess that’s my cue.” He walked off and joined Coach Ford and some other guys.
The place was full of Raider alumni. I didn’t recognize them, but I felt their stares, their judgment. Everyone was worried about the season with Eagles in their nest. But Coach had made his choice crystal clear.
Just then, Monroe entered the bar with an older man. The two of them had that same cocky smirk and tawny eyes.
“Surprised you showed,” he said as he passed us. His old man didn’t even look twice at me as if I was nothing.
I bit my tongue, heading to the bar. Maybe being a Raider would have its uses if the fact half the team was drinking beer was anything to go by.
