AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It’s the same as hundreds of other times we’ve done this exact thing. But there’s something that feels different, and I’m pretty sure it’s me.
I was with Natalie a few hours ago. And now I’m here, back in Glenmont with my friends. I saw them all react to Maeve and Weston. Taking the rivalry seriously is seen as a point of pride. A hallmark of loyalty.
Toward Glenmont. Toward football. Towardme.
I’m lost in my thoughts for most of the afternoon. Once it gets dark, we head to Brooke’s, which is already packed with activity. I help myself to a burger and wolf it down while catching up with a few of the guys I haven’t seen in a couple of weeks.
After I finish eating, I head out into the backyard to grab a beer. I should cut out alcohol altogether, now that we’re approaching the last month before preseason officially begins, but it’s awkward to stand around empty-handed while everyone else is drinking.
I grab a beer and chug half of it in one go. Around me, everyone is starting to pair off. I slap a mosquito on my leg and stand, planning to head inside.
Becca Collins opens the door to come outside as I approach. “Headed in?” she asks.
“Yeah. Bugs are coming out.”
Becca glances around, her nose wrinkling as she sees the insects swarming the lights. “Yeah, on second thought…”
I laugh as she steps back inside, moving in after her and shutting the door behind me.
“Missed you at the pool this weekend,” she tells me. “Tim was whistling at everyone.”
I roll my eyes. Tim, a high schooler who also works at the country club’s pool, is notoriously whistle-happy. He blows the damn thing every chance he gets. “Yeah, that sounds about right.”
“I didn’t see you at the fireworks last night, either.”
“Uh, yeah. I was out on the Cape this weekend. Friend from college has a place out there.”
“Oh. Wow. That sounds awesome. I went to Martha’s Vineyard with my folks a few years ago. It’s beautiful out there.”
“Yeah, it is,” I agree. “It was a lot of fun.”
“You having a good summer so far?” Becca asks.
“Not bad. Gearing up for football, you know.”
She laughs. “Yeah, I’m not going to lie and say I’m not glad Maeve is out of town. First time I’ve been able to feel my calves since May.”
I grin. “Yeah, that sounds about right, too.”
Becca was on the Glenmont soccer team with Maeve. She continued on to play in college too, so she and Maeve train together most days.
“You Stevens’ are crazy. But I snagged a starting spot, so constant pain it is.” She smirks, then sips from the can of hard seltzer she’s holding.
“At UPenn?”
Becca’s eyebrows rise. “Keeping tabs on me, Stevens?”
“You’re friends with Maeve. Of course I know where you went to college, Collins.”
“Oh-kay. Good to know.” Her smiles changes. There’s an edge of flirtiness. Of interest. If it’s been there before, I’ve never noticed it.
This is by far the longest conversation we’ve ever had. I suddenly realize it could go somewhere. I could ask her to hang out tomorrow night. I could kiss her—more than kiss her. She’s from Glenmont. She’s friends with my sister. She’s a fall athlete; she gets the time and commitment it takes to prepare for an upcoming season.
And all I can think about is standing in the ocean with Natalie less than twenty-four hours ago.
“I’m gonna find Matt and head out,” I say. “I’m back to work early tomorrow.”
“Maybe I’ll stop by.”
