I shake my head like his drink choice is the most endearing thing and lift it to sip. It’s not bad. It’s also my first time trying it, but she can’t know that. “I will say it’s growing on me. Better than the old-fashioneds he’s been ordering lately.”
She guffaws. “Honey, he only orders those after a day he wants to forget or to impress you. Hopefully it’s mostly been the latter.”
I try to bite back my smile, but it’s no use. Darlene lights up, nudging me with her shoulder as she sips her red wine, her lips already tinged with purple. “Did Decker tell you about his first game here?”
I weigh my responses, knowing full well he never made a peep about it to me, but wondering if it’s something a girlfriend should know. “I’d love to hear your take on it.”
She beams brighter and launches into how a twenty-two year old Decker was so nervous he was puking on the sidelines. No wonder he never mentioned it. I smile along and laugh, making sure to infuse all the admiration I can into my reactions. Despite being a semi-gross story, it’s commendable he went on to play and win like none of it happened. I’m grateful when her next few questions are about me and not about our relationship. Darlene listens intently, swiping a hunk of crusty bread through some type of cheese dip as she nods along.
The noise beyond the suite builds with applause and music. Joss bobs along with the Kings cheerleaders, who have begun some sideline dance routine as she takes her seat beside me. Craning my neck to watch the dancers, I accidentally make prolonged eye contact with a few fans. I smile and wave as they excitedly reciprocate. More whoops echo through the stadium as both teams take their places on the field, filling the sidelines. I check for number 27, but I can’t find him.
“There he is,” Joss says, pointing to a spot below.
Darlene and I both snap our attention to where he stands on the sidelines, his helmet poised to be placed over his thick hair. As though he can feel our eyes, he turns toward us, smiling and pointing in our direction. The jumbotron across from us snaps to a shot of him just as one of those green eyes closes in a wink. And then his helmet is covering his chiseled features, and he’s jogging into place. My cheeks feel warm, and I’m shocked at how well I’ve programmed my brain to respond because there’s no way this sensation is genuine. Cocky and inconsiderate Decker Trace could never make me feel this way. Though the more time I spend with him, the more I start to doubt my judgment. Asmuch as I don’t want to admit it, I may have been wrong about him.
Joss bumps me with her shoulder, and I cover my face to hide my blush. When I come out of hiding a split second later, I know I’ll never be able to hide again. Now my face–my reaction–is blasted over the jumbotron, one of my songs about young love blaring from every speaker in the stadium. On the screen, Darlene sits beside me, a glass raised over her head as though she’s toasting us. This is it. Decker and I are officially official.
CHAPTER TWENTY
DECKER
The locker roomblasts with music and the victory whoops of my teammates. In my opinion, we should have won by more, but at least we won. I executed every play exactly as we’d studied, so overall I’m happy with how our season has started. Plus, I didn’t embarrass myself in front of Lena. If the rest of the season plays out like tonight, maybe this is the year I’d finally be comfortable retiring. The deals will roll in thanks to my affiliation with her, and it’ll be like she never pulled Gable’s out from under me.
“Lena comin’ tonight?” Maleko yells over the music, stripping out of his towel shamelessly and pulling on a pair of briefs.
“How many times have I told you to changebeforeyou start yelling at people?” I run a towel over my freshly washed hair, not telling him that the reason I decided to have a party is because of her. Because my manager insisted that the more people who witness me in a stable relationship, the better. However, the thought of seeing Lena again isn’t a bad one. “And yeah, she is. Why?”
“My girlfriend wants to meet her,” he says, wrapping his long, thick hair in a towel and plopping it on top of his head, justlike he does in all his shampoo commercials. He’s the face of one brand specifically, and people go wild for a big guy with a pink towel. Don’t ask me why. “Plus, I gotta make sure I approve.”
I laugh, shaking my head. Maleko is the nicest guy I know. People he’s decided he dislikes are few and far between. He sees the good in everyone.
“Did you see Lena’s skirt?” Ty, our safety, interrupts.
Maleko and I both turn to face him.
He scrubs a towel over his blond head, then throws it over his shoulder. “What I wouldn’t do to–”
“Watch it. That’s my girl.” I grab my towel from where it hangs and snap it in his direction, nailing my target. He cups his groin and retreats back to his locker.
My girl.The claim on Lena came so naturally, I didn't have to think twice. It eased from my lips like it was true.
“Disrespectful,” Maleko spits. “He’s probably still mad about that personal foul.”
“Yeah, or because he’s a clown.”
“That too.” Maleko smiles.
My phone lights up, rattling against the metal shelf of my locker. It’s a text. FromLena.
Lena
Where am I supposed to meet you again? Antonia wants us to be seen leaving together. Holding hands.
“Yo, why you smilin’ like that?” Maleko takes a step closer, stretching to see my screen.
“Mind your business.” I turn so my back is toward him and take a few steps.
“I never seen you smile so stupid over a girl before, bro.”
