“What can I do? The interviews are done. I blew it.”
“It’s only been a few days. If they haven’t made an offer, it’s not over.”
I stiffen, shoulders rigid.
He’s right. It may be too late for Sutton and me, but maybe I can still salvage the Sports Stream internship.
“So are you going to sit here and wallow, or are you going to get off your ass and do something about it?”
Option two.
“I’m going to email the professor and disclose that I have dyslexia.” It’s in my student profile, but that doesn’t mean Mac’s aware of it. He only teaches part-time, and I never brought it to his attention. There’s no guarantee it’ll make a difference, but at least I’ll know I tried. “If the internship is meant for me, it’ll be mine. If it’s not, I’ll find another opportunity.”
But that’s a problem for another day. For now, I’m just going to focus on what’s in front of me and put everything else in the box.
“That shouldn’t be too hard.” Vaughn grins maniacally and I give silent thanks he’s on my team. I wouldn’t want to face him on the line of scrimmage. “After we whoop Clemson, everyone will want a piece of you.”
“Here’s hoping.” I climb to my feet and shove my fingers through my hair, pushing the damp strands off my forehead.
“What are you going to do about Sutton?” he asks. “You can’t avoid her forever.”
No, I can’t, but I’m also not ready to go there.
46
SUTTON
“Ay bendito.This is the smartest thing I’ve ever done or the stupidest.”
“It’s genius,” Maddie says, pulling me in for a quick hug. Her cheeks are flushed, but I can’t tell if it’s from the cold or excitement. “Trust me.”
I want to but Wildcat stadium is hella crowded. The pep rally hasn’t started yet, but already it’s a sea of blue and white, fans decked out from head to toe in Wildcat gear as they take their seats. A massive Waverly banner has been placed at the fifty-yard line and there are enormous blue and white balloon arrangements on either side, creating a makeshift stage.
The pep rally is a send-off for the football team, a chance to show our support ahead of bowl season. The Peach Bowl isn’t for a few more weeks, but since most people will head home for the holidays once finals are over, this is our last chance to rally around the team.
From the looks of it, every student, professor, and staff member has turned out, along with half of College Park. It’s an incredible show of support, but I’d expect nothing less. Wildcat Nation is notoriously loyal. The fans will make a great showing at the game too, and not just because it’s being played in a warmer climate.
An icy breeze whips through the stadium and Brooke tugs on the collar of her coat, pulling it up around her chin. “Why couldn’t they do this in the arena?”
“Probably because the stadium’s bigger and it’s their home turf,” Soraya deadpans, eying the azure sky.
Despite the cold, the sun is shining and there isn’t a cloud in sight. It’s a gorgeous day.
Yeah, a gorgeous day to make a fool of yourself in front of forty thousand people.
There’s only one that matters.
Devin.
I miss him so damn much.
Miss hearing him call me Shorty. Miss his playful banter. Miss having his powerful arms wrapped around me as we lie in bed.
My heart squeezes, and I welcome the pain like an old friend.
It’s a reminder of what I lost. Of what I’m fighting for today.
Devin and I haven’t spoken in a week. He’s still isn’t taking my calls or returning my texts and I’m pretty sure he’s avoiding me at the apartment complex, which I know from personal experience takes some effort.
