Page 11 of Delicate Storm

But less than a second later, my phone chimes again. Just like I knew it would.

Luke added you to the group

Fuckers.It’s the same routine. All the time. I can’t escape it.

Luke: See you next week, East

I roll my eyes, but I can’t complain. I could easily block them, but a little part of me—a part way, way in the back of my mind—likes knowing someone cares about what I’m going through. Even if I don’t want them to. They’ve been checking in on me since the season ended, and while I’ve never responded until today, I know they’ve got my back.

And now that Macy’s on the run and practice is about to pick up again… I’m going to need it.

CHAPTER THREE

Easton

“The man of the hour is back,” Luke Bennett, cocky tight end—and the reason for the damn group chat—calls out, and I pause at the threshold of the locker room, hoping like hell he’s talking to someone else. But of course, he’s not.

I had planned to arrive early so I wouldn’t have to engage in any bullshit catch-up talk, but life decided it had other plans so I’m walking directly into the firing squad.

When I look up, all eyes are on me and I internally groan. It’s the first time I’ve seen anyone since the TV series aired, and I know what they’re waiting for. But I refuse to give them another show.

I refuse to give my teammate Zane any more of my time or energy. He slept with Macy. I said my piece and now I’m moving on. She’s no longer my problem and neither is he.

Beelining for my locker, I only pause to nod at our assistant coach, then I’m on my way again, dropping my bag with a thud after making it without comment.

“Where’d you disappear to?” Luke says from beside me, making me cringe. Guess I thought too soon. “We missed you on the group chat.”

I quietly groan, ignoring him, as always, but as I’m throwing my phone into my locker, it lights up with a text.

Luke: You can’t hide forever

Dick. I’d love to say he’s changed since becoming a dad, but he really hasn’t. Yes, he’s dropped the playboy persona and become a loyal puppy when it comes to his wife, Amelia. But he’s still a cocky motherfucker and he’s still goddam annoying.

Luke: We know where you are

He sends another text and I imagine him saying the words in a creepy, stalkerish voice, grimacing with secondhand embarrassment. If only I could escape him. Escape all of them for that matter. But I can’t.

Although… I wonder if Isaac wants to visit Scotland? It’s peaceful there. No cocky football players, no group chat, no ex. Maybe it’s time I consider retiring. Too bad I love it so much.

Reed: Luke, that was creepy. East, it’s good to have you back

Thank you, Reed.The sensible one in the group. I hold up my phone and turn to face Luke, making a point of switching it off without responding, and of course, he laughs.

I’m thankfully left in peace to get changed, but the second my cleats hit the turf, my luck runs dry.

“Wilder, you’re running drills with Fitzpatrick,” Coach calls out.

The fuck.With Zane? He can’t be serious. Sure, I’ll have to play with him eventually, but day one.Minuteone. Really?

“Coach, I think—”

“I don’t care what you think, Wilder. You and Fitz need to sort your shit out today or I’ll drop you both. We’ve got plenty of time to find replacements.”

He’s bullshitting. He won’t drop us. At least he won’t dropme. But that’s not the point. He’s right. We’re a team and Zane’s likely to step up into Dylan’s position as receiver now that he’s retired. May as well get this over with.

“Fitzpatrick, you’re with me. Let’s do this.”

Zane smirks, and the urge to punch the grin right off his face has me clenching my fist. But Reed notices, and subtly shakes his head as I stifle a sarcastic laugh. That guy sees everything. Only I wasn’t actually going to punch him.I don’t think.Not today anyway. I’m smarter than that.

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