Page 16 of Quarterback Sneak
“You don’t even know her name yet,” Reid says, and I can hear the laughter in his voice.
“Laugh it up,” I tell him. “You’ll see.”
Chapter 9
Evie
I spend all of Saturday cooped up in my room, stopping only for bathroom breaks and to make a bowl of Ramen for lunch. By three, I’m more than ready to take a break from studying and get out of my room, even if it’s only to go to work. I slip on my no-name brand Amazon sneakers and pull on a white v-neck clean t-shirt. I have this shirt in three different colors and have officially labeled them my work shirts. They're comfy and seem to go well with the navy aprons we have to wear. I’m already wearing black leggings, so it only takes me a minute or two to get ready to go. I add some eye color, mascara, and lip gloss and throw my hair into a ponytail and call it a day. I’m just about to leave when the door to the shared bathroom cracks open. “She’s not in here,” I call out, letting my suitemates know they can enter safely.
Tessa opens the door widely, dressed in all her FMU pride. “Do you even know what a barracuda is?” I ask, referencing her jersey.
She glances down at it and frowns. “Not particularly, but it makes for some great cheering. We’re fierce and dominant and—”
“It’s a fish,” I interrupt her.
She opens her mouth and then closes it again. “Is it a big fish, like a shark?” she asks hopefully.
“Nope.” I barely keep the grin off my face; I’m having fun with this. Of course, I didn’t know what it was either. Afterseeing the weird mascot at the game, I looked it up. Apparently, the mascot with the exaggerated six pack, holding a trident is supposed to be a barracuda. Tessa’s already on her phone.
“Well, we have sharp teeth and are fast. What more could you ask for in a football team? Anyway, why aren’t you dressed for the game?”
"I’ve got to work.” She looks so crestfallen, I try not to laugh.
“But it’s the big game.”
“You said last Saturday was the big game,” I remind her.
“Everygame is a big game, Evie!”
This time I can’t keep my grin away. “Sorry. I really do have to work. Isn’t Stephanie going with you?”
“No, she has a big paper she’s working on. Who does that, anyway? Who works on a paper during the big game? You all are terrible. I can’t believe I have to go by myself.”
“I’m sorry. Is there a game next Saturday?” She gives me a look like that’s the stupidest thing I could ask. “Okay, I’ll see if I can set my schedule around the game. What time is—” I don’t even get the words out before she tells me.
“Seven-o'clock.”
“Okay, I’ll see what I can do. No promises.”
She hugs me tightly. “Thank you, Evie.”
“Okay, I’ve gotta go, or I’m going to be late. Have fun at the game.” I grab my wallet and phone and head out.
It’s a rather slow shift, which surprises me; but Bisch says this is how it is whenever there’s a game. I tuck the information away. I actually don’t mind the slow time; it gives us a chance to get caught up on some of the other tasks we need to do. “Okay, people,” Sam says, clapping her hands. “It’s about to get real in here; the football game just ended. Stop cleaning and get ready to make drinks.” It’s not that I didn’t believe her, but I was fully unprepared for the rush of Barracuda fans over the next fewhours. Every time I look up, there’s a line. But it keeps us busy, and for that, I’m grateful.
I finish writing the order I just took on a cup and face the next customer. I look up and up some more. Recognition hits me instantly.It’s the guy from last night. Piercing green eyes meet mine, and I feel the heavy weight of his stare. I’d forgotten how incredibly good-looking this guy is. It comes flooding back instantly. He smiles at me, and his entire face lights up. I find it hard to breathe. “Hey,” he says easily. “How’s it going?”
I swallow hard because his voice matches all the masculinity he’s practically oozing. I suddenly remember Jace. And even though I’m not really sure if we’re a thing or not, something about this encounter feels like a betrayal to him. I jerk my gaze away from his and swallow. “What can I get for you?” I stare down at the register as I wait for his order.
“Mmmm,” he says like he has all the time in the world and there isn’t a line behind him. “What’s good?”
Since I get this question often, I answer easily. “Do you want a hot drink or cold?”
“Mmmmm, how about hot?”
I nod, still not looking up. “So, if you want super sweet, our caramel pecan latte is really good. If you want something not so sweet, you should try the death by chocolate. It’s mostly a dark chocolate flavor, so if you like dark chocolate…” I pause and make the mistake of looking up. His eyes are on me like he’s hanging on every word; it temporarily throws me off.
“Hurry up, Cap,” somebody shouts from near the back of the line. “Stop flirting and move on.” I feel my face turn bright red when almost everybody turns to look at me. The big guy takes a step to his left, cutting me off from the view of everybody waiting behind him.
