Page 58 of Ruse
“Go Sharks!” One of them shouts.
“I love you Fitz!” Yells another.
“Have my babies Brooklyn!”
Okay that last one’s crossed the line.
“Pathetic,” I groan, gagging as I watch my brother, who’s shirtless by the way, flex exaggerated in their direction.
“He’s such a slut,” Dee grunts, blowing away the loose sweaty strands of hair curling around her face.
I cock my head in her direction. “And yet you pine away for him.” She rolls her eyes at me but doesn’t deny it.
Five minutes later, Coach Rivers blows his whistle ending practice and dismisses the guys into the locker room. The team picks up their gear and hustles inside ready and begging to hit the showers. The end of summer heat on the western coast is no fucking joke.
I stand, folding the laptop into my bag and head down to the bottom bleacher to catch Fitz before he steps into the locker room. “Alright, that's our cue.”
Darcy and Donovan rush after me, barely able to catch up before they realize what I’m doing. “Wait, what are you doing?” Darcy murmurs anxiously, her bag slouched over her shoulder as she catches her breath.
“We came to talk to them, so that’s what I’m doing. There’s no way I’m waiting for the two of them to shower and get changed. Trust me, when my dad was having my bathroom remodeled two years ago, Brooklyn and I had to share. Let’s just say he takes longer showers than me.”
“Hey Fitz!” I shout out before either girl responds.
Fitz immediately looks our way, ignoring the groupies screaming his name and fanning themselves. He changes his course and heads straight toward us causing the squeals to turn into gasps and audible pouts.
“Yo Phoenix, what’s up girl? Didn’t know you came out to watch our practices. I mean you ain’t on the squad anymore, which by the way fucking sucks, I thought you turned your back on us baby.” Fitz reaches behind his back and tugs his sweat clad tank over his neck, using the shirt to wipe the sweat glistening on his forehead. The groupies to our left gasp out loud and I swear I see one of them faint.
Beside me I hear Darcy smack her lips in annoyance as she rolls her eyes, but I don’t miss the slight gasp that left her moments ago. “Got something to say Bennett?” Fitz asks her, catching her annoyance as well. He’s gleaming, a full ear to ear grin displaying his perfectly straight pearly whites, as he flicks his head back, his dark, honey brown hair falling in perfect waves around his face. He’s gorgeous, and the bastard knows it.
I look toward Darcy, just as a bright red flush covers her cheeks at the realization he heard her, but lucky for her Brooklyn jumps to her rescue. “Hey there, Darcy,” he says, stepping toward the edge of the railing before us. Brooklyn leans forward, placing his forearms against the rails separating the bleachers from the field. “I’m glad you came down to watch. See anything you like? I’d be willing to give you an encore performance.”
Darcy spits out a laugh, her hand flying up to her mouth to cover it from escaping once again.
“Don’t be such a pig Brooklyn,” Donovan snaps at his attempt to flirt with Darcy.
“Bite me Kennedy,” Brooklyn snaps back, glaring at her like he wants nothing more than to wrap his arms around her neck and strangle her.
Dee gives him the finger in response as she glares back at him just as equally murderous. “In your dreams Bancroft,” she sneers, flicking her ponytail back. My brother’s gaze follows the movement for a second before it drops to the floor as he steps back.
I swear I have no idea what’s up with these two. They used to bicker playfully all the time; I mean we’ve known Dee our whole lives, and he’s my annoying brother, but things have gotten intense since earlier this summer. It’s almost like something happened that’s caused this awkward shift, and it’s more than my brother’s newfound attitude since my parent’s divorce. There’s something going on and I’m going to figure it out. Even if I must drag it out of my bestie.
“Anyway,” I mutter looking back at Fitz. “As much as I’d give my right kidney to watch you guys play with each other’s balls, I’m here strictly on business, Fitzpatrick.”
Fitz chuckles nodding in agreement. “Alright, what’s up P?” He steps forward joining my brother against the metal.
“Remember how you agreed to have the football team set up and work a booth at the fair?” I ask, reminding him of the conversation we had a few weeks ago at my house.
“Vaguely?” he answers, raising a brow quizzically.
“Well, actually, it was a kissing booth. You said you and Brooklyn were in, and you'd get the guys on board too.”
Realization hits him. “Oh yeah, I definitely remember agreeing to that.”
“Hell yeah we’re down,” Brooklyn says, patting his QB on the back.
I clap my hands together excitedly. “Great, well we’re all meeting Friday to set up the tables and booths down at the pier. The rides and food stands are getting put in as we speak, so Friday, after school, Malibu Cove Pier. See you boys there!” I shout, turning and walking away before they can back out of our agreement.
“Wait!” They both call out.
