“Stop making him feel so important.” Noah rolls his eyes at me. “He’s just a guy. Who was the reason we weren’t so shit. I hope you all get your shit together now that he’s back.”
“Love you, Noah.” I grin at him, glad he’s being his grumpy self, deflecting the attention from me to him.
They all throw quick excited words at me, pats on my shoulder and back, and disperse to their lockers to get ready for our pre-game workout and something new Coach has implemented.
I go to mine and pull my phone out, finding a message from Josie.
My Josie: Check the outside of your bag’s pocket
I search one pocket and then the other until I feel a thin piece of paper. When I pull it out and read the Post-it note, the tornado of anxiety twisting in my stomach dies.
You make the world brighter and better!
I’m so happy you’re here!
With love, Jos<3
I fold the paper in half and tuck it in the sleeve of my wallet where the rhinestone is.
Me: I know fate is real. I know because you exist
My Josie: You know I’ve never been a believer, but you make it so easy to believe. I love you and your hot face
Me: I love you!! Just my hot face?
My Josie: And your hot everything. Go warm up or whatever it is you guys are supposed to do! I’ll see you at the game
My cheeks ache from how big I’m smiling, but it falters at the person who says my name behind me.
Bryson stands there, hands tucked in his pockets, staring at me like a child who’s just been scolded. “Hey, Danny.”
“I don’t want to?—”
“I’m sorry,” he cuts in quietly.
“What was that?”
His eyes dart around then he dejectedly sighs because everyone is staring—discreetly, but they’re still staring. “I’m sorry about the shit I said and for pushing you in the pool. I didn’t think—I didn’t know about your fear and if I would’ve known, I would’ve pushed you on the ground or something. I’m also…sorry about everything else. I’m…glad you’re back.”
I narrow my eyes, staring at him dubiously. “How much were you paid to say this?”
He gives me a tight-lipped smile. “Not paid. I-I mean it. I’m trying to do the right thing here for fuck’s sake. I’m sorry for being a dick.”
“A piece of shit, but I’ll let ‘dick’ slide.” I flash him my friendliest smile when he glares at me.
“Are we good?” He cocks a brow, sticking his hand out for me to take.
I want to say fuck no, but the ACC tournament is a few weeks away then soon after is the NCAA Regionals. We all need to begetting along and working as a team, and as the captain, I need to set an example.
I clutch his hand. “We’re good. Just stay away from Josie.”
His brows arc in surprise, despite how tense his face looks. “I thought you guys broke up?”
“We’re good.Reallygood. And you and I will be good as long as you stay away from her.”
He tugs his hand away, and his jaw tics. “Whatever.”
“I mean it. Stay the fuck away from Josie.”
