“Reserve it for the opposition,” Coach barks before jabbing his fingers in the air. “Anyone not out on that field in ten is benched for Friday’s game.”
I’ve never seen guys disappear so fast.
“Go home,” Coach snaps at us. “And I better not see this again. We’re all part of the same team, something you all need to remember.”
Anger literally oozes off his strained form as he stalks off, and I wouldn’t like to be out on that field today. He’s going to put them through their paces and then some.
“You owe me an apology,” Ana shrills, and I whip my head up as I reach for Astrid.
“I owe you jack shit.”
“You can’t say such hurtful things to me and not say you’re sorry.” Her lower lip wobbles, and she really knows how to lay it on thick. Not that I’m buying it for one second.
“Why would I say I’m sorry when I’m not?” I ask, hauling Astrid into my side.
“Words are weapons, Ana,” Astrid says. “You should be more careful with yours.”
“I’ll take advice from the likes of you when I’m dead,” she huffs before turning on her heel and storming off.
“So much for not riling up the football team.” Thor claps me on the back. “First Hemsworth, and now Garner. Who’s next?”
18
ASTRID
“Ana was such a fucking bitch at practice,” Gwen says as we load the dishwasher after dinner. Mom asked her to join us when she showed up at our house thirty minutes ago.
“I can guess why.” I fill her in on what happened at school.
“I wish I’d been there to see Callan put her in her place.”
“It was awesome. You should’ve seen the look on her face. Honestly, it’s made my entire year.” I shut the dishwasher door and grab a cloth to wipe down the counter.
“She’s had it coming for a while.” Gwen leans back against the counter. “But I fear she’ll target you now. And I doubt she’ll give up on Callan. She hasn’t exactly hidden her intentions.”
“She can try. Even if we weren’t”—I glance around to ensure no one has come back into the kitchen—“fake dating,” I whisper, “he wouldn’t be interested in her. He can’t stand her.”
“Ana has a real nasty streak. I’ve seen it on more than one occasion at cheerleader practice. I’m going to get close to her. That way I can find out if she’s planning anything.”
“I don’t want you painting a target on your back. I can handle the mean girl.” I move over to the other counter and drag the cloth over the speckled marble.
“It can’t hurt to cozy up to her. Keep your enemies close and all that.”
“I’m not expecting you to do anything,” I say, dumping the cloth in the sink.
“I know you aren’t, but that’s what besties do.”
“You’re the best.”
“So, have you told your parents yet?”
I nod. “Told them just before dinner. Mom was thrilled. Dad less so.”
Gwen giggles. “Not even a little bit surprised to hear that.” She grabs her bag and the takeout box Mom left on the table that contains dinner for Mara. “I’ve got to go. I want to get this home to Gran, and then I have a movie date with my man.” A dreamy smile appears on her face.
We walk out of the kitchen and through the living room. “I’m so happy for you.”
“See, I told you we’d be going on a double date by the end of the month.”
