But what really catches my attention—she’s wearinghisjersey.
59
IVY
“Oh my God, Ivy. I’m so happy to see you. Where have you been?” Kendall asks, hugging me as she gleefully adds, “You can totally join in. I’m sure you remember all the routines.”
I do. “No, I’m just a spectator tonight. I promised Everett I’d be here to watch him play.”
“Oh, he didn’t mention you were coming,” Kendall says as she looks to Sophia who shrugs her shoulders. “Well, if you change your mind just jump in. It’ll be like old times.”
Pass.I shouldn’t be here.
“What is she doing over here?” Sophia asks.
But I realize she’s pointing behind me as I spot Brooke approaching. “I need to talk to you.”
“She’s with us tonight.” Kendall points at the jersey. “Go back to the visitor’s side.”
Brooke rolls her eyes as she hooks her arm on my elbow. “It’s really not that serious.”
Did I act like this too? Probably.
I take the opportunity to walk away with Brooke and tell my former squad, “I’ll see y’all later,” though I have no desire of doing so.
Brooke gives them a scowl, and I almost expect her to stick her tongue out, but she doesn’t. She aims her animosity to me. “Why are you wearing that? Do you want to send him on a major rampage?”
“Believe it or not, this isn’t about him.” I wave over my chest. “I’m sure it’s hard for him to comprehend, but I figured you could.”
Her head tilts to the side as she glances across the field. “I get it. However, you know their brains are the size of mustard seeds.”
“Which still isn’t my problem. I’ve bailed on Everett every week, and I just want to pretend that I’m a good friend and cheer along for a few minutes.”
“Does it have to be with the enemy?” Brooke asks before she grumbles, “Fine. As long as you hang out with me afterwards, then I’ll drop it.”
“Sure,” I agree.
“No bailing on me either. You have to show up. There’s going to be a party at Hannah’s after the game.”
Great. Because I so want to party right now, though the drinking part is appealing. “I’ll see you there.”
She pulls me into a hug. “Don’t get too comfortable over there. You belong with us.”
I don’t feel like I fit in either world.
When I spot Everett jogging over, I head towards him. He stops nearby barely paying attention to me as Kendall runs up to him. She jumps as he catches her, her legs hooking around him as they kiss. Okay. That’s new. When I tried to get them together, he said he wasn’t interested. Guess we all have our denial stages.
Once he puts her down, he seems like he just noticed me standing here. “Ivy, glad you could finally make it.”
“Me too.” I smile and tell him, “Good luck.”
“Thanks,” he says, his attention back on Kendall as she leans against him.
I feel like I’m intruding so I say, “I’m going to find a seat.” They’re chatting before I turn and head to the bleachers. The place is already starting to fill up, so I head to the top row and sit on the end. It feels odd being over here and viewing Belgrave on the other side.
Thankfully, kickoff arrives, and the game is underway. I clap when I should and don’t when I shouldn’t. Willowbrook has the ball when the score is tied at fourteen with only two minutes left in the third quarter.
The guys are in their formation as the ball is hiked to Everett. He’s searching for a receiver when Remy comes out of nowhere and drives his helmet into Everett’s knee. There’s a collective gasp as Everett goes to the ground. The whistle blows and a flag is thrown on the play. Remy is throwing his hands in the air as the penalty is called against him. Belgrave’s coach is shouting in Remy’s face as he forces him off the field. He’s still ranting on the sideline as Everett limps off the field.
