Page 23 of Rebellious

“Are you leaving tonight and going home?” Drew asks, thankfully changing the subject.

“I guess.” I shrug. “That’s what Mom and Dad prefer.”

Drew nods, lowering his voice. “I’m thinking we ‘accidentally’ fall asleep packing and end up leaving in the morning.”

“We’re not having a party,” I tell him, already knowing where this line of suggestion is going.

He scoffs. “Not a party. Just a few friends hanging out.”

“You want to see a girl?” I guess.

He licks his lips. “See a girl. Taste a girl. Feel a—”

I hold up my hand. “I get the point.”

“It’ll allow you to live out another sinful night with Aspen,” he whispers.

I don’t react. Instead, I spoon a forkful of green beans into my mouth and chew slowly. He’s right. I could get Aspen alone. We need to talk, and I need to find out what upset her tonight.

“I’ll think about it,” I say finally.

My brother claps me on the shoulder. “Sure you will. Meanwhile, it might be best if you stay in your room. I don’t want to be blamed for scarring your virgin eyes.”

My mother would miss him if I dropped him in the woods somewhere; I’m sure of it.

“So Bennett. One more year left. What football team is looking good to you?”

Vee’s father, Tim, is a cool guy. I don’t see him very often anymore, only on holidays.

“Um, Boston is probably in my top five,” I tell him, ignoring Theo’s groan.

“Bennett, Boston won’t pay you what Ohio will. Why are you still entertaining their team?”

Because his daughter is going to Boston.

“Atlanta is a contender as well, sir.”

If there’s a chance Aspen will stay here, I want to be prepared.

Theo rolls his eyes. “Shocker.”

He knows I will go where his daughter goes, even if I shouldn’t.

“You don’t want to go to Texas?” Hayes asks.

I like Texas, but nothing is there other than their football team. “Nah. I don’t think I’d fit in.”

“Are you planning on transferring schools?” Aspen blurts out, creating a cacophony of gasps around the table.

“Are you considering a transfer, Bennett?” It’s my father who responds first. His tone seems calm and easy, but I know he’s not pleased. “You know, making a transfer between two D-1 schools will cause you to lose a year of football. You would have been better off declaring draft in January.”

I fight the urge to shove my brother out of his chair. I told one fucking person. One! “No, sir. I’m not considering a transfer.”

My father nods, smiling. “Good man. It wouldn’t make sense to transfer now. You’re better off finishing your senior year and entering the draft.”

I nod. “I know, sir.”

“I’m proud that you’re finishing your degree. You never know how long you’ll last in the pros. Look at your uncle Theo.” My father takes a sip of his water. “He only lasted a few years in the Majors.”

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