When we’re all seated around him, Dad finally starts talking.
“I had a call from the athletic director at Mountainview,” he says. “Their coach and five of their players were out today with the flu.”
“Sucks for them,” our goalie, Barrett, says quietly under his breath, but loud enough for everyone to hear it. People snicker all around.
“We are going to reschedule the regional championship to allow them to recover. Instead of playing Saturday in Mountainview, we’ll play here next Friday.”
The mood has shifted from excitement to anger and frustration. Guys whining that it’s not fair and not our problem that they’re sick comes from all sides.
Dad holds up a hand to silence the commotion. “I know this isn’t what you want. It isn’t what I want either, but it’s the right thing to do. Would you rather beat them by default or because you’ve shown you’re the better team?”
There are some reluctant murmurs for the latter, but none of us wants to wait another week.
Dad continues amid our mumbles of irritation. “We’re going to take tomorrow off. It’s been a long push this season, and I think we could all use the rest. But do not take this as your sign to go out and make bonehead choices. We are still locked in. Still hungry.”
The idea of a day off is enough to completely change their minds and suddenly everyone else seems to be on board. I know what Dad is saying is the right thing to do, but I’m still bummed.
Rowan and I go straight to Austin’s house. We grab drinks from the refrigerator and head to the living room.
“This sucks,” I finally say out loud. I knew the team was watching my reaction too closely to be transparent about my feelings earlier, but I don’t want a night to party. I want to play soccer.
“Yep.” Austin falls onto the couch next to me.
We look to Rowan who shrugs. “I mean, yeah, I’drather play this weekend, but at least now we can go to Boone’s Halloween party.”
“Yeah.” Austin bobs his head in agreement.
Now they’re looking at me.
“I just want to play.”
“Aww, come on, Cap. The season is almost over. You have to learn to loosen up. Maybe get yourself a new girl.”
I’m quiet for too long. I haven’t told either of them about my feelings for Lacey, but at the mention of getting a new girl, my thoughts go to her.
“What’s that face?” Austin asks.
“He already has someone in mind.” Rowan’s knowing smirk splashes across his face. He gives his head a small shake of surprise. “What the hell, Collins? You’ve been holding out on us.”
“It’s not anything yet,” I say. Probably never.
“Who?” Austin asks.
I glance between my friends. “This doesn’t leave this room.”
Austin is the first to nod his agreement.
My heart rate picks up as I consider whether I’m really going to tell them. Feeling what I do is one thing, it’s not like I can control it, but saying it out loud gives it weight somehow.
Fuck it.
“It’s Lacey.” As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I wish I could take them back. “Like I said, it isn’t anything. We’ve just been spending a lot of time together. It’s nothing.”
I can feel Rowan and Austin exchanging looks. I take a second before I look at them.
“Just say it. She’d never be into me, and it’s a bad fucking idea for so many reasons.”So many reasons.
“I mean…maybe. You’re opposites, for sure.” Austin looks nervous with this new information.
