Page 68 of Reverse Pass
“Morning? I think you mean in like four hours,” Mac butts in.
“Potato, Potatuh.” Waylon waves his hand.
“Oh good lord. We’re getting you like a gallon of water or they’re not gonna let you on the flight.” She shakes her head, and Waylon and I both laugh.
“It was so good to see you man,” I say, realizing how much I’ve missed having my old friend around.
“You too. I’m serious. Come play for Seattle, yeah? It would be great to have you.”
“I don’t think I get much choice in the matter.”
“Well, I’ll do what I can, still a rookie but some folks listen to me.” He smiles a lazy happy smile. Because, I remember, he’s had the best day of his life. His girl wants to marry him, and they’re planning the rest of it together.
“And congratulations, man. You’re lucky as hell. Don’t fuck it up yeah? And Mac, thank you on behalf of all men for taking this one off the market.”
“Thanks, Ben.” Mac gives me a smile. “Just a little friendly advice though?”
“Yeah?” I say half-heartedly. I can guess what kind of advice she wants to give, and I don’t know that any advice can help me now.
“I would tell you to knock it off, but since I’m on your side, keep it up.” Her eyes dart between me and the girl beside me. “It’s working.” Her eyes flick over her shoulder to where I assume Violet is still lurking somewhere. “Assuming your goal is getting her mad and jealous, that is.”
“Oh yeah?” I ask, suddenly interested in the idea of a jealous Violet. I didn’t realize that version existed. I’m surprised honestly that Violet’s bothered to pay any attention to me at all. I’d done my best to forget she existed tonight, a losing battle since she’s around every corner of my mind, but I assumed she would do the same to me after she refused to kiss me.
“Just, you know, a fine line?” Mac scrunches her nose at me, like what I’m doing is beneath me.
And it is. It’s so far from something I’d ever do normally. But I guess I’d never been here before, so desperate for a girl’s attention that I’d try almost anything.
“Casanova over here will figure it out, Mac Truck. Don’t you worry.” A drunk Waylon tries to reassure her.
“Sometimes even the smart ones need help,” she counters.
I shake my head, laughing at both of them and then stand up to give them each a hug goodbye, gently depositing Mia off my lap and back in the booth before I do it.
“Love you guys.”
“Love you man.” Waylon hugs me and gives me a rough slap on the back.
“Love you, Ben. Be smart.” Mac hugs me a little tighter than Waylon and they both set off.
As I turn around, Mia is already standing, her arms going to my shoulders and then her hands wrap around my neck pulling me to her. Her lips are on mine before I get a chance to say anything. I pull away as soon as I can, but still smile because I don’t want to hurt her feelings. She had always been sweet to me, and I was the asshole for leading her on tonight.
“What’s wrong?” She frowns despite the smile I give her.
“I uh... can’t do that.”
“You can’t?”
“No, he can’t because his mouth is about to have my boot in it.” Joss’s voice is so loud it echoes in my skull, and her eyes are threatening murder. And now I’m keenly aware this is not a side of Joss I ever wanted to see.
“Whooooaaaaa.” Jake stands and Colton stands with him.
“Don’t even think about trying to stop me. You’ll both end up the same way and that would be bad for the team. I don’t know a lot about football but the three of you seem pretty key to its functioning.” She points at them without taking her eyes off me.
“Any particular reason you’re threatening my wide receiver?” Colton asks calmly, holding out his hands like he’s trying to calm a spooked horse.
“He knows what he’s doing.”
“Drinking with his friends?”
