Page 114 of Forever Cursed

Chapter Fifty-Two

Chrissy

Surprise, surprise. Malik Chen fucked up. He almost cost his team the game because of his hard head. While I have no clue what happened in the locker room during halftime, when the team returned to the field, Malik was on the bench. The game was close, but the Dragons won twenty-eight to twenty-one.

Rome is a god on the field. Football is a mystery to me, so the guys had to explain things to Gwen and me more than once. While Gwen caught on, I was still puzzled. All I knew was that Rome caught every pass. He’s a powerhouse, and that’s why he was deemed an all-star.

When the game ended, the team celebrated, and everyone in the stands cheered and shouted random players’ names. Max was the loudest over the crowd, screaming “Carter” with all his might. Now, I’m a loud girl, but even I couldn’t match his volume.

It’s nice seeing Lawyer Man out and about. Anytime I see him, he’s always tired or taking a nap with Pickles. There’s a reason we try to drag him out with us; our little work-obsessed lawyer needs a taste of fun, and he’s finally getting it.

The crowd begins to thin out, but I keep my eyes on the field, or rather, on number 35. His black jersey clings to his padding,and his legs and ass are toned underneath his black... what are football pants called? Are they simply called pants? Or are they leggings? Football leggings? I glance at Zack, debating whether I should ask him. But I get the feeling they are most definitely not called football leggings. I’ll ask the internet when I get home.

However, I don’t need the internet to tell me that Rome looks hot. I know he’s all sweaty and covered in grime right now, but if he were right in front of me, I don’t think I would be able to control myself.

Before he runs off the field with his team back to the locker room, he waves and throws me a lopsided smile. I offer him the same gesture in return, ignoring Gwen as she coos at me.

“I can’t stand how adorable you two are!” She shakes my arm as she turns away.

“We’re not cute.” I laugh shyly. “Not like you and Ash.”

“Oh, please. Ash and I aren’t cute, not like you and Rome. Ugh, my heart has melted for you. I love that you finally found the love you’ve been looking for.”

I watch as Rome runs down the field, jumping onto another player’s back and rubbing his fist in his hair. If I had to guess, it’s Blake. The old Rome is coming back, but he’s also changed. This Rome knows his worth. He knows that he does everything he can for the people he cares about. Unlike the past, he’s now willing to stand up for himself.

Coach Bradson isn’t stupid. He saw Malik almost throw the game. He’ll do the right thing. He won’t let his quarterback walk all over him. I don’t know Levi well, but Rome likes him, and that’s enough for me.

Gwen takes my hand, and we start to make our way back onto campus grounds. As we walk, I put my trust in my clumsy best friend and reach for my phone to text Rome.

You were fantastic! Meet us in the parking lot when you finish getting changed :)

Chapter Fifty-Three

Rome

Itake a quick shower and change into a clean jersey and sweatpants. I want to speak with Coach before he gives the team his game recap speech. A few guys pat my back as I run past them. When I reach Bradson’s office, I almost bump into him as he steps out.

“Carter? What’s the rush?” he asks while he grabs his chest.

“It’s time we have a talk.”

With a stiff nod, he gestures for me to step into his office. I sit in the chair across from his desk, and he closes the door. I wait for him to get settled before I start what is going to be an uncomfortable conversation.

“I’ll keep it quick. I know the guys are waiting to be dismissed.” I start from the beginning. How Malik had a strange interest in Chrissy, how he treated Raina and the mentor program. None of that matters in the long run, but they are necessary details. “As you know, I’ve been picking up his slack. I was going to stop, but he threatened to not throw me the ball during the games, which you saw tonight. I gave in to his demands. I kept up with the plays and training the newbies. But when he threw my girlfriend’s name in the mix, he went too far. After she denied his advances numerous times, he tried to kissher, and while I know this has nothing to do with football, I want you to understand why Malik and I aren’t seeing eye to eye. He was willing to throw the game just because of our tension. I don’t care what he does to me, but he’s screwing this team over. I won’t stand for it.”

Coach observes me, the wrinkles on the corners of his eyes crinkling as he thinks. He purses his lips, and his shoulders drop as he places his hands on his desk.

“I didn’t know about your girlfriend. I apologize on his behalf for his actions. I told Chen that if he wanted to keep his captain title, he must take back the tasks he passed on to you. I assume that has not happened?”

I shake my head.

“With how the game went today, I worry he will act selfishly just to piss you off. I’ll talk to him again and give him one final chance. If he fucks up again, I’m benching him. We’ll see how he handles having a freshman replace him. Maybe then he’ll learn how to act as a team player.”

“Thank you, Coach.”

“Does this mean you’re ready for the vote to be held? If things go as I suspect they will, you’ll be captain within the next ten minutes.”

My chest tightens, and my lungs hold onto all the oxygen inside them. I’ve been acting as unofficial captain for two years now. Would anything change if I become the official captain of this team? I can’t say for certain. What I can say is that this team needs a leader, and for some reason, their eyes are landing on me.

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