Now if I could just take my own advice.
Chapter 33
Jackson
After last night’s shit show, I gave the boys the weekend off. We have one more regular season game before standings come out. Then we move to two-a-day practices to prepare for the semi-rounds of finals.
Francesca left me alone last night. She knew I was already in a mood all week and after last night’s game, no one wanted to be around me.
I need to make it up to her now though. I sent a text to everyone, telling them to bring their favorite drink and be ready to gorge themselves at my house for dinner. I still haven’t spoken to Tony again. He did send over the contract, but I haven’t brought myself to open the email yet. For tonight, I just want to forget. I want to go back to how it was. I want the fun, the love, I want Chess.
Late in the afternoon, they start filing through my door. I was starting the barbecue after marinating steaks all afternoon, while everyone began placing salads and sides in my fridge outside. When Chess walks in, she’s fidgety. I don’t want that hesitation between us, so I grab her around her waist and pull her close. “I’m sorry I’ve been a dick all week, baby girl.”
She pulls from me. “Yes, you have been. What’s going on? I thought we agreed to be open about everything with each other.”
I sigh and drop my hands to her waist, securing her to me. I don’twant her to run. And I fear that’s where this is heading. I don’t want to tell her. Not tonight anyway. I don’t want what we’re doing to end. “I just had a bad week with the boys. Jameson and I had a heart to heart, it’s all figured out now.” I’m not exactly lying; I’m just not telling things in chronological order.
She soothes her hands across my shoulders and then cups my face, kissing me lightly. “I’m sorry about the game last night. It was rough to watch you so upset.”
I shrug. “Can’t win them all”. I hear everyone re-enter the house, so I move away from her. I know she wants to talk with Adam, break it to him about our relationship so he’s not in the dark. But he’s been so fucking broody all week, too. It’s got to be about Chelsea even though he’s not talking to me about it.
“Hey bro, how you doing?” Adam walks around the corner just as I step away from Chess. We clap hands and do the back pat thing.
“Beer?” I grab one from the fridge, quickly pop the top and hand it to him before he can answer me.
“So, can we talk about the elephant in the room?” Billy asks as he walks in.
My heart stutters. I won’t lie. I’m nervous about what’s going to come out of Bill's mouth. He’s a loose cannon and you never know what he’s going to say. And if this is about me and Chess, I’m less nervous for me and more nervous for her. She doesn’t want to hurt her brother. I don’t either, but her heart couldn’t handle it.
“Billy,” Tommy warns. It doesn’t go unnoticed to me that Farrah steps closer to Tommy when his voice drops.
He puts his hands up, innocently. “I mean, I think it’s about time we’re all on the same page, right?”
Fuck, Billy. Why can’t you just leave well enough alone. I catch eyes with Chess and she’s slowly shaking her head at Billy again.
“Chessy? You look pale. You feeling ok?” he smirks.
“Billy, don't be an asshole,” Britt says.
Adam looks confused while the rest of us are silently giving each other ‘what the fuck’ eyes.
I hate this. I don’t want Adam feeling left out. He hates that more than anything. He’s been the protector and always someone we went tofirst. If there was a problem? Go to Adam. If you needed advice? Go to Adam. Got a secret? Heard a rumor? Go to Adam. He expects that from all of us and what Chess and I are doing is wrong. Even though we’re adults, it doesn’t feel right keeping the best thing that has ever happened to me, a secret from my best friend.
“I mean, last night’s game, amiright?” He nudges me with his elbow, and I let out a breath.
“Go fuck yourself,” I say.
He laughs. “I have to say Jackson, that was the poorest excuse of a game coached by you in like, forever!”
I know he’s just trying to lighten the mood a bit, but instead he’s getting under my skin. And just when I thought I could push this out of my mind tonight.
“Good luck getting a college spot now.” He starts throwing punches, ducking and weaving. He’s acting like a fool to make us laugh.
“You’re an asshole.”
“At least you’re still pretty. Your girlfriend looks like she’ll stick around. And you have a big dick,” he says and Adam groans.
“Billy!” Chess exclaims.
