Page 58 of Scoring the Player
“You seem surprised.”
“I mean, don’t get me wrong, I haven’t heard anything otherwise, but usually when people talk about him, it’s just about how hot he is or how great he is at football. I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone say anything about his personality. But if he’s good to you then I’m happy to hear it.”
“You don’t think it’s odd that we’re together?”
Harper and I aren’t super close. We’ve gone out to parties together a few times, but we each have our own friend groups we hang out with most of the time. But we’ve spent enough time together on long bus rides and practices that she knows me well enough to know my usual dating pool would not include the captain of the Valley U football team.
“Well, I saw the video, so I know he’s your type.”
I suppress a groan. No one at practice said anything, but I should have known that was just them being polite. “Of course, you did.”
“Whose type isn’t Felix? I’m not even dating men right now and he’s my type.”
A small laugh escapes. Harper’s sexuality is ever-changing. She says she’s still figuring it out. Not that it’s any of my business, she just offers updates randomly in our conversations.
She elbows me. “You’re beautiful and sweet, and you have a gorgeous backswing.”
I snort at the last compliment. “I doubt he cares about my golf swing.”
“I guess he had to have one flaw.” Her smile brightens. “But seriously, if you weren’t his type, then I’d say he’s a very dumb man. And I doubt a successful guy like Felix is dumb.”
“Thanks, Harp.”
It’s almost eight when the bus pulls to a stop in the back parking lot of Ray Fieldhouse. I hurry to grab my stuff and leave. Jane is waiting at the house for me so we can walk over to the football field. Of course, Coach takes forever giving us one last ‘good job’ pep-talk before going over the schedule for next week.
The football field is two blocks south of the fieldhouse. I can hear the noise of the crowd and the crackle of the announcer over the loudspeakers, though I can’t make out any distinct words.
I run, as fast as one can with a set of golf clubs and a bag strapped to their back, through the lot and then across the street. Jane throws open the front door of our house before I get there.
“I’m sorry.” I pant as I drop my backpack to the floor and then, more gently, set my clubs down. “I swear Coach was driving ten under the speed limit the entire drive back like he knew we all had plans and wanted to mess with us. I’m sweaty and gross and I need to find something to wear for the party after the game.”
“I’ve got you covered. Outfit is laid out on your bed.”
“Thank you.” I hug her around the neck. She’s always so ready to help me, even before I ask.
“You’re welcome.” She laughs lightly as we pull apart. “Now, hustle young lady. We have a football game to get you to so you can cheer on the star player.”
My stomach does several flips.
Twenty minutes later, I am showered, dressed, and descending the stairs to head to the game.
Jane sits up on the couch and drops the magazine she was flipping through on the coffee table. “Oh. My. Gosh.” She punches each word.
I run a hand over my stomach and fist the soft jersey in my hands. It smells faintly of Felix, and the scent is making me nervous, as if he’s standing right in front of me. “Is it okay?”
She doesn’t speak as she stands and walks over to me, and her silence makes me panic, thinking this is all a terrible idea and I look ridiculous.
Then Jane’s lips pull into a huge smile. “This is going to be amazing.”
21
DAHLIA
By the timewe find Stella and Holly inside the stadium, the game has already started. The noise is loud and the energy electric.
“You made it!” Stella scoots down to make room for us. “I almost had to fight a guy to save these seats.”
“Thank you,” I say.
