And if I’m honest, a certain girl I can’t stop thinking about might also have something to do with my untouchable good mood.
I eat breakfast quickly and head to school early. I’m not the only one feeling anxious. Half the team is already in the halls, standing by our lockers, louder and cheerier than normal.
“The cap is here!” Rowan shouts over the noise.
My teammates turn as I approach. I smile at them, but it’s the posters decorating the hallway and our lockers that have my attention.
I don’t see her, but it’s Lacey and the cheerleaders’ doing, I’m sure of it.
“Are you ready for this?” Austin asks, stepping forward. We bump fists.
I nod. “Wish we didn’t have to sit through classes today.”
“It’s going to be torture,” Rowan agrees.
We fall into conversation, mostly about tonight. Everyone is eager and antsy, but above that everyone is excited.
I have one eye looking out for Lacey’s arrival, and when I finally spot her, a wide grin breaks out on my face.
She’s wearing a blue T-shirt that saysI heart socceron the front. A laugh builds in my chest. When she realizes she has my attention, she turns around to show me the back.
COLLINSis written across the top with my number below.
My heart stops.
She spins back around, flashing me a flirty smile.
I close the distance between us, admiring her every step of the way. Up close, I can make out the ***9 painted on her left cheek.
“Too much?” she asks, still smiling in a way that tells me she doesn’t think so even if I do.
I don’t.
“Exactly the right amount.”
“So I should leave my pom-poms home tonight?” she asks, letting her backpack drop to the floor in front of her locker.
“Definitely bring them.”
A small laugh leaves her mouth.
“The posters look great. When did you find time to make them?”
“Last night. We decorated your dad’s office door too. Don’t tell him it was me.”
He’ll know. Everyone in the school knows Lacey is head cheerleader and that she takes that job seriously. I swear I don’t know how she manages it all.
“You think of everything.”
She hums her disagreement. “I think the football guys are starting to get jealous. My attention has been a little more focused on supporting the soccer team lately.”
“We win more.”
She shakes her head slowly, grinning. “I don’t think that’s the reason.”
I reach forward and wrap my hand around the bottom of her T-shirt to tug her closer.
“You should wear this shirt every day.”
