We have one. Okay, maybe two. There’s also the minor league UFL, but there are only eight teams, and it’s simply not the NFL. Still cool. Still professional. I wouldn’t turn it down if one of the teams wanted me. But they’re still not the NFL.
It’s not that I’mstupid. I have decent grades, though I don’t think I’m taking the most challenging courses. I don’t look for the easiest courses or the most challenging. I try to stick within my field of study and choose courses that sound interesting. I tend to do better when I’m interested in the subject.
That doesn’t mean I don’t have help. I made peace a long time ago that I’m not smart and probably won’t ever be smart. That’s okay. That doesn’t mean I can’t do well at something. It just means I need to work harder.
I spend a while longer at the gym. While I know I should work on my triceps, I don’t adjust my routine for the day. I likeroutine. It keeps me feeling in control. I’ll just have to go back and do a little research on the best exercises to build up my triceps. Then I can build it into my routine.
When I’m finished, I take a quick shower and then head back to my dorm to grab my books and head to the study center. On my way out, Kiley and Leisa join me. I’m not sure where they came from. I know they’re not in the same dorm since Bluff is strictly for athletes.
“Hey, Brevan,” they say together and take up stride on either side of me. Each links their arms through one of mine as they join me down the sidewalk.
“Hey.”
“Where are you headed?” Leisa asks.
“To study.”
“We were just headed to study too,” Kiley says. “Want to join us? We can study together.”
“The three of us.Howeveryou want to study,” Leisa says, blinking at me like she has something in her eye.
“Thanks, but I have a standing appointment in the study center.”
The girls look around me to see each other. “Are you sure?” Leisa asks. “I’m positive it’ll be far more fun if you study with us.”
“Orgasmically fun,” Kiley agrees.
I grin. People like to pretend that only young guys make sex jokes, but girls do just as often. At least, in my experience, they do. “Sounds good, but I really need to keep my appointment. Thanks for the invitation, though.”
“Well, if you change your mind, stop by later,” Kiley says. “I’ll message your dorm number.”
“Sure.”
They release me and remain on the sidewalk as I continue walking toward the study center. I think technicallyit’s the student center, a large new addition to the library. It’s beautifully expanded, and I love it. There are so many comfortable places to sit and study.
Not that I do well studying on my own. I truly don’t. It feels like I need someone to keep me accountable; otherwise, my brain is literally anywhere other than where it is now.
Stepping inside, I find Leana at the desk. She’s almost always here Monday through Thursday. I think this is her work-study position.
“Good afternoon, Leana,” I greet, offering her a friendly smile.
Her cheeks flush, and she bows her head. “Hello, Brevan. How are you?”
“Very good. You?”
She nods, brushing her hair behind her ear. “I’m good too. Is it still nice out?”
“Very. I’m not sure there are many bad days in Glensdale, but today is beautiful.”
“I hear it is a great day for a walk along the river.”
“Definitely. I hear it’s a romantic walk too since it’s so picturesque. Are you thinking about heading to the State Park?” I ask.
Where the Sacramento River snakes its way by Glensdale, it winds through William B. Ide Adobe State Park. Even with the number of buildings along the river, there are places that are exceptionally beautiful.
“Maybe. If someone would like to go with me.”
“That’s a good idea. It’s not safe to go alone.”
