I stare at him quizzically. “Wednesday?”
“Josefine. That’s what everyone calls her,” Gray explains. “You know, because look at her. Sure, she’s hot as fuck, but she’s always looking serious and her personality is nonex?—”
“Shut the fuck up,” I snap.
They stare at me, taken aback. Even Noah looks a little stunned when he finally shifts his eyes back to me.
I don’t ever raise my voice or lose my cool. I’m the fun one, always positive and boosting morale when I need to during practice or games, and I’m known to always be smiling. It’s actually why I’m called Sparky. Assistant Coach Adam Lewis said I spark energy everywhere I go.
Gray raises his hands in surrender. “Shit, sorry, I didn’t know there was something going on between you and Wed—Josefine. Wait, since when are you and Josefine a thing?”
“We’re not a thing; we have a class together. Just don’t talk about her like that. And Wednesday isn’t even all that bad. She’d kill you and not break a sweat.” I grin, hoping it’ll ease the tension coiling my body.
Just when I think it’s gone, it appears like it never left.
We’re not friends. I’ve extended my hand and have kept it extended for her, but I doubt she’ll ever take it.
Kai narrows his eyes in suspicion. “So, there’s really nothing going on between you two? You’re not using her to get back at Bryson?”
Now I’m taken aback, feeling more annoyed than shocked. “Why would you say that?”
“Because Josefine is Bryson’s ex,” Gray supplies like it’s something I should know.
That shocks me and I realize now why they were staring at me skeptically and bemused. Bryson isn’t only my teammate, but the guy Amanda cheated on me with. It feels like I’ve solved a puzzle I wasn’t aware I was piecing together.
Bryson mentioned aJosieonce, but it was in passing. You wouldn’t have known they were dating because he was constantly flirting around. I didn’t think much of it or really care because while we’re teammates, we’ve never been close. Still, I talked to him during practice and games and if we ran into each other somewhere, I made small talk.
But since I found out he was the guy Amanda was cheating on me with, I don’t talk to him unless necessary. And I’m nowhere near his vicinity unless we have to because we’re teammates.
If I don’t, I’m afraid I’ll lose my shit. I didn’t when I found out he was fucking my girlfriend, and I haven’t despite his taunts. No matter what he says, I told myself I’d keep my cool.
I remind myself of that as I feel something spark inside me. It slowly spreads like lava, and I feel dangerously hot inside.
Was he part of the reason why Josie wanted to end it? The thought triggers something, but I force the raging thoughts racing in my head to calm down.
“I had no idea they were a thing.” I cast my glance toward Angel who shrugs as if he were saying the same thing. “How do you know?”
“I may have attempted to ask her out,” Gray says all too fast, embarrassed more than annoyed.
Kai snickers, cocking a brow. “May have? Please. He tried but she knocked him off his massive-ass ego and turned him down. He also?—”
“Shut up.” He shoots him a glare, but Kai only grins wider.
“He also tried to sign up for one of her swimming lessons, but she never replied to his email.” His snickers become bubbles of laughter.
“Smart girl,” Noah quips.
Gray deadpans but then perks up, smiling, unbothered. “It was for the best. After all, I know how to swim andsomepeopledon’t.” He looks directly at me when he says that, humor lacing his words. “I’d hate to take the spot from someone who really needs it.”
I don’t take offense because I know he’s not being a dick. He sometimes comes off that way. He also comes off as a snob and a condescending asshole, but Grayson isn’t that bad once you get to know him.
He knows, like everyone else, that I don’t know how to swim. The guys have wanted to teach me, but the deep terrifies me, so I’ve never let them.
“Maybe you should sign up for those lessons,” Kai suggests jokingly.
Angel grins. “You know, that wouldn’t be such a bad idea.”
“But good luck trying to get her to reply to you,” Gray patronizingly adds.
