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I tilt my bottle to the side, noticing that the corner of the tag had started to peel off thanks to the condensation. “Hard not to when I have to compete with all the new guys.”
“You don’t have to compete with anybody.”
“Yeah, right,” I snort. It was easy for Nixon to say that. He wasn’t the one who warmed the bench for the better part of last year.
“I’m serious. Do you think Coach would just hand over your spot to some rookie?” Nixon asks, keeping his voice quiet.
“If he’s good? In a heartbeat.”
“Then it’s a good thing that there is nobody better than you, is there?”
I raise my brows at him.
“I mean it. There are some good guys on the team. There is some real potential here, but potential will carry us only so far. You’ve seen them play in the pre-season games.”
I did, and it was a disaster. Makes me wonder if we were that bad our rookie year. Most likely.
Coach liked to try a few new things in the pre-season and mix things up a little to see if they’d work. He likes to give newbies some playing time so they can get used to being on the field in case something unexpected happens mid-season and he has to put them in the game.
I flex my leg under the table, feeling that familiar tug in my knee.
“It’ll all work out okay. You’ll see.” He checks his phone as he finishes the rest of his beer. “You plan on staying?”
“Yeah, I think I’ll have another beer.”
It’s not like I have anybody waiting for me at home.
Nixon nods. “I’m off. Yas is finishing with her shift at the café, so I figured I’d pick her up.”
“Leaving us already, Cole?” Phillip smirks knowingly.
“Some of us have better things to do than to party all night.”
“Admit it, you’re just getting up in age,” Gregory says, always the helpful one.
“We’ll see who’s the one getting up in age when I wipe the floor with you in the gym tomorrow.” Nixon looks around the table, always the team captain. “Don’t stay up too long, and for all that’s holy, don’t get wasted. If Coach sniffs it on you, and trust me, he will, he’ll make us all pay.”
“Yeah, yeah, dad.”
More choruses of agreement come from down the table, making Nixon shake his head. He looks over his shoulder.
“Keep an eye on her, will you?” He whispers so only I can hear him. “She’s been…” He rubs his chin, his voice trailing off. “Off.”
Off?
My eyes narrow. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t know. She’s just been acting weird lately. Maybe it’s Mom’s birthday that’s coming up. I don’t know. Just… keep an eye out for her? She’s my little sister.”
As if I needed a reminder.
“Yeah, sure,” I agree reluctantly.
“Thanks,” he slaps me on the shoulder. “You’re the best.”
His words are like a punch to my gut. I wonder what he’d have said if he knew what happened in Hawaii. If he knew the thoughts that sometimes slip into my mind. Completely and utterly inappropriate thoughts. If he’d think I’m still the best if he found out.
Doubtfully.
