Page 6 of The Trade

I don’t even need to be in charge of the sports section or to be taken off student life altogether. That’s not what I’m asking for. All I want is a chance to cover a few Dayton U football games. Honestly, I have the experience because I practically grew up on the sport myself.

Not to mention my brother’s a goddamn NFL player . . . not that I’ll ever use that truth to my advantage. I shouldn’t have to stoop to that level, especially not for the chauvinistic Garrett Warners of the world.

“Got it,” I hiss between gritted teeth. “I’ll get the scoop on the student body’s reaction.”

As he walks away, I nestle into my chair with a sigh, preparing for the mission ahead. This isn’t the adrenaline rush of a sports story, but it’s my assignment, my responsibility. And I’m going to give it my all, despite my distinct lack of interest in the subject matter.

Hours later, during a quick break from drafting potential interview questions, my phone buzzes with an unexpected message. Shannon—a lifeguard from Sunshine Ranch, the camp I counseled at over the summer—has just sent me a text.

Shannon

hey girl! I saw your IG story. I'm looking to move out of my place at the end of next month. would that be do-able? I think we'd have fun living together!

This girl, with her fiery red hair and infectious optimism, had become a summer friend, bonded over shared experience and empathy. Her little brother was recently diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, while my dad has battled with multiple sclerosis ever since I can remember.

We’ve seen the same kind of pain in the ones we love, and it brought us closer, creating an unexpected friendship.

Jade

that works! I’ll send over some details, but the room is all yours if you want it

Her response pops up before I can even manage to lock my phone.

Shannon

yay! I'm so in!

So, I suppose that’s all settled, then. Shannon O’Connor is going to be my new roommate for spring term. While I’m relieved that the situation has worked itself out, I can’t help but feel a pang of unease in the pit of my stomach.

Shannon will undoubtedly bring her spark into my quiet world, shaking up my routine in ways I can’t even begin to imagine. It’s not the calm and collected life I envisioned, but maybe, with a bit of self-convincing, I could see this as the plot twist my story needs.

3

WEST

Spring Term

I’m a third-year student retaking Foundations of English Literature during his second semester. If that wasn’t bad enough, the fact that I need a writing tutor really cements the whole thing.

I’m officially a fuckup, and I can’t even afford to pay the guy properly.

Thankfully, my new tutor accepts currency in the form of dining hall points and coffee cart pastries. I realize it’s a brand-new level of pathetic, but I’m willing to exploit my athletic scholarship to the fullest degree.

While the cashier rings up a few cherry tarts and a cheese croissant for Mr. Tutor, my eyes drift to the girl standing beside me. She idly scrolls through her phone, and I take a second to check her out.

She’s tall, leggy, with glowy skin and braided hair. Now, I’m not usually the type to ogle girls in public, butdamn.

“Hey, I’m West.” I pause for a beat, waiting for her to glance up and meet my gaze. “I don’t think I’ve seen you at the Grind before.”

“Not interested,” she immediately fires back.

Well, okay, then. I guess I can appreciate that response. She seems like a girl who knows exactly what she wants and exactly what she doesn’t. It’s no skin off my back.

I mean, it’s not every day that someone turns me down. I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but I know that most women find me decently attractive. Either they’re primarily interested in my looks ... or they just want me because I play football.

“Hey, man. Great last season!” I tilt my head toward the sound of the unfamiliar male voice, stiffening as he punctuates the compliment with a sharp pat to my shoulder. “You know, you guys deserved to beat the Ospreys this year.”

“Thanks, man.” I nod, holding back a grimace. “We had a great time out there, but I’m definitely looking forward to a rematch next season.”

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