“Right.” I took the ice pack, not meeting his eyes and instead focusing on his calves. They were twice the size of my arms, and I was proud of my muscles. “Thanks, I guess.”
“This is Dean’s fault.”
“Hm?” I glanced at him, his statement confusing me. His jaw went tight, and his eyes narrowed like he was mad at me. I just didn’t get it. “I know me living here is Dean’s fault, but I can’t do anything about it now, all right? Fuck.”
“No, I meant your arm.” He cleared his throat, his face paling. “He should’ve helped you move your stuff in knowing you had a game today.”
“Oh.” I slammed my lips together, embarrassed that I’d yelled at him for another reason. The concern and softness of his tone distracted me. I’d never heard him speak all even and kind to me before. It was strange.
“Do you need more help, or did you get everything?”
“Are you offering?” The question slipped out without thinking about it because why would the guy who hated me even ask that question? “Wait, of course not. That makes zero sense.”
He blinked, his lips turning down in a grimace before I had enough. I pressed the ice onto my skin, double-checked that my phone was in my bag, and took off. “I need to head to my game.”
I felt his stare on me as I jogged down the hall. It wasn’t until I was on the first step down that I heard a quiet “Good luck.”
I shook my head, hoping to clear the confusing Luca-inspired cobwebs. He unsettled me, and I didn’t have space to worry about him or my brother or my temporary roommates. I had to focus on kicking ass at the game.
CHAPTERSIX
Luca
During the season, my schedule was tight and rigid. Every day, except game days, started with strength and conditioning from six to eight. Then, I’d shower, eat, and get to my classes. Those would go by fast and in a blur, then it’d be film, getting taped and prepped for practice, then practice until six. Then showering, training, dinner. Then, it’d end with study halls before I’d head back to the house to rest.
Monday’s film was on improving plays from the previous game, and Tuesday’s would be on the upcoming team we’d face. I loved the repetition and cyclical part of being a D1 athlete. It wasn’t cut for everyone, that was for sure, but I took pride in earning every cent of my scholarship. I worked my ass off to be here and would remain at the top of my game.
But fuck, I was tired today. It was only nine, and I dragged my feet upstairs, hoping to binge-watch a show and pass out. Callum was with friends, which, I didn’t know how that guy functioned. He had to be a vampire. It was the only explanation on how he had endless energy but never slept.
Without meaning to, my attention drifted to Lorelei’s door. She’d left it open a crack, and her voice carried through it.
“Are yousurehe’s there?”
“I swear, Lo. I never blocked him for this reason. And he’s posting from the courtyard. We can go somewhere else.”
Lorelei groaned, a loud and unattractive grunt. “No, fuck. We promised we’d have our Monday Meet-Ups since we don’t live together anymore. This sucks.”
“We can meet at the place on Green Street instead.”
“But they don’t have the stamp card to get the free T-shirt. You know my ass is motivated by a free T-shirt. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for one.”
“Except see your ex.”
“Mack Marie, shut your whore mouth. Uncalled for,” Lorelei said.
Her friend responded with a laugh. “Have you talked to him recently?”
“I see him twice a week in our marketing class, but I’ve avoided eye contact and conversation.” Her voice came out all defeated and sad. My chest tightened with the stark contrast to the happy, sunshine woman I knew. How dare her shitbag ex cause her any sadness?
“I’m not hung up on him you know, but seeing him out… was he with someone?” Lorelei asked.
Her friend clicked her tongue. “Yes.”
“Of course, he is.Baseball will always come first, babe,my ass. God.” Lorelei groaned again, this time with less attitude. “I want to make him regret what he did.”
“Wear the outfit that he likes, and let’s go. Fuck him. Sure, he might be great in bed, but we’re not missing a chance to get another stamp. You’ve wanted theI rode the railT-shirt since freshmen year. We never change our goals for stupid boys.”
“You’re the best wingwoman. Okay. I’m doing this. I’m having a drink and looking good.”
