The players are on the field.
Nathanis on the field.
And I couldn’t be more excited.
My lips curl of their own accord, my smile vicious with thoughts of that pathetic excuse of a human, thinking he stands a chance.
I wasn’t seeking motivation for my first game back. The fact that I was playing again was more than enough. But getting to wipe the smile off that fucker’s smug face makes it all the more delicious.
I’ve waited years for this moment.
It’s my time to shine.
A TV camera slides past in my peripheral vision, and I imagine Cade and his dad watching from their homes. We may not be close anymore, but I can say without a doubt that Cade’s merciless smile would look a hell of a lot like mine.
Nathan is what you call a liar and a cheat. And what’s worse is that he hides behind his puppy dog persona. His good guy vibes.
“He’s so sweet, he couldn’t possibly have stolen Jimmy’s bike.”
“If he started the fight, then why is he the one too banged up to go to school?”
“This is high school. Players don’t fix games. Why would they?”
“Cut him some slack. His mom is sick. He didn’t mean to scratch your truck.”
Every time he fucked up, there was some asshole making excuses for him. And that’s not including the stuff I’m convinced he got away with. I can’t remember a time that he ever owned up to anything, while I just had to blink and they’d reprimand me.
Yes, his mom got sick when he was in his senior year, and yes, he was a fucking sweet little kid, always smiling and making people happy. But that doesn’t give you permission to be a jerk, and it doesn’t give you a free pass to mess with my friends. Or worse.
I take in a breath as my heart pounds against my rib cage.
All that aside… You don’t manipulate my girl and get away with it.
If he hadn’t invited Blair to that damn party all those years ago, her light would never have dulled. I wouldn’t be thinking about her twenty-four-fucking-seven knowing it’s better for her if I stay away.
Allour lives would be different.
My sister would still be alive.
Sorrow clogs my throat, but I force myself to swallow it down, curling my toes in my cleats, grounding myself to the present.
That’s not on him. He may be an asshole that throws blame around like it’s free fucking candy, but I’m not that guy. I own up to my shit and that one’s on me.
Doesn’t mean I can’t hate him for setting the wheels in motion.
Thomas calls my name, and like cold water’s been splashed across my face, I jolt back to the present, flexing my jaw when I feel myself scowling.
I let Nathan distract me. I haven’t even laid eyes on him yet and I let him pull me from the game.
Cursing myself, I run backward and scoop up the ball, launching it at Thomas. “I’m here, and I’m good,” I reassure him before he can ask, hoping it’ll ease his mind after catching me zoning out during practice. His concern is the last thing I need.
Standing tall, I jog to my next position, readying myself for the catch until my eyes lock on Nathan and my steps falter. He’s waving toward the crowd, his smile wide as though he’s the player single-handedly turning his team around, and I almost call out to put him in his place. At least until Easton runs past me, bringing my attention back where it’s needed. Back to my team.
Focusing just in time, I see Thomas throw the ball in my direction, and I race forward, dodging my teammate before easily securing it in my grasp.
I keep my mind on target for the remainder of our warmup, but when it’s time to vacate the field, I naturally seek out Nathan again. I can’t help it; I’m excited for the moment our eyes first meet. To watch thesweetsmile fall from his face.
When I finally find him, he’s running toward the sidelines, removing his helmet as he clings to the fence. Leaning forward, he plants his lips on some poor woman in the crowd and I can’t help but laugh.Once a dick, always a dick.We’ll see who’s smiling when the game ends.
