Page 29 of Stealing for Keeps
“No. We aren’t together.” Though she has been occupying a lot of my thoughts.
“You might want to let Collins know that, because rumors around school are saying differently.”
Fucking rumors.
* * *
By the time I make it to art class, I’m so keyed up for tonight, that it’s all I can focus on.
Well, almost.
Claire smiles at me as I take my seat. Something has shifted between us over the past week. She talks a little more freely. I haven’t asked about skating again, sensing that’s a tough spot for her, but otherwise, I think I’m finallystarting to win her over. I’m not sure exactly what my plan is. Asking her out would likely make things worse with Vaughn, but I’m starting to wonder if it matters. And if it doesn’t, I might as well get the girl.
“Are you coming to the game tonight?” I ask, thoughts still on soccer but also her.
Nodding without looking at me, she says, “Pretty much the whole school shows up for Meet the Knights.”
“Including you?”
She meets my gaze. Her multicolored eyes really get me. Unique. Like her.
“Yes,” she says finally. “Including me.”
* * *
When I get to the locker room before the game, the entire team is already there and dressed. Coach Collins eyes me, one brow cocked. “Good you could join us, Keller.” Lazily, he rotates his wrist to check the time on his watch. “Did I not say to be here tonight at five o’clock on the dot?”
“I thought it was changed to five thirty…” I trail off when I notice several of the guys fighting off laughter.
Fuck me. I did think it was odd Coach—who has never sent an email out before—sent out a last-minute time change an hour before we were supposed to arrive at the field for Meet the Knights. But clearly not odd enough to question it like I should have.
His stare moves around the locker room, and everyone’s faces go to stone. A few guys look down, so he can’t read their expressions.
“My mistake. Sorry, Coach.” I move past him and take a seat on the bench between Rowan and Blake.
“Starters on the board,” he says. “I want to see everythingyou have out there. You know your opponent tonight better than you will all season. I’ll be making a lot of switches and moving you around. Work together, and take your time.”
With a nod and a small upturn to the corners of his mouth, he gives us a smile and turns on his heel to leave.
When I glance at the board, my name has been crossed out and Eddie’s added next to it. I don’t have to guess why I’m not starting.
“Did somebody tell you the wrong time?” Rowan asks, keeping his voice low.
“Yeah.” I tamp back my irritation. That’s what they want, and I refuse to let them see it.
“I should have warned you they might try something tonight.”
“Not on you,” I say, meaning it. He’s the only guy in this room that I know for sure didn’t send it.
“Don’t let them get to you. They’ll get bored of it and move on.” He tosses me a blue jersey. “Welcome to the blue team.”
“Thanks.” I pull it on over my head.
The guys are lining up to go out. Vaughn is wearing a white jersey. I can’t decide if that’s good or bad news for me.
“Use all that frustration you’re feeling right now on beating the white team. I have never been on the winning side for Meet the Knights, but this feels like the year.”
I nod and think about doing just that. I sit on the bench in front of the locker and pull on my socks and shin guards. “Is your family here?”
