Page 87 of Unrivaled Love
"So, are you going to tell me about how you fell back in love with him now or another time?" Al asks and Bryson raises his eyebrow at me and mouths "back". Well, shit, I was preparing for a guilt trip from her, notthat!
"Another time! Bring some wedges for me to the BBQ. Don’t tell Mom and Dad about the tickling. M’Kay, love you, bye!"
I hang up on her before she can spill anymore dirt. I definitely made my former dislike of Bryson known but I also had made my crush on him very clear to her when I was in high school.
"We will be talking about this whole ‘back in love with me' business later." Bryson says as he orders a ride for us. "Are you okay?” He asks without looking at me. I like that he’s giving me a little space and not trying to pull me into a hug or something. I’m not sad. I’m furious.
"Yeah, I'm getting okay with it." I report. And it's true. The last few days have helped me to chill out. I'm not ready to apologize to Pee Pee until she agrees the way she taunted me was fucking rotten. Even then, I might have a hard time doing it. Team over individual is the only way things work but that assumes your teammates aren’t assholes.
"I'm glad you tickled a teammate and got suspended, Killer." Bryson says as he links our fingers and brings my hand up to his lips for a kiss as he waves to the rideshare driver with the other.
"Me too." I agree with a laugh.
Chapter 28
Bryson
Teenagers Again
IdropJooffat her house first and I’m thrown back in time watching her walk up to her door. Her mom answers and I register the shock on her face before she pulls Jo in for a hug. They turn and wave and then head into the house together.
Jo's story is ridiculous but I can’t say I blame her. To get passed over for a rookie, and a teammate no less, totally sucks. And, female athletes get offered so much less than we do so I bet it was a smaller pot to begin with. I’d argue Jo is just as popular as I am, if not more so, but I bet I’m making more in sponsorships than she is.
I could set up a meeting between Athlala and Jo but would she be receptive to my help? Or would she think I’m overstepping?
My mental debate fizzles out when the driver turns the corner. The driveway at my parent’s house is full of cars and a few have lined up on the street too.
A shudder racks my shoulders even in the late afternoon dry heat. I’m not ready to be on display. But maybe this time everything will be better with Jo in my corner. Either way it’s go time.
The Big Guns have arrived.
***
Jo arrives with her parents about thirty minutes later. I watch her from across the back yard and can confirm she's braless. Thank Gretzky. Her pert nipples are pressing against the fabric of the dress and I almost need to bite my fist, she looks so delicious. My mouth waters as I envision licking a path from her sports bra tanline down her firm stomach to the top of whatever panties she bought herself today.
I'm pretty sure she'd kill me, or start to tickle me, if I slipped my hand under her skirt at the party. Plus there's no way the guys wouldn't suss out what we were up to.
She looks incredible. Her hair is pulled back, and her long muscular legs are propped up on wedge sandals. She tilts her head back and laughs at something my mom says and everything feels right, and normal, and perfect.
"So, how the hell did you end up dropping a light pole on her car?" Dad asks as he slides up beside me.
"I, uhh," I pull at the back of my neck. E.T. would have my balls if I blamed his grandmother, right? Yeah, I can’t risk it. "It was an accident.”
"Is she going to sue you?" He asks.
"No, we're good."
"Because our boy locked that down!" Mason jokes as he gives my shoulder a slug.
"Yeah, I guess I did." I look back across the party at her and catch her looking at me. I wink and she blushes as she turns away again to listen to whatever Felix is saying to my mom.
"Are you ready for tomorrow?" Dad asks.
"Yeah, I guess so.” I say. I'm going to be sitting on the back of a convertible with The Cup. I got a text that its flight lands just after eight in the morning and they'll make their way to the house before we head to the parade start. The logistics are settled, whether I’m mentally ready is anotherthing. I keep picturing the streets lined with people and it makes my head spin.
“I bet she’d ride with you if you asked.” Dad says and I turn to him. He must see the surprise on my face. With a hand on my shoulder he continues. “You two have been able to rile each other up unlike anyone else your whole lives. But you can also calm the other down.”
“Yeah, you’re weirdly telepathic.” Mason adds.
