Page 7 of Hidden Plays
“I’m counting on you.” His gaze dropped to his laptop. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some footage to analyze before we hit the field today.”
“Yep, see you out there.” Slapping my hands on my thighs, I rose and walked through the doorway. If I could address all the high school issues openly, maybe JJ and I could reach an understanding, and this season wouldn’t suck for me.
As I steppedonto the practice field, air-conditioned and covered by a fabric dome, I spied Matthews chatting with Carter and tossing a ball, both in full gear except for helmets. Thank fuck, this place offered a dome to practice in. Being as it was mid-September, it was still hot as hell. The home games would be brutal until October. “Hey, Matthews.”
He turned, his gaze catching mine, and he scowled.
Great start to our session. This wouldn’t be easy. Stepping to him, I said, “Did you look at the stretches I gave you?” I held my iPad to my chest.
“I did. I don’t see how they’re any better than what Stacey has me doing.” He lifted his chin.
Heat filtered through my chest. “Is it too much to ask for you to try them before you shit on them?” Damn it, he already had me on edge.
“Why fix what ain’t broke?” He threw me a nasty smirk.
Carter flicked his gaze from me to Matthews. “Oh, boy.” With a snicker, he said, “I’ll leave you two to your lover’s quarrel.” He bounded off toward the other players, milling around the sideline and waiting for the coaches’ instructions.
Lover’s quarrel? What the fuck had Matthews been saying about me? “What was that about?” I pointed my thumb in Carter’s direction.
“Nothing. Just his way of putting things.” Matthews stepped closer to me. “Why, did it unleash your inner homophobe?”
Freeing a huff, I said, “I’m not homophobic. Not everything is about your sexuality. Get over yourself.” This would be impossible. But I had to try. “I’d like you to perform the stretches daily.”
“Yeah, whatever. But if they don’t work and my game suffers, then what?” He eyed me. “It’s my senior year. I can’t afford to be sidelined by a shitty trainer.”
I glared at him. “I’m not a shitty trainer.” Poking my finger at his chest, I said, “Take that back.”
“Damn, you still have a temper.” With a snicker, he cocked his head. “Who’s the immature one now? Isn’t that what you said about me?”
Gritting my teeth, I twisted around and forced the fire in my veins to calm. I had to be the bigger man. As I turned, I said, “Listen, I’m assigned to you this season. So, like it or not, we have to work together.” Was getting to know him over a mealthe only option? “Let’s go to lunch this week to resolve it.” I grimaced despite myself.
“Lunch? With you?” He raised his brows, the corners of his lips curling. “Fuck no. I’m not that easy. I need a few nice text conversations before I commit to that.”
“It’s not a fucking date.” My hands fisted. Now he’ll accuse me of being homophobic again, damn it.
“No?” He stepped around me, circling and looking me up and down. “That’s a shame, because you sure have a fine ass.”
I balked. “What did you say to me?” I covered my ass with my hands. Was he harassing me?
“You heard me.” He stopped behind me, cupped his chin, and waggled his brows. “You’re asking me to lunch, and I’m gay, so I might be a little confused about your intentions. Maybe you’ve decided I was worth switching teams?—”
“Matthews and Cox, get over here.” Frowning, Coach Barlow stood on the field with a group of guys around him.
Glancing at Coach, I snatched Mathews’ arm and through my teeth said, “I’m only asking you to lunch because Coach thought it would be good for us to work shit out over a meal. That’s it.”
“Fine.” He tore his arm from my grasp. “Five Guys around noon?” He arched a brow.
“Works for me.” Fuck, I was really doing this. I followed him to the group of offensive line players. I didn’t know what the hell I’d say to him.
Fuck,I was five minutes late already. I glanced at the time on my phone. How the hell could I know the professor would keep us late today? I strode down Mill Avenue past brick buildings and under short trees when I could find them, the sun beating on my head and shoulders, a sheen of sweat covering my skin. JJ would deride me over the time. I was sure of it.
As I came to the glass door of the burger joint, I opened it andstepped into a rush of cool air. Relief. I scanned the restaurant and hitched my backpack higher on my shoulder.
From a corner table near the window, JJ waved, with a meal sitting before him.
He’d ordered without me. Did he think I wouldn’t show? I gave him a quick up-nod and ordered a burger and fries at the counter. After pouring an iced tea at the soda fountain, I grabbed my food and approached JJ. “Hey, sorry I’m late. My professor in my public health class kept us over.”
“Yeah, whatever. I figured you chickened out.” He opened his bag and unwrapped a burger. “Sit down and let’s get this over with.”
