“No. Plus, I have you now. Who needs more than one friend?” I give him a shaky smile.
He doesn’t smile back. “I think you should talk to him.”
“Maybe,” I say uncomfortably, wanting to brush this off. “Listen, I…I d-don’t really want t-to t-talk about this anymore.”
“Alright, say no more. Let’s drop it for now.”
I take a deep breath, feeling much calmer. “I do have a huge favor to ask you, though,” I hedge, hesitation laced in my tone.
Ben’s already nodding. “I’m down. What is it?”
“Would you mind coming to the game with me tonight? I really don’t want to go alone. Danny’s mom will be there cheering him on, but it’d be nice to have someone there for me. I think I’ll look less pathetic.”
Ben frowns. “You’re not pathetic, but I’ll definitely come.” He nudges me with his elbow. “Plus, when he becomes famous, I’ll be able to say ‘I saw Dan Thompson play in high school.’”
I groan. I should’ve eaten in the library.
Chapter 17
Danny
Sixteen Years Old
Igroan as I warm up my muscles on the sideline.You got this.
Fans are packed like sardines on the bleachers, outfitted in full navy blue and gold Titans spirit gear. The concession line is long, with tons of people waiting for popcorn and slushies. Our pep band is playing the school fight song in the background as the cheerleaders wave golden poms in the air. I inhale the scent of grassy dirt beneath my cleats, mixed with the evening breeze. It looks, sounds, and smells like a classic Friday night under the lights. I should be raring to go, itching to get out on the field like the superstar everyone expects me to be.
But my thoughts are overwhelmed by Gracie Sinclair.
The fact that I might have missed my chance with her eats me up inside. Tori…what a mistake. I was starting to see Gracie differently, and I should’ve explored my feelings for her instead of dating the first girl who gave me attention.
I can’t believe there are only two years left before we go off to college together. If that’s even still the plan. We haven’t talkedabout our future in so long, I’m not sure if she still sees me in hers. Maybe she’ll go to a different college withBen, The Nicest Boy Who Ever Lived.
Enough. I shake these thoughts out of my head and look behind the bench to see if they’re here yet. Mom, Tessa, and Gracie always sit in the first row of the bleachers, reserved for families of the players. Tori usually sat with her friends a few rows behind them, because she always said she felt awkward sitting with my mom the whole game. But I don’t see Tori anywhere, so maybe she decided the field wasn’t her “second home” after all.
I continue scanning the area, trying to find Gracie and Mom. After a few moments, I spot Mom and Tessa taking their seats. I give them a little wave, and Mom gives me a thumbs up. She always brings a small, homemade sign with my number on it, and it’s in her hands now. Tessa’s nose is already buried in her sketchbook, no doubt drawing one of her designs. When Gracie comes trailing in behind her, I feel like I can finally breathe.
Everyone’s here now.Time for some football.
I lift my hand and wave hi to Gracie when I notice someone following her. I crane my neck for a better view. Blond hair. Lanky. Glasses. Oh,fuck my life. It’s Ben. Now I have to play a whole game of football while he sits thigh-to-thigh with my Gracie, knowing I only have myself to blame.
The whistle sounds, signaling kick-off. I can’t help but glance at Gracie from the sideline while our Special Teams are out on the field. They could probably run the football all the way into the endzone, and I don’t think I’d notice. I squint at the stands and watch Mom laugh at something Ben said.Traitor.
I jog onto the field and join the huddle, pumping myself up on the way. I need to focus.
Think about playing college football.
My mind betrays me with a vision of Gracie and me at Easton.
Think about playing in the league.
I think about Gracie and me on Draft Day instead.
Think about anything other than Gracie.
“DT! Yo! Earth to DT,” our quarterback, Xander, shouts. I snap back to attention. “Alright, boys. Let’s make tonight one we’ll remember.”
The guys nod excitedly, and I find myself robotically bobbing my head up and down in an attempt to fit in.
