The players cheer, and I chuckle, feeling a flutter of anticipation. This could be fun—everyone sharing secrets, laughter ringing out under the stars.
“Alright, I’ll start,” Ford declares, standing up and raising his drink high. “Never have I ever… gone skinny dipping!”
A chorus of laughter erupts as several players take sips from their drinks, some feigning shock while others high-five each other.
As the game continues, I feel a surge of warmth at the connection being forged between us. Avery leans over to me, a glint in her eye. “You really did it, Dylan. They’re warming up to you.”
“I hope so,” I reply, glancing around at the laughter and shared stories. “But it’s just the beginning. I want to show them I can keep up on the field, too.”
“You will,” she says confidently. “You’re stronger than they think.”
“Hey, Dylan!” someone calls, drawing my attention. It’s Henry, still holding court with his impromptu trivia about football history. “What’s your prediction for the season?”
I shoot him a grin, feeling my confidence swell. “I think we’re going to have a good season with mostly wins.”
“Now that’s the spirit!” he says, raising his drink in a toast.
I raise my drink in response, my heart swelling with determination. I glance at Matthew, who nods at me with a smile, and then back at the group, who are all raising their drinks in unison.
“To teamwork!” they shout.
“To proving them wrong!” I echo, my voice ringing out over the night.
As the fire crackles and the laughter echoes, I realize this moment is just the beginning. I’m ready to show them who I really am, both on and off the field.
And as the stars twinkle above, I feel a sense of belonging I’ve craved for so long. In this moment, surrounded by laughter and friendship, I know I’ve found my place.
Chapter 34
Jacob
It’s been a little over a month since Dylan’s little get together. I wish I could say it solved the problem, but it didn’t. There’s still a lone few who manage to put their two cents in about us. Of course, they do it out of our earshot and off the field, but the whispers still get back to us.
Dylan blows it off, not allowing herself to devote any more attention to it. So, we’ve decided to follow suit.
“This is it!” Ford’s giddy voice breaks the silence. “Our first college game.” He’s bouncing around as we step up to the edge of the field. A quick look shows the bleachers are full, not an empty spot to be seen.
“It’s just a scrimmage game. It doesn’t count,” I remind him.
“Yeah, but it’s our chance to show everyone why we were picked by CSU. It’ll shut up everyone who doubted us. Plus, it’ll show that Matthew is an amazing coach and asset,” Dylan says.
This is why I love her, the way she always thinks of others. Instead of making this about proving herself, she made it about us, her men.
“Okay team. This is it. While this game doesn’t count for ranking, it’s our chance to show them what we’re made of. I’ve never had a team with the magnitude of skill as the players on this one. I’m proud of each and every one of you. Now, get out there and get us a win.” Coach Woosley uplifts us all with his words.
“Hell yeah!” we all shout in unison, before taking off to the field. As we take our positions on the field, the second string and reserve players head for the bench.
We move into position as Henry goes to the center circle, ready for the faceoff. It’s game on, time for us all to get our battle-ready faces on and minds clear for the game.
The referee steps up to them, checking if they are ready, then blows the whistle. Henry and the captain of the other team battle with their sticks, using their bodies to gain leverage, each working their hardest to gain possession of the ball, while we stay poised, ready to attack. The comforting clacking of the wood soothes my soul as I watch the movement of the round sphere, aching for my chance to have it cradled in my net.
It’s touch and go, but Henry gains control, passing the ball straight in my direction. I move quickly, my stick swishing through the air, catching it in my net as I take off toward the opposing team’s goal. I see Dylan moving in on my side out of the corner of my eye; she’s free so I pass the ball to her. She moves down the field, using her speed and agility to weave through the players.
Dylan dodges to the right, faking them out before cutting to the ledge to evade their defender. She takes advantage of the opening to pass the ball to Henry, who’s able to line it up and make a goal.
Score.
We all shout in exhilaration.
