Page 10 of Catch
“The show’s over folks,” I quip, trying to cover up myembarrassment. “That halftime special was brought to you by the Sutton U Drama Club, so please be kind in your reviews.”
There’s a smattering of laughter and then the students go back to their conversations as if nothing happened. My crew surround me and offer hugs.
“I never like that dickhead anyway.” Archie offers me a smile and gives me a pat on the back. “You deserve better, Jett. Are you okay?”
I rub my arm, but it’s nothing.
“I’m fine.”
The guys from the hockey team do the same, asking if I’m alright. Everyone except Ethan, who moves to stand in front of me and studies my face.
“What?” I snap.
Given how Ethan intervened, my current attitude is pissy and ungrateful, but I’m feeling all kinds of vulnerable right now, and I can’t deal with this guy too.
“We still have a game to finish,” he states. “You good to keep going?”
I glare at him.
“It was an argument, not the end of the world. Of course I’m good.”
“It’s okay if you’re not.”
“I was handling the situation, including Renner and his runaway mouth,” I admit, my anger simmering to a near boil. “I don’t need you to come to my rescue, and I don’t need to stop the game.”
I shake my head, looking anywhere but at Ethan.
There’s no way I’m forfeiting. And I want this conversation over with. The most popular fuckboy on campus has overheard that I’m shit in bed. He’ll probably take that and run with it, turning me into a joke. Then again, Ethan isn’t one to make fun of people that way. He loves to tease and fool around, but humiliating others isn’t his thing.
“Alright, then.” He nods. “See you on the pitch.”
He walks past me, his teammates following.
I can’t look at him. Instead, I try to take slow breaths to calm myself down.
“Wow, that escalated quick. I thought Renner was a conceited jerk, but I didn’t realize what a shit person he is,” Hudson comments and gives me a pat on the shoulder. “You sure you’re okay, bud?”
I nod. I want to forget about this entire day, never mind that argument.
“Renner’s a lying dick,” Archie continues. “Forget about him.”
“Already done,” I reply even though I know that’s not realistic.
Jackson reaches over and gives me a hug. “You’ll feel better when we win this game and you can shave Ethan’s gorgeous mane of hair.”
“Given the way he charged across the field and intervened, maybe we should make an exception,” Hudson replies.
“We shook hands. A deal’s a deal,” I insist. “And besides, Ethan did what any one of us would’ve done if the situation were reversed. It doesn’t mean anything.”
“Never seen him that pissed off before,” Archie murmurs. “Which is odd. I mean, you two don’t get along so?—”
“He’s a protective guy when it comes to his circle,” Jackson adds.
I stare at my friend like I don’t recognize him. Are we talking about the same guy?
“What?” Jackson asks, running a hand through his curly hair. “I spend a lot of time with Ethan and the hockey team because of my boyfriend. I know what I’m talking about.”
“I’m not his friend or part of his circle.” I sigh. “Let’s forget about Renner, and Ethan, and talk about something else please.”
