“Good. I won’t mention it again because I truly do get it. She’s the easiest person to be around.”
“And I trust her. I think, to me, that’s what broke. I don’t trust anyone besides my team, you, and Mack.”
“That’s a scary place to live, Dean.” She squeezed my arm. “Will you consider talking to a professional about this?”
“Consider is a strong word.”
“You need to get your shit together before senior year and the draft. If you won’t talk reason, then I’ll talk football. You think you can lead a team if you’re a hot mess inside? You can’t. Sports are all mental, and you know this. If you’re not mentally strong enough to carry the weight of a team, you’ll lose.”
My jaw tightened. “Fuck.”
“Yeah. Fucking go see someone.” She sighed before yanking me into a hug again. “Thank you for telling me. Thank you for being my brother. I love you, and if I ever learn where this Jessica chick is, I will get arrested for what I will do. Save a chunk of your money to bail me out.”
My lips quirked up. “That Get Lo out of Jail Card has been around since we were six and you tripped Ben headfirst into the lake.”
“He was an asshole.”
“He was, but I’ve seen your sadistic side. There’s always been a fund to bail you out. I’ve even invested in it.”
“Wow, look at you.” She smirked, but the sparkle dimmed in her eyes. “You’ll get through this, yeah? It might be hard, but you will. You’ll learn to trust again. This is just a bad season you’re in. It’s not forever.”
“Thanks, Lo.”
I felt lighter telling her the truth, not keeping it from her and having Luca dance around it. But knowing she was right still weighed me down. I had to deal with my trauma before the season. Opening up this much was enough for one weekend, so I told myself I’d research the next week. For now? I wanted to party with my housemates and convince Mack to hang out with me. Because one thing was for sure—she and I could do her list without getting involved. I’d make sure of it. She helped me forget about all this shit, and I had an addictive personality. I didn’t justlikesomething. Things consumed me. And right now? Her smile and attitude were an addiction, and enjoying her for the summer was the perfect distraction.
Dean: make out or streak
Mack: ummmm hi who is this?
Dean: Jesus, it’s Dean. We exchanged numbers? Yesterday?
Mack: I meet so many men it’s hard to remember. Dean… who?
My lips quirked.Funny girl.
Dean: Mm, okay Spicy Mack. Answer my question. Make out or streak.
Mack: Those are my ONLY two choices? What about skinny dipping? *eyes emoji*
Dean: I didn’t want to start off too strong. But I’m down. I am SO down.
Mack: How would this work? What do we tell people? How would we get naked?
Dean: How about you come outside, and we talkit out?
Mack: You’re… here?
Dean: Yup. Sure am.
Mack: Be right there.
I smiled, pocketing my phone as I waited at their front door. Luca and Lo were at his grandma’s place today, a few hours away, so I knew Mack was alone. Anticipation burst through me. The only comparable feeling was the pregame jitters I got every single time. My pulse elevated, my skin seeming a bit too snug as my mouth dried. It was ridiculous because this was my sister’s best friend, Mack, who I’d seen hungover, throwing up, and crying within the past three years. There was no reason to be nervous, but I felt different after telling Lo what happened with Jessica.
Nothing had changed in the last twenty-four hours, yet butterflies tackled each other, all left unprotected as I watched the front door handle twist open. Mack stepped out and damn. Just… damn.
Her long blonde hair was twisted into braids, her purple tips tucked into the ends. She wore high-waisted, cutoff shorts and a cropped top that barely covered her boobs. My jaw tightened at how edible she looked. Her face was clean of makeup, but her lashes stood out against her blue eyes, and my fingers made fists at my sides. The inch or two of skin showing had me wanting to trace it with my finger, to see how many goose bumps I could give her before she shivered.
“Is this how it’s gonna be? You just show up?” she asked, crossing her arms. She arched one of her brows and smirked.
