Sulley’s eyes tear up when she sees me, offering me a huge hug and whispering into my ear, “I love you, Kennedy Jeffries. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had in my life.”
I crack a few jokes to mask the emotions swimming inside me over what she just said to me. I suppose I’ve never had a best friend, but I do now. It feels good to admit that I’m happy. For the first time in a very long time, I’m truly happy.
Shortly after we break apart, Fallon walks into the locker room in a white pantsuit. I let out a whistle. “Wow, you’re looking every bit the sexy coach. I’ve never seen you dressed this nicely. You look amazing.” She’s absolutely stunning.
She winks at me and whispers, “It’s a Prada suit. I knew you’d appreciate it more than anyone else.”
“You look hot,” I offer. “All the men in this stadium won’t be watching the game. They’ll be looking at you.”
She twists her lips. “Not really my goal for the day, but I appreciate the compliment.”
“Do you date?” I ask, realizing we’ve never once spoken about her love life. I know Bailey mentioned a hot date that one day, but I’ve never heard anything from Fallon about her love life.
She shrugs nervously. “A bit. Dating when you’re older has its…challenges. I’m a single mom. All the men in my age bracket are either single dads or career playboys. There are things going on that weren’t when I was young and single, without all the responsibilities and emotional baggage I have now.” Her eyes move down to my chest, and a small smile forms on her lips. “I certainly can’t get away with marks like those anymore. Harper would see them in a second and ask a million questions.”
I look down and realize my shirt has slipped a bit. Bite marks are clearly visible on my breasts, even though they won’t be once I’m in my sports bra and jersey.
She lets out a laugh. “I guess you had a good night.”
I offer a cheeky smile as I turn toward my locker. “It was a good morning.”
Areallygood morning.The best ever.
We’reon the court in our warmup layup lines when I notice my mother walk down the aisle toward her seat with a guy who must be at least ten years her junior following closely behind while holding her hand. She smiles and waves at me with her other.
The fuck? We don’t communicate. She’s lucky there are kids here, or I’d give her the finger.
Pierce is trailing behind them, looking miserable. He and I make eye contact, and he throws his hands in the air, conveying his frustration to me. Why is my mother parading her boy toy in front of him? She has no shame.
I refocus on my warmups but have to tug on my shorts a bit. I’m so damn sore. I think I’ll need an icepack between my legs after the game. Sulley notices and asks about it. I lie that some random guy I met on Tinder gave me a pounding.
I assume Daylen’s on Tinder. It could be true. I hate lying to her, but I have no choice. I don’t want anyone ever knowing about Daylen and me.
On the other side of the floor, I see Vance sitting and chatting with the Cougars guys and Anacondas women. They’re all super tight.
Just then, Daylen comes strolling down the aisle in my jersey.I can’t believe he really wore it, and I truly can’t help the huge smile it brings to my face to see him wearing it.
He smirks at me before grabbing his junk and mouthing, “I’m sore.”
I point to my crotch and mouth back, “Me too.”
His grin widens with obvious pride. Deviant.
My father then walks in wearing my jersey. He narrows his eyes at Daylen as he takes in the fact that he’s wearing the matching jersey. Daylen looks nervous. Oh man, it’s fun to watch him squirm as I see him try to explain it away. I wish I could hear what they were saying.
My attention is pulled when my mother yells my name. She knows well enough to never do that. It’s not like I’ll respond. She’s showing off for this guy. I can feel my rage rising to the surface.
As if I’m not angry enough, an opposing player, Diane Garma, who’s the biggest Sulley-hater on the planet, walks by Palmer and mumbles, “What do you do, eat potato chips and french fries all day?”
Palmer’s eyes immediately fill with tears.
I see red and march right over to stand protectively in front of Palmer. I cross my arms and puff out my chest. “Fuck off, Diane,” I spit at her. “Stay on your side. Don’t you even look at her, let alone talk to her ever again.”
She snarls. “What? I’m just speaking the truth. Unlike Palmer, I care what goes into my body.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “I’ve seen your ex-boyfriends on Instagram. Let me assure you, you don’t care what goes into your body.”
I hear Palmer snort in laughter behind me. I’m happy to hear her laughing and not crying over Diane’s cruel and unnecessary treatment.
