Page 68 of Keep Me Never
He points the cleat at me. “That was different.”
“Was it?”
He glares and I laugh.
“This is rude.” Brady crosses his arms.
“Leave him alone.” Mason waves him off.
“Thank you.”
“It’s obvious things went well.”
Now my glare points his way.
“What?” He smirks. “Tell us different, I dare you.”
“You guys suck, and can I have my damn cleat back now? We’ve got like five minutes.”
He passes it back, but when my hand wraps around it, he doesn’t let go. This time, though, the teasing and whatnot are gone.
Brady’s grin is light. “Come on, man. You got the girl you’ve been pretending not to watch for the last year.”
“Year and a half-ish,” Mason feels the need to add.
“Shit’s been rough for you, but already today, we can tell you’re… I don’t know, lighter. Tell us we can be happy for you already.”
My lips tug up to one side and that’s all the answer Brady needs.
“Fuck, yes!” he whoops into the air, releasing my shoe. “Dude. This is perfect. So perfect. Shit is going just like we planned, brothers.”
I can’t help the smile on my lips, enjoying this feeling of… I don’t even know what it is. Contentment, maybe.
Brady hops away, knocking his helmet on the lockers as he goes. “I can’t fucking wait to graduate, boys!”
Just like that, a ten-ton truck falls on my shoulders, and I whip around to hide the proof of the hit in my locker.
It’s October. I’ve only got a few more months left here. I should tell them, let them know how much is riding on my performance, because without a bang-out season…
A firm hand lands on my shoulder, and I look over, meeting Mason’s gaze. He holds my stare a moment, and my eyes begin to burn.
“I love you, man.” He squeezes. “You know that, right?”
My throat grows tight, but I manage a nod.
He nods back, then heads out, giving me the moment he can sense I need…but if I take it, I might spiral, and I can’t do that. Not right now.
It’s time to focus up.
We’re playing Florida this week and they’re a passing team, with a quarterback that rivals Mason’s talent and a defense that is going to make me work extra hard for every yard.
I’m up for the fucking challenge, and I will come out on top.
Brady’s teasing comes back to my mind, and I chuckle, making my way toward the field.
My guy was right, though.
I tug my helmet over my head, snapping it in place as I step out on the track.
