Page 81 of Don't Love the Boy Next Door
“Why?”
He finally faces me. “Honestly, Phoenix, I don’t think this is any of your business.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “Wrong. This involves my best friend. Itismy business.”
He rubs the back of his neck, gaze flinging away before making their way back to me. “Katie and I…” He lets out a deep huff of air. “We just won’t work out.”
I place my hands on my hips. “And who are you to determine that? Do you have feelings for her?”
He lets out another huff, his face contorting in pain. “I really don’t want to talk about this, Phoenix. Please drop it.” He turns toward the bleachers. “I need to get back to the game and support my brother.”
Like the speed of light, he vanishes from sight. I just stand there, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts. I don’t get it. He looked so hurt, so broken over what happened between him and Katie.If he still has feelings for her—which I’m pretty sure he does—why is he being so stupid?
Clearly I won’t get any answers from him, so what am I supposed to do? How can I help my best friend?
Is Eric right and this isn’t my business? But of course it is. Katie’s in pain.
The crowd cheers and I’m guessing one of the teams scored a touchdown. As much as I’m hurting for my bestie, Ididcome to the game and she’s sitting there all by herself, which isn’t cool at a time like this. So I head back to the bleachers and drop down next to her. She gives me an empty smile, informing me that the Dragons did indeed score a touchdown. They’re in the lead right now, not that anyone expects anything less.
“Where did you go?” Katie’s voice carries over the loud crowd.
“Bathroom.”
She nods slowly, pinning her eyes back on the game. She’s trying to be brave and push her pain away, to distract herself so she wouldn’t think about Eric. I decide to drop it, too, and at least enjoy the game. My eyes focus on a certain quarterback who’s totally owning it out there.
My lips lift in a smile as I watch him. I know I’ve given him crap for being a stuck-up jock, but he’s really talented. No wonder everyone loves him. He’s not just amazing on the field. He’s out of this world…
Wait, what the heck am I thinking? It’sEthan Palmer.
The crowd roars as he runs across the field, clutching the football like it’s his most prized possession. I leap to my feet, too, yelling along with everyone. Oh my gosh! The Dragons will score another touchdown.
My heart launches out of my chest. This is so awesome and amazing, and my adrenaline is working overdrive. I’ve never felt this pumped before in my life.
All of a sudden, two huge dudes from the other team come out of nowhere and slam into Ethan, sending him tumbling to the ground. The crowd lets out a collective gasp when he doesn’t move. He’s just lying there.
The coach sprints over to him, pulling off his helmet as many others zoom to his side as well.
Eric bolts off the bleachers and onto the field, dropping beside his brother. Murmurs spread through the crowd.
I look at Katie and she looks at me with wide eyes. My heart pounds all over as hot blood rushes to my head. “Oh my gosh,” I say, my voice above a whisper.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Ethan
My eyes slowly open and I take in the area around me. White walls, the smell of antiseptic and other things I can’t identify.
Where in the world am I? And why do I ache all over, specifically my head?
“Honey!” Mom nearly cries in relief from beside me. Squinting to the left, I find her and Eric sitting on chairs near my bed.
My hospital bed?
Then it all comes back to me. The football game. Those guys made of brick slamming into me. I don’t remember anything after that.
Mom’s on her feet, squeezing my hand. Her eyes brim with tears and I’ve never seen such a relieved expression in my life. Eric’s right beside her, tearing at his hair like he doesn’t know what to do with himself.
“Are you okay, sweetie? Any pain?” Mom asks. “They gave you some medication and it should be kicking in.”
