Page 3 of 3rd and 4
Jenna’s head falls forward with a scowl. “Well, I was. But now I’m thinking my first fuck up was encouraging you to always speak freely with me.” I bark a laugh, sit back in my own seat, and rest my right ankle on my left knee and stare at her unimpressed. “Shit.” She bangs her head off her desk. “She’s unbelievably talented. In fact, talented isn’t even the right wordfor her. I understand her reasoning for passing on Olympic training, but her skill is wasted here. However, I’m selfish enough not to care too much, because it gave me the opportunity to snatch her up.”
“You’re bordering on creepy.”
Jenna laughs. “I wasn’t the one watching her every move like a stalker.” I shrug, because that’s fair. I was watching, I couldn’t look away from Daya. Not just when she was on the field, but right in front of me. “To be fair, she was watching you with the same intensity.” I perk up at that, glad that I wasn’t imagining the connection I felt. “Down boy.” I shake my head with a grin. “Do not have…intimate relationsin a school facility.” My lips turn down and I open my mouth to argue but she holds up a hand to stop me. “I know you aren’t the type to do that. But I have to say it.”
“I would never, NEVER disrespect the woman I was with, you, or the university like that.”
“I know. I’m sorry. Please keep an eye on her. I know you are going to anyway but just watch out for her. I don’t trust some of the girls on the squad…”
“Shaye. Lindsay. Jillian.” I lean forward, placing my arms on the desk. “They’re going to be out for blood. Shaye has been talking about being a featured performer since Gabby’s last game.” Gabby was the unofficial featured performer last season. A few games, she and I would team up for something fun.
“I know.” Jenna grimaces. “I don’t know where she got the idea from that she would be selected. I’ve been watching Daya for a couple of years now. I tested the position out with Gabby, but Daya was always who I envisioned in that role.”
“Who knows? Shaye is delusional about a great many things.” She believes she is God’s gift to men. She tries to hook upwith all the guys on the squad, myself included, but she pushes herself on the athletes with the potential for profitable futures, especially the football team. Granted, several have taken her up on the offer, but never for more than a night or two. And one night with her would be a year too many for me. Ty, Pribula, Gill, Schultz, and Hayes haven’t either. I don’t know about anyone else, but my close friends wouldn’t touch her if she was the last woman on earth. She’s the type to poke a hole in your condom and trap you. She’s made it clear she’s at college to find a husband to take care of her, by any means necessary.
Jenna shuffles things around on her desk and hands me a binder when she finds it. “Here’s what I have in mind for you and Daya. Look it over tonight and we’ll talk tomorrow about any questions or concerns you have.” I grin at the binder, not opening it just yet. Remembering the few things Gabby and I did during the games last season, my blood sings in my veins at the potential for Daya and I, knowing her skill level.
“Thank you.” And I mean it. I’m honored that I was chosen as the Mic-Man three years ago. It’s a big role during the games. I have worked hard not to give Jenna or anyone else a reason to regret their choice. I would be lying if I said the thought of my hands on Daya’s fit little body isn’t a hell of a reward for all my hard work and dedication.
“Get out of here. You stink. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I’m out of my seat in a second, and out the door. Rushing back outside, I’m disappointed that everyone has cleared out already. I was hoping to talk to Daya or walk her home. I grab my gear, and head to my apartment.
I have a feeling this season is going to be one to remember. And if I have my way, Daya and I will be enjoying it together.
Daya 3.
“Daya.” I’m walking into the athletic complex for the second day of training camp. Eva rushes to catch up with me and I smile in greeting, hefting my bag over my shoulder. “Hey. How’s it going?”
“Good. How about you?” I wasn’t sure what to make of Eva’s attention yesterday. She said all the right things, was kind, and introduced me to everyone, but…maybe I’ve just been around enough mean girls to expect the worst from people. I don’t get that vibe from Eva, however, I don’t know anyone here, so I don’t feel confident in my ability to discern bullshit and ill-intent.
“I hurt myself again…” Eva starts singing Johnny Cash’s cover of the Nine Inch Nails song and I chuckle. “Seriously, I thought I was keeping up with workouts but apparently I’ve been slacking because I am sore as hell.”
“Me too.” I respond automatically. Eva stops walking, her hand on my shoulder to stop me. “What?”
“You don’t have to pretend.” My brows furrow, making her roll her eyes with a kind smile. “You aren’t sore. Because you’ve kept up with your workouts. Because you’re,” I know what’s coming. I brace myself for an insult, and am pleasantly surprised when she says, “freaking incredible!”
“What?” I was not expecting that, and she sounds sincere.
“Haters gonna hate.” She’s all sass and I laugh when she snaps her fingers and cocks her hip. “Don’t downplay your talent. A few of these bitches are gonna try andfailto show you up, but most of us are gonna work that much harder to keep up with you. You’ll make the squad better and we’ll be grateful.”
“She’s right.” I spin around, my lips parting on a gasp. Elijah Addelsbach is a few feet from us, looking really,reallygood in compression pants and a muscle tee. Here’s the problem; I went to a public high school and have grown up around boys all my life. My best friend is my older brother Brad. However, I’ve never cheered, tumbled, or danced with any of them. I think the most jarring part of being on the university’s cheer squad is the guys. I’ve never dated; I just didn’t have time or the desire to. They are nice to look at, but I don’t touch. Or talk a whole lot to them. Addy, as everyone calls him, is not a boy, he’s all man. And I am ill-equipped to handle all that. Especially, when he’s staring at me with an unmistakable hunger in his eyes. He did it yesterday and it flustered me. He’s a distraction and I can’t afford distractions. “You’re going to elevate our program and give us the push we need.”
“I’m not…I won’t make much difference—”
Eva laughs. “Oh, girl. You’ve already made a difference. Isn’t that right, Addy?” He sticks his tongue out at Eva again and their back and forth reminds me of me and my brother.
Addy grins at me. “Yes, she has.” The moment stretches between us until Eva pats my shoulder so hard it propels me toward Addy. I catch myself before I crash into him. “Daya, Jenna wants you and I to work together today. Did you have a chance to review the sequences she laid out?”
“That’s my cue. I think you’re in good hands, Daya. Have fun!” Eva wiggles her fingers at me and heads past us to the locker rooms and practice field.
“Uh…I did. Review them, I mean.” I feel my face flame, but I power through.
“She has some great ideas, but I made a few adjustments, if you don’t mind.”
“Oh! Ok.” At least he’s dedicated. That’s a good sign.
“We’ll practice in the gymnastics training center. I’d feel more comfortable practicing the lifts and tosses on the mats.” I smile and wait for him to lead the way. We walk through the halls in silence for a couple minutes. “Why aren’t you on the gymnastics team?” I’m taken aback by his question and don’t answer right away. He glances over his shoulder at me with a self-deprecating smile. “Sorry, that’s probably invasive.”
