Page 101 of Every Move You Make

When one of us messes up a lyric, Toni commands us to take a drink. By the time our pizza is delivered, we’re deep into Agony Nectar’s discography. I’ve listened to these songs so much that I haven't even finished my first beer. Skirt and Serwaa, on the other hand, know almost no lyrics and are drunkenly thanking the pizza delivery girl for being the kindest, most beautiful soul in the world and urging her to play rugby. Isaiah pays and apologizes for his players with a smile.

1.A Real Heroby College & Electric Youth

Chapter 41

Break Rules & Get Sexy

Isaiah

When midnight rolls around, I clean up the empty pizza boxes and cans as the girls either pass out in the living room or head back to their rooms for the night. Serwaa and Robyn are cuddled on one of the couches, having zonked out at least twenty minutes ago. Robyn looks so peaceful.

All I want to do is kiss her goodnight. Kiss her for giving me this chance to bond like this with my players. Kiss her for pushing me out of my comfort zone and reminding me that Good Time Isaiah is always right here, lurking under a scowl.

I cover the pair of them in a blanket and head for the basement stairs. Though, basement might be too negative of a word for what this level is. The whole floor is just as nice as the other two, with white carpeting and pastel furniture.

A sense of loneliness creeps in as I strip down to my boxer briefs and slide into the large, fluffy bed. I wonder if Dell is awake. I shouldn’t call him this late. Maybe I’ll just watch his videos. Popping in my wireless earbuds, I grab my phone from the nightstand to see that he texted me five minutes ago.

I hope you’re having a good time baby. Call me soon.

I love you

Tapping his contact icon with a smile, I settle in as the phone trills.

“Hey baby,” he says groggily.

“Did I wake you?”

“No,” he says, probably lying. “I was just listening to the newestTwisted Sistersepisode. How did everything go today?”

“It was… really great to be honest. I feel like I’m connecting with them.”

“That’s awesome. I knew you could do it.”

“They made me do their makeup as some kind of trend.”

Dell chuckles, “I know, I saw the video. You were so flustered and cute. It’s going viral by the way. So is #AgonyNectar?”

“Great,” I say with a roll to my eyes but a smile nonetheless. “Then we played some beach rugby in the rain and, god Dell, I don’t think I’ve had that much fun in a long time. It was nice to just… play with her, you know?”

“I know. I’m surprised she’s not in bed with you.”

I huff a little laugh, “You know we can’t. Not here. Plus she’s upstairs dead asleep with Serwaa nestled into her.”

“Doesn’t Serwaa have a girlfriend?”

“Yeah, but it’s not like that. I learned her girlfriend’s name is Dani, she lives in Denver, and she’s chill. She understands what Robyn and Serwaa have is strictly platonic.”

“Look at you. Learning about your players and their personal lives. Not being jealous and shit.”

I chuckle, “Yeah, yeah. Hey, do you think we could listen to that newTwisted Sistersepisode together? Just until I fall asleep?”

“Of course, baby. I’ll go back to the beginning.” The SharePlay button appears and I tap it. The familiar voices of Katie and Tiffany and eerie background music fill my ears and soothes me; as much as real life stories of brutal murders can.

There’s a soft knock on my bedroom door as it opens slowly, revealing Robyn’s peaking head. “Zay?”

“Oh, shit,” I whisper.

“What is it?” Dell asks through the earbuds.

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