Page 17 of (La)Crosse My Heart

“Really? It’s not like I’m the best one with a mic in my face. I wouldn’t mind you passing along any tips you get from her.”

My defenses crumble and I nod. “For sure. I’m sure she’d be willing to help more of us.”

Jackson looks like he’s seen a ghost. “Are you sure? Because she looked like she wanted to spend as little time with you as possible. Did you make her mad when you were younger?”

I think about it for a moment and it’s like the memories just whoosh back. I haven’t thought about them in years.

“Well, there was this time I put her name in to sing in a school talent show. She went through with it, singing a songfrom Wicked she loved, but then shot lasers from her eyes at me for the next couple of weeks.”

“I could see that,” Finny says, nodding.

“It could also be the time I ‘borrowed’ her car and returned it not quite clean.”

Burton looks confused again. “I don’t know if you have a different idea of irritation, but these don’t sound that bad.”

I shake my head. “Well, the Jessa I know lives and dies by a schedule. A plan for everything and everything is in its place. The car had not only food wrappers but also glitter and a mixture of perfume and body odor.”

Stack has a mischievous grin on his face and the rest are a mixture of laughter and confusion.

“You are sick,” Jackson says.

Raising both hands in the air, I say, “I didn’t hook up with anyone in the car. This girl had a crush on me and saw me get out of the car at a football game. She asked me to a dance using a glitter bomb and her perfume.”

“So, it was your fault by default?” Finny asks.

“Pretty much,” I say, shrugging.

“I don’t think that’s how she sees it,” Jackson says.

“You still better make it up to her,” Burton says. “I’m sure clearing the air will be better for you to work together.”

I pick up the kitchen rag and throw it at him. “What are you? The house therapist?”

He chucks the rag back at me and I catch it right before it hits me in the neck.

“No, I’m the guy who should charge for my advice. I’d make bank off all of you since you don’t listen the first time.”

“Whatever, man,” I say, laughing as I walk by. Burton is one of the bigger guys on our team and to think of him doing anything other than smashing people is laughable.

I head back to my room, knowing I need to get ready for another day tomorrow. If I’ve got to fit in training with Jessa, I’m going to need all the rest I can get.

7

Jessa

The mattress definitely has a hole. Can I take it back after having it for one day? There are too many aches and pains in my body to count which ones are from the mattress/floor and the others from just living.

I open my suitcase, taking in the options I have to wear for the day. If I’m going to Clark’s house this morning, a business suit feels like a lot. I pull out a pair of overalls and a plum-colored T-shirt to go with it. A pair of flats and a quick twist to my hair and I’m ready to head over there.

I grab my tablet and phone, making sure I’ve got the keys to the house before I lock up. I don’t need to call a locksmith on my second day here.

It’s warm out for only nine o’clock in the morning. But as I turn, I’m surprised to see Clark, shirtless, mowing the lawn next to his house.

My gaze lands on his chest for way too long as I take in the definite slopes and curves where it was flat several years ago. How did he get so built just playing lacrosse?

Shaking my head, I glance around, wondering if anyone has seen me leave my house yet. Maybe I can go back inside and head back over once he’s done cutting the grass. And has a shirt on.

As if magically hearing my thoughts, Clark glances over and waves, stopping the lawnmower. He pulls out the earbuds and takes a few steps toward me. “Hey, are you ready for our consultation?”

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