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I mix whiskey with some cola, then head back toward the living room.
“Holden Adams.”
I turn at the sound of my name, facing Travis Dennis. He’s a senior as well, a center on Arlington’s basketball team.
We’ve had plenty of altercations on the court. This is the first time I’ve run into him off it. And it couldn’t be a worse time, because I’m still amped up on adrenaline after talking to Jimmy Nelson.
“You’re a long way from home,” he tells me, sneering.
“I was invited. What’s your excuse for showing up?”
“This is my campus, Adams.”
I scoff at that. Basketball isn’t even that big here. Football reigns supreme. If Liam Stevens made that claim, I might believe it. Travis just sounds desperate.
“Technically, we’re noton campus, Dennis.”
He makes a show of looking behind me. “Doesn’t look like your boys are here watching your back.”
“Because this is a party, not a back alley brawl.” I glance deliberately at the two guys flanking Travis. I think they’re both on Arlington’s team, but I can’t remember either of their names. “Read the room before you bring your back-up.”
“And look a little harder.” Finn appears beside me, Harrison stepping up right behind him.
I’d rather Finn didn’t get involved and I don’t need Harrison’s support, but I do enjoy the spasm of unease that crosses Travis’s face.
Evidently, he doesn’t like even numbers.
“Seriously, Thomas?” Travis says. The betrayed look he aims Finn’s way is ridiculously exaggerated. “Richmond plays dirty.”
“Wewin,” I reply. Knowing it won’t deescalate the situation but also unable to resist the jab.
We’re undefeated against Arlington.
I regret baiting him when Cassia walks into the kitchen with Brooks.
“Your first scrimmage is against Lincoln, right?” Travis asks me.
I nod, my attention torn between him and Cassia and trying to hide it. Finn spots her too, tensing beside me.
Travis is also looking Cassia’s way now. But it has nothing to do with me. He didn’t catch my reaction. He’s just checking her out.
“Hey, gorgeous. Can I get you a drink?”
Cassia glances his way. Holds her cup up. “I’m all set.”
Her tone is polite, but firm.
“Let me get you a drink.”
I have no idea what Travis is angling at. If he’s trying to bow out of the conflict while preserving his pride. If he’s trying to show off his subpar seduction skills.
I’d rather not escalate the situation, especially after the scene with Nelson earlier. No matter what Cassia said, I’m sure it rattled her.
But when Travis takes a step toward her, my control snaps.
“She’s not interested.”
“Let her talk for herself, Adams.”
