Page 23 of Everything In Between
I can’t help but wonder if she’d be this flirty and playful in person, or if this is a persona she portrays through the safety of the phone. I have so much to learn about her and so many things I want to ask her. I love this lighthearted side, but I don’t want to scare her off. So instead of taking things further, I play it safe.
Hayes
How’d recording go today?
Jersey
About as you’d expect. I got into another fight with Cal, but thankfully, not as brutal as the last one. He wants to go in a different direction on the song that is more “mainstream” than I think the song warrants.
Hayes
I’m sorry. I’m sure it will still be a great song. Everything you put out is amazing.
Jersey
Oh, stop it. It’s mediocre at best. I have an incredibly loyal fanbase who boosts everything to the top 100 as soon as it goes live.
I shake my head. I appreciate her modesty, but she’s one of the most famous artists in the world. And, given that I now know she only puts out what her label expects of her, I can’t help but wonder how unstoppable she’d be if they set her loose.
Jersey
How was your day? Are you ready for the game on Sunday?
Hayes
As ready as I’ll ever be. You going to tune in?
Jersey
I wouldn’t miss it, MVP. I’ve been studying up on my football terms all week using my homemade flash cards. Remind me again, how many home runs do you need to win?
I laugh out loud. She’s funny. Now that we’re all finished for the day, I pack the rest of my stuff into my bag and sling it over my shoulder. I sense Beckett watching me. I turn to him with a questioning glance. He’s leaning against his locker with his large arms crossed over his chest, an amused expression on his face.
“What?” I ask him. Even I can recognize I sound tired of his shenanigans.
He pauses a second and then pushes off so he’s standing up straight. “Nothing. I’m happy for you. Haven’t seen you this happy in”—he shakes his head—“alongtime.”
I exhale, letting my shoulders fall. Beckett was around to remember my last serious relationship back in college. He saw first-hand the range of emotions I went through, the joy at the height of the relationship and the devastation it brought when it ended. Since then, I’ve been hesitant to engage in anything more serious than a few casual dates. “There’s really nothing to be happy for yet.”
Something glints in his eye, but I can’t place it. “Keep telling yourself that. I’ve known you a long time, brother. I’ve never seen you get bent out of shape over a girl you’ve only beentexting.” He chuckles and claps me on the shoulder when I try toprotest. “I’m just saying I get the feeling that this one is different. Special. I was only giving you a hard time. You know I want the best for you.”
I roll my neck. “Yeah, I do. Same for you.”
“Promise me you won’t let this get in the way of football. You know I love you, and I want you to be happy, but I want another Super Bowl ring just as much as the other guys on the team do.”
Something tightens in my chest at his comment—excitement? Dread? Acid reflux?
I’m not sure, but regardless, I nod and then head out of the locker room toward the team parking lot, waving goodbye to Xaden and Quentin as they head toward their cars. As soon as I’m settled in my vehicle, I pull out my phone, staring at the last text Jersey sent me, unable to keep the amusement off my face.
Home runs.
Hayes
However many it takes to make it to the World Cup.
Jersey
Full disclosure: I had to look that up. But you’re funny
