Six
In my eightyears as a professional soccer player, I have never been so distracted.
I jump up, then down. I’m in position as our game is just about to begin—yet I am jumping … loosening my muscles and searching the crowd for Stella. I wished I’d asked where she was sitting. I wish she were right next to Callum’s Franny, who always sits next to the team tunnel. I hope Stella stays after the interviews. I need to talk to her again. I need to ask when she leaves and find out if things are really as dire as her friend made them out to be.
The whistle blows, but I haven’t found her yet. I blink away from the crowd just as Zev barks my name.
Four seconds in and I’m not paying attention. The ball has already flown past my feet, but thankfully Zevulun has my back.
I shake my head, attempting to clear Stella from every corner of my mind. This game is important—for multiple reasons. We aren’t moving on without it. I’m not getting into my cabin without a clean game.
But how can I concentrate? Stella isn’t just being evicted from her home, but this country. My mind reels as I attempt to think about options that would allow Stella to stay while keeping my eye on the ball.
But I don’t know a lot about immigration. Or anyone who works in government who might be able to help. She doesn’t have a boyfriend or fiancé. Doesn’t that equal a green card? I think there are medical exceptions, but that wouldn’t work for Stella. I’m certain there are employment exceptions, too, but if she’s lost her job, that isn’t going to do her any good.
I just don’t know enough. What can I do?
My brain is giving its full attention to try and solve a problem that I’m not equipped to answer. With the overstimulation, I am megged. Some Atlanta Rhino has kicked the ball right through my legs and to his teammate.
“Gah!” I growl. I’ve got to get my head out of the stands.
Time to play.
Time to focus.
Forty-five minutesin and we are down one to nothing. I’m listening to Jacobson’s halftime speech, but it’s like wind whistling in my ears. None of what he’s saying is getting through. I can’t help it. My head is back on Stella.
She’s not fifteen anymore, and I wonder if all those threats Brice made when I noticed his sister—his baby sister—still count.
Not that I’m noticing her now.
No. I’m simply thinking about her situation. That’s it.
The thing is, I’m a man—a normal, human man, andStella has definitely developed into a woman. It’s hard not to notice all that …development.
“Graves, are you going to start showing up?” Jacobson says, ending my Stella trance.
“Excuse me?” I growl, earning myself a glare from Coach.
Lucca leans my way. “Yeah, man. He’s been talking to the midfielders. And you’ve been inlalaland.”
“I said, do you plan to show up this half? Or are you so worried about cabins in the woods that you don’t plan to play to your full potential?” Coach’s nostrils flare and his jaw clenches. His eyes bore into me, never straying from my face.
“Woods? What’s he talking about?” Lucca whispers.
I ignore him, but just past Coach, Callum is mouthing, “Cabin?”
Zev’s brows are low. He’s studying me too. In fact, every Red Tail might be staring at me.
Great. Just what I need—the attention of every person in this locker room.
“Graves,” Coach says again.
“Yeah. I hear you.” I ball my hands into fists. “And I’m showing up.”
“No,” Jacobson says. “You’re distracted.”
Okay … maybe I am. Every pulsing thump in my neck and wrists speaks Stella’s name. Yes, I am very distracted. I never imagined my best friend’s sister showing up after an almost nine-year absence. I never imagined seeing any of the Everlys again.
