Page 31 of Not that Impressed
My face burns since I’ve been thinking about Ellie all night. I clear my throat and search for something to say. “Well … next time I want to beat the Devils by at least thirty.”
“Amen to that.”
Jett’s wife sits on the edge of the couch next to him, and he slips an arm around her back. “Not everyone thinks about football twenty-four-seven,” Ava says, chiding him and then kissing the top of his head.
Jett squeezes her hip. “Pemberton is chasing an MVP, babe. Do you know how hard that is for a defensive player to get? He has to be on top of his game, every game, or there’s no chance.”
I don’t need to be reminded of all the things I have to get right this season to achieve this goal. Or maybe I do because my mind is already spinning back to Ellie again, wondering what she thinks of my MVP chances or if she even thinks that’s a worthy goal. Should I be focusing on something bigger? Something that would help others, the way she does?
“Well, cut him some slack tonight,” Ava says, shaking her head. “You guys both had an awesome game, and you can relax for a few hours before it’s back to the grind for the all-stars.” She glances around the room and then stands. “Looks like Colby and Gab are leaving. I’m going to walk them out.” Jett nods at her, but grabs her hand before she leaves, pulling her down to kiss her.
I know things weren’t always easy for them, and that they had a rough road coming back together. I shouldn’t let it make me think that there’s still a chance I could convince Ellie to go out with me now that she knows the truth—but it does. I crave the way she pushes me to think about things, the way she challenges my assumptions. I was protective of Charlie at first because Janelle was a reality TV star when I knew nothing elseabout her, instead of looking deeper. I even question my actions the night I asked Ellie out—did I believe she’d say yes just because I asked? Maybe I did. Not because I’m some football superstar, but because I thought we felt the same things. How much did I even consider her feelings?
She’s doing so much with her platform, it makes me feel guilty. I want that in my life, that drive for more than something that’s about me. Working hard to win an MVP and a championship for my team aren’t unworthy goals, but I think Ellie would push me to think bigger. Lasting.
Changing the world.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about those girls we worked with last week,” I say. “Some of them are good. Quick, intelligent on the field. I don’t even know what I’m saying.” I shake my head, embarrassed by my rambling. “I’ve been thinking a lot about them. Like maybe I could support women’s football leagues more or find more opportunities for them in coaching or in broadcasting or … something.”
Jett studies me for a long moment. “Would Ellie Bennet have anything to do with you thinking so much about women in football?”
I choke that he guessed so quickly where my newfound interest in female athletes has come from. “It’s possible,” I admit.
Jett laughs and slaps me on the back. “Honestly, they had me thinking too. Thinking about my girls someday and what opportunities they’ll have or not have in the world. Sports or jobs or education or whatever. I’m glad women like Ellie are pushing for change now.”
I murmur agreement. Jett lets me fall back into contemplation and doesn’t try to start a conversation again. Maybe Ellie Bennet could use some help pushing for that change.
CHAPTER 15
ELLIE
It’s amazing how suddenly Grayson Hollis is hard to get rid of. I blame Isla for letting Libby come and hang out with them in her box at the game on Sunday. He texted me a couple more times after I read the letter, but I ignored him. Let him come to his own conclusions about why I’m ghosting him.
I didn’t think a simple girls’ lunch on camera with my sisters was going to be this difficult either. We’ve only been sitting here for ten minutes—our food hasn’t even come yet—and Libby has brought up Grayson four times already.
“Did you know he was drafted in the fourth round?” she says. “He’s so good. I can’t believe he’s not playing right now.”
Getting drafted is impressive for anyone, but when you’re talking starters and elite players, fourth round isn’t something to brag about. “Let’s talk about something other than football for once,” I say, hoping to steer the topic away from Grayson yet again. What kind of full-grown adult man charms his way into the graces of a seventeen-year-old?
Ugh.
I know exactly what kind of man does that, and Libby and I need to have a talk about him. I don’t have to bring Anna or Will into it to warn her.
Right now I have to watch my tongue because of the cameras. The show thrives on any little drama, and if I let it slip that Grayson is a dirtbag, Victoria will make sure Libby hounds me until the story comes out. Anna doesn’t deserve that. And Will said he trusted me.
A wisp of warmth slides through me as I think about that, but I dismiss any little feelings as they pertain to Will. There’s more to him than I originally thought. His focus on his goals reminds me of my own drive, but we’re too different for me to believe anything could come of it.
Well, that’s what I keep telling myself.
Libby huffs. “Idon’t talk about football all the time.” That’s true enough. Usually. She didn’t care about Grayson getting cut by the Pumas until Sunday. Suddenly she’s his number one fan even though she spends most football games posting selfies of herself in the suite.
I wink at her. “Let’s keep it that way.”
“El…” Libby whines, drawing my name into two syllables. “I don’t understand, and you probably do. Isn’t it weird that Grayson hasn’t been signed by any other teams?”
“There’s probably more to it than we know,” Janelle says diplomatically. “You know how complicated this contract stuff gets. It’s never simple.”
Libby snorts, and I focus on controlling my facial expressions.
