I nearly sent a kissy face back just to keep him on his toes. Instead, I settled with an easytalk soonand left it at that.
It’s not that I’m done pursuing Troy. Hell no. Our hookup in the gym only confirmed how damn hot we are together.
But the season is in full swing. I’ve managed to rein in the yellow cards and play with a little more caution, but pulling back caused me to lose my edge. Even the fans online are noticing it, and I can feel frustration growing within my team.
At least I’ve kept it together off the field and avoided any trouble. I know my coaches have noticed, because they’re putting me in the starting lineup every game now.
For as many times as I’ve considered sending Troy a text or coming up with an excuse to stop by the agency, I’ve managed to put my head back in the game. I’m determined to prove myself this season, and anyway, the best way to get Troy’s attention is to get it on the field..
I honesty do want to impress him. Not just seduce him. Not just flirt with him until he barks. I want to prove to him that I’m a serious athlete, capable or harnessing my instincts, staying focused, and delivering like he did during his career.
I’ve watched all of his old games repeatedly now. I regularly put highlight clips on YouTube from Troy’s legendary season, and he’s every bit as much of a force on the baseball field as he is in the sports world as an agent.
If I’m ever going to achieve that for myself, it’s going to be now.
“Onassis!” Zeke hollers as he jogs across the field. “Madrigal!”
Kevyn and I exchange a quick glance. It’s Sunday, and our half-day of practice has just wrapped up, the sun shining bright and high above us.
Zeke rests his hands on his hips as he comes to a halt. He’s shining with sweat after a good workout.
“Looking good today,” he says.
“Thanks,” Kevyn says quickly, and I nod.
“Yeah, thanks.”
Zeke’s face gets serious. “I see how hard you’re both working with the new agency. But the team still isn’t where we need to be if we’re going to take these cups.”
The brief hope I felt crashes down, but I shake it off and put on a good face. “I’m not slowing down,” I say.
Kevyn nods seriously. “Same. And I swear. I’m not even thinking about any other sports.”
Zeke studies us before nodding again. “I want you both with me the rest of today. We’ll put in another training session, and I want to talk midfield strategy. We’re going to need the entire team unified to execute these plays.”
“Sure,” Kevyn says eagerly, and even though I’m exhausted, I’m not about to turn down the offer.
“I’m free all day.”
“Great,” he says. “I’ve got a place we can go.”
Zeke has us meet him around the other side of the field, and Kevyn and I shoot the shit while we wait.
“I’m doing good with everything the agency’s been asking me, man,” Kevyn says. “I haven’t even gone on a long run by myself. Soccer comes first. But you know what the hardest part is?” He laughs. “Breakfast. I keep cheating and grabbing some protein bars on the way out the door instead of making a proper meal.”
An idea lights up in me. “Hey, maybe we could help each other out. I’ll text you to remind you to eat a real breakfast.”
Kevyn chuckles. “And I’ll text your ass to make sure you don’t run late? Not a bad idea, man. We’re already doing a good job keeping each other out of the clubs.”
“Sorry you can’t do your marathon runs anymore,” I tell him.
“It’s cool. I just need to keep busy on our off nights. I thought about dating again, but I don’t really want anything serious.”
“When we’re both retired from soccer, maybe you can teach me to rock climb.”
Zeke pulls up in a spacious sedan, and Kevyn climbs in the front while I get in the back. Zeke starts talking about Austin’s defense, and with the game against them just around the corner, Kevyn and I both have thoughts.
We all compare strategies, and I think to myself that this is really it. I’m reaching the highest levels of soccer, formulating plays and talking about cup games with some of the best pros in the league.
