Those used to be OUR smiles.
I had a terrible practice. We had our home opener this upcoming Saturday, and I needed to get my head in the game. I was the one who made others look good. It was what I did day in and day out. Never wanting the fame and glory like Luca, Brady, Dean, or Xavier. My job was to help us win, and I loved this support role.
But I fucked it up, and Dean called me out for not focusing.
I knew the reason, and it was because Ivy fucking Emerson was on the field, holding water bottles and squirting them into guys’ mouths like it was no big deal. I whipped the towel around my neck, squeezing both sides in a groan. Her arm hurt her, yet she continued on.
“Figure your shit out.” Dean pointed at me, a towel on his hips. Jayden stood behind him, our new team captain.
I kinda liked how Coach didn’t chose Dean as the leader this season. It was unconventional, and honesty Dean’s ego was already so large. I loved the guy, and shit, I would die for him, but seeing Jayden lead was pretty cool. I eyed them with a snarl. “Or what?”
Come on, little leader. Fire back at me.
Jayden crossed his arms. “You’re making it harder for the offense to do their job when you won’t do yours. We all have a role, and when you fail, we all fail. You seem a little sad today, actually. Is everything okay?”
“I’m notsad,J.” I tossed on a shirt and deodorant, hating how the word sad felt in my mouth. I never felt sad. Ugh. It was a useless feeling. If you were sad, just stop being that way. Easy as that.
“You seem it. I study people, and I’m good at it. And you have the signs.” Jayden shrugged and hit Dean on the shoulder. “He’s your dude, fix him.”
“I’m perfect as is,” I said, smiling through my teeth. I was the glue that held us together in tough times, but thissadcomment was new territory. “See? My smile is real.”
“Pain in the ass, old man.” Jayden winked before moving onto the special teams. I had to hand it to him, he was really trying to be a leader. But I’d kick his ass later for the old man comment. Little prick was feeling himself a littletoomuch.
That used to be you. Confidence is a good thing.
“Lo told me something interesting.” Dean whistled, like he had all the time in the world.
“That she regrets not punching you in the womb?”
Dean rolled his eyes and sat on the bench next to me. “Ivy and you have some history, where you need to make shit better.”
“Your sister is annoying.”
“Watch your mouth.” Dean glared. “As your quarterback, I don’t trust you right now. You’re chaotic, not focused. It makesme anxious for Saturday. As your friend, I can see the signs of this shit wearing on you. Instead of running from whatever happened, why don’t you talk to her?”
I hate when Dean is right.
“I’ll consider your opinion.”
“You do that.” He laughed and hit my shoulder. “You’re a piece of work, dipshit, but I’m glad you’re around.”
I didn’t dignify his comment with a response. I was a piece ofartwork maybe, but I knew that wasn’t what he meant with that comment. I eyed my watch before getting dressed and leaving the locker room. If Ivy’s arm was still hurting her, I could offer her a ride home. Or walk with her. Yeah, I could do that.
Abe and Ivy waited outside Henry’s office, laughing at something on her phone, and they both glanced up when I approached. Abe scooted closer to her, like he was going to protect her or something, which, my god. I could flick him with one hand, and he’d be on the floor. He’d let me too. The guy idolized us.
Ivy didn’t need protection fromme.
Her green eyes narrowed, like she was annoyed I existed, and it reminded me when she used to do that to anyone who interrupted us when we hung out. She liked our time protected and hated feeling second to anyone else, which made it difficult when football became my everything.
Not that she didn’t support me. She definitely did. She’d been my biggest supporter, always knowing what I needed.
“Is there something you need help with, O’Toole?” She masked her face, demonstrating the upmost professionalism. I wanted to ruffle her hair and pull out her orange bow to rough her up. “Abe and I are leaving for the evening, but Henry or one of the other staff can assist you with ice.”
“No, I’m okay. I’d actually like to speak with you.”
Fear flashed in her eyes, coming in strong and lingering as she tried to blink it away. Ivy despised showing weakness, and even now, she ran her pointer and thumb fingers together in circles, the pads rubbing together as she pursed her lips. “I’m quite busy.”
“I can wait.” I jutted my chin toward the bench a yard or two away. “Let me know when you head out.”
