Page 30 of Unbidden

“Okay…,” I say, so far understanding.

“Defenders are our guys on the side of the field with our goalie. They protect the net and the goalie by blocking and stealing shots. They have to stay on their side of the field. The midfielders can cross onto both the attack and the defense area. They move the ball from offense to defense and if given the chance can score. The attackers are the ones mainly responsible for scoring. And a goalie is pretty self-explanatory. And unlike football, there is no coin toss to decide who gets the ball. Instead, we have a face-off where a midfielder from each side fights for the ball. Whoever gains control has it first. Keaton is an attacker, so he scores. Sterling and Finley are both defenders who protect our net with the goalie. Then Reed is a middie, because without a middie, there is no game. It’s the most important position on the field.”

“I think I got it,” I tell her, even though I know I have no clue what she just said.

I understand football for the most part, but I’ve never really watched any other sports. It doesn’t matter to me though. I’m only here to spend time with the girls. I suppose, if pressed, I would say I hope our team wins.

I used to have so much team spirit. A small bit must have remained.

“So, whose number am I wearing anyways?” I scan the field, looking for the owner.

“Don’t kill me.” Tinsley’s tense voice causes me to look at her. “Keaton let me borrow his jersey for you. He knows you're wearing it.”

I frown at her. “Why would he do that?”

Glancing at the field, I catch number 44, the same number on my jersey.

Keaton.

He’s standing, talking to another player. Upon further investigation, I see it’s Reed.

As if sensing my eyes on him, Reed locks his gaze with mine. He glances down at my chest quickly, then scowls, saying something to Keaton, who spins and meets my eyes. He gives me a friendly wave with an accompanying smile. It looks sincere.

Reed grabs his arm, turning Keaton back to him. I can tell by his facial features that he’s cursing his brother. Keaton pushes Reed off him, responding to whatever he said. He makes another comment before he shoves his brother one more time. Then he turns, his face clouded in anger. He jogs toward the stands as Reed calls after him.

He doesn’t break stride, jumping over the fence before coming to stand in front of us.

“Hey.” His hesitant voice tells me he’s nervous.

“Hey, yourself. Thanks for lending me the jersey.” At my words, a bit of tension leaves his body.

“Yeah. Anytime. I mean that. I don’t date, and I don’t let any women wear my jersey unless it’s one of these two.”

Victoria scoffs. “Since when? You’ve never let anyone but Tinsley wear your jersey.”

“Hush, V. We both know Sterling has always let you wear his, which is why you’ve never once asked for mine.”

I watch as Victoria blushes. “Point taken.”

“Whose jersey are you wearing, T?” I inquire.

Now it’s Tinsley’s turn to blush.

Keaton answers for her. “She usually wears Finley’s.”

“Oh. I figured you would be in Reed’s.”

She rolls her eyes. “I’m sure he would rather I be in his too. Alas, I don’t want to wear my brother’s jersey. It’s weird.”

We all chuckle at her statement.

“Little Yates!” a deep voice calls from the field.

Keaton looks behind him and nods. “I have to go.”

“Okay. Good luck. We’ll be rooting for you. Especially me.” I point at my jersey.

He gives me a wide smile. “That’s right, baby. Scream my name extra loud.”

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