“It’s great to see you again, too,” I reply with a slight wave.
A hand shoots out. “I agree with my wife. It’s great to see you again,” Lev’s dad says. I haven’t had very much interaction with him outside of Selection stuff.
I nod, shaking his hand and returning his greeting just as Lev’s name is called. We all step up, cheering him on. His dad does one of those finger whistles that I’ve always been envious of.
“You know there are talks about him being a starting quarterback next year at LWU,” Mr. Washington boasts, pride evident in every one of his features.
I knew Lev was an amazing player, but I didn’t realize he was that skilled. “That’s amazing,” I profess right as Lev makes his way to us.
Lev hands his dad his award and scoops me into a hug, squeezing my middle and lifting me off my feet. “This is the best award,” he whispers in my ear, planting a chaste kiss on my jaw.
I blush at the attention now on us but return his affections with my own, pecking him on the lips. “Congratulations,” I say softly.
“Save some accolades and loving for the rest of us, Washington,” Wyatt grumbles, pushing Lev out of the way for his own hug.
I laugh at their banter, hugging Owen next. When Wes steps up, he hesitates, looking unsure. I’m tempted to snub him, especially after the hallway incident, but it is his Senior Night. I reach up and hug him, catching him off guard. A shrill noise makes me step back as I watch Sam stomp from the field. “I don’t think you’re g—.”
Wes’s finger presses to my lips. “I’m going to stop you right there. She’s nothing to me, and I wouldn’t let her ruin this moment even if my life depended on it.” Then he envelops me in his arms, squishing me into his padded body.
“Bring it in, you fools,” I hear their coach shout, and Wes reluctantly lets me go. Then he steps back, staring down into my eyes before turning and running down the stairs and off the platform.
Wyatt leans in beside me. “You just made his night, Riri. Thank you!”
I follow the rest of the people down and off the field to a smug-looking Shay.
“I should’ve made you bet me,” she teases.
“Fuck off,” I quip, pushing her toward the stairs and back to the skybox, so I don’t miss the guys’ second half.
43
WYATT
Idrop my duffel bag to the floor, lean back, and bend my knee to rest my foot against the wall. We won the game seventeen to three. Now I’m waiting for the rest of these idiots so we can leave.
The rowdiness of the locker room isn’t loud enough to drown out my thoughts. It’s been weeks since Ariah was rescued, and outside of Summer being killed, there’s been radio silence. After Lev and Owen shared what came of their interrogation of Aleksi, I was hopeful the lead they’d gotten would lead to finding Madeline or Elise.
Elise.Even the non-verbal sound of her name makes me want to wash my brain with bleach. The rage I feel for that vile bitch can’t be quantified.
After Owen finally shared what happened to him during his time in captivity, we all agreed never to tell Ariah—she doesn’t deserve to carry that guilt.
“Are you going to the after party?” Coleman, one of our teammates, asks, pulling me from my rambling mind.
“Later,” is my only response, and he nods as he walks out of the locker room.
Looking up, I watch Wes, Owen, and Lev grab their shit and head my way.
“You primadonnas finally ready?” I jest.
“Shut up, asshole,” Wes grumbles, pushing past me to the hallway.
Owen snorts, “One would think you’d be in a better mood since Ariah actually hugged you.”
“The big baby’s upset because he’s still on the outs.”
We’re halfway down the corridor when we hear Sam’s screeching voice.
“Do something about this. You promised me— you fucking promised!”
