A string of Italian cuss words leave his lips in a mutter. “Adam, take him with you. I need to make sure you didn’t break anything.”
“Am I suspended?” I ask.
“No, we need to test you. You played fucking phenomenal today. I hope to God you didn’t break anything or I’ll beat the shit out of you.” He rubs his eyes. “You just couldn’t wait until you were off the goddamn campus. Dammit, Daniel.”
If I did, consequences be damned.
41
DANIEL
“Gracias, mama.”I shut the engine off, dropping my head on the headrest.
There’s a pause on the other line before I hear a tentative breath.“Tu papa tambien esta muy orgulloso de ti.”
“Sí, claro.”I roll my eyes.
“Daniel,”she chastises.“Por favor, no?—”
“I’m sorry, I just got home, I’m tired, and I still have to shower.” I climb out of my car, dragging my duffle and backpack out with me.
A poignant sigh leaves her mouth. “Okay, well say hi to Josie for me and let her know I won’t forget to bring bread next time.”
I halt before inserting the key in the keyhole. “Wait, what?”
“She messaged me on Facebook the other day.” I hear the smile in her voice, the tension from a few seconds ago gone. “Told me which breads she liked the best. I promised I’d bring some today but with all the sickness going around over here, I didn’t want to be around her and get her sick.”
That shocks me. “When did she message you?”
“Just a few days ago.” I’m sure she’s plotting. “You know…she’s single.”
My jaw drops. “You asked her?Mama.” I shake my head, but I feel my cheeks warming. “What did you guys talk about?”
She laughs. “I’m not going to tell you. You’ll get annoyed.”
Usually, I do because I can’t stand that she meddles, but this time, I really want to know. Did Josie say something or anything about me? Is she interested? I shouldn’t want that, but I can’t deny that I want her so badly.
“I won’t, I promise.” I attempt to keep my voice level, but interest seeps through.
She laughs again. “I need to let you go.Estoy muy orgullosa de ti. Síguele echando ganas. Te quiero mucho.”
Of course she’d do this. The one time I really want to know. “Me too.”
As I unlock the door, my gaze draws to my bruised knuckles. Coach D had the athletic trainer look at my hand to make sure I didn’t break anything either. I told him I was fine, but he said he needed to make sure.
Bryson’s fine too, unfortunately. I didn’t see him after I got tested, but I saw the red stain on the floor. I’m not sure how bad his face is, but according to Kai, it’s pretty severe. I shouldn’t have lost my shit; I don’t even remember half of what I did.
I just remember thinking I’d never let anyone hurt Josie again. That meant anyone talking shit or doing whatever it is that would upset her. While she wasn’t physically there, I still think about what he put her through. I think about that night on Christmas Day and how defeated she looked with life.
I promised her I’d help her fill the emptiness, and I promised myself she’d never have to go through life alone.
I’m not suspended, but Coach wants to see me tomorrow before the game. I don’t know what he’s going to do, but I know it’s not going to be good.
My phone vibrates in my palm, multiple notifications lighting up the screen. They’re all individual ones from most ofmy teammates and then the group chat with the guys. I ignore them, pocketing my phone as I shut the door behind me because I’m still mad.
I stop in the living room, looking around but there’s no sign of Josie anywhere. It’s Friday and close to ten p.m. She could be asleep, but that’s highly unlikely. Most of the time she stays up late, either doing homework or swimming.
Just as I think that, she slips inside, a towel wrapped around her body and hair in a ponytail soaking wet.
