Page 93 of Running With Lions

“Of course.”

Coach groans, sits properly, and grabs his clipboard. “You’ve earned their respect and support; that’s the least of your worries.” He gets to his knees, then his feet. “But if you’re not honest with them and honest with yourself about Shah, then you’ll lose their respect.”

Sebastian tenses.

“I don’t condone romantic relationships on the team.” Coach has that firm, “I’m the adult” expression again. Then it softens as he says, “But if you care about someone, go with your gut.”

Sebastian chews on an awkward smile. Okay, talking about Emir with Coach is mostly awkward, but it doesn’t beat being caught by his mom.Nothingbeats being caught by your parents doing anything.

“Okay, Coach.”

Coach dusts grass from his shorts and walks off. When he’s out of sight, Sebastian’s shoulders drop and he blows out a long breath.

“Okay, spill.”

Sebastian rubs a hand across his face. Willie and Mason loom over him, giddy as kids at Christmas. Sebastian doesn’t know whether to crack up or put them out of their misery. He opts for the latter.

“I’m captain,” he says, and he can’t do it without goosebumps racing up his arms.

“Bullshit,” Mason says, accusingly. “Captain Hughes?”

Sebastian nods, and then yelps with laughter when they dogpile him. Mason’s elbow jams his ribs. Willie knees him in the thigh. Breathless and sweaty from wrestling, they lie in the itchy grass.

“Ouch.”

“You guys suck,” complains Willie. “Worst friends ever.”

The sky is on fire, all crimson and orange. Their breathing isn’t synchronized, but it might as well be. Mason’s on his left, Willie on his right. Finally drunk on summer, Sebastian tucks his hands behind his head.

After too much quiet, random conversations happen, starting with Willie’s gross admission about his crush on Hunter. Okay, it’s disgustingly cute. And it’s the world’s worst kept secret, now.

“Duh.” Mason rolls his eyes. “Gonna ask him to be yourboyfriend?”

Willie turns red, but he’s already sunburned, so it’s barely noticeable. He whispers, “Maybe.”

Sebastian can picture Willie and Hunter beingthat coupleat homecoming: matching campaign posters, kissy-faces for the coronation, a spotlit, last-dance moment at the end of the night. He says, “Will’s gonna have a high school sweetheart.”

“Whatever,” Willie says, giggling as if he’s lovesick. He changes the subject: life after graduation, Sebastian’s favorite! Mason’s still on the Michigan boat, possibly deferring his MLS dreams for a few years. Willie’s leaning toward a technical school.

Sebastian gazes at the fading clouds. Hecantell them, he just doesn’t.

“I think,” Mason stops, scratching his nose. “I want to ask Patrick out.”

“Patrick Wiggins, from the track team?” asks Sebastian.

Willie gasps, “Wait, Coach Patrick?”

Mason smacks his palm on the grass. “No dumbass,Grace.”

Willie’s jaw drops, and Sebastian has to elbow him before Willie pulls it together to say, “Oh, yes. Right. Grey Patrick… the girl you hate?”

“I don’thateher.”

“Um, hate to break it to you, dude, but—”

Mason cuts him off. “I like her, and I’m an ass, okay?”

“Like-like her?” asks Sebastian, for confirmation.

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