Page 19 of Breakaway Hearts

“He laughed right in your face, bro,” Miles points out, but a bit of their joy at my expense disappears, because the team is screwed. Even Carl knows it, from where he sits at the other end, looking miserable. He got in because Steele and our backup both got hurt last season and his brother vouched for him not being terrible, which is true, but he isn’t good either.

“Guess not everyone can be bought,” Danny says under his breath, but loud enough that I hear it. I have no clue what his problem with me is, but I’ve got enough issues.

“How did you know he was a goalie?” Ben asks, slightly drunker than the rest, squinting as if it’s written on Hargraves’ forehead.

“I asked Coach after tryouts,” I share.

“Is he an alcoholic?”

“Madison told me he’d be here, and I made an educated guess.”

Based on internet stalking.

“Madison?” Dave questions.

“That’s the girl who turned you down last night, no?” Miles points out.

“She lives with Hargraves.”

“Oh, shit.” Ben’s eyebrows shoot up, but I wave him off.

“Just roommates,” I say before they can spin this into something it isn’t.

“They’re never just roommates,” Colt argues.

“I hope you didn’t lead with that connection,” Mike agrees.

“Believe it or not, I wasn’t the part he had an issue with.”

“Wait.” Colt puts his hand out like he’s about to make a brilliant point, which isn’t likely. “Did Madison turn you down again too?”

“She told me where to find him.”

“After you showed her a good⁠—”

“Dude,” we reproach.

“She doesn’t do athletes.” I hate how defensive I sound, but I’d rather they think I’m over it and respecting her decision than that she did, in fact, turn me down again. Not that I don’t respect her decision, I just know that kiss lives rent free in my mind, and she didn’t look like someone who was upset to find me at her door, or excited to turn me away at the end. I won’t push, but I don’t exactly plan on giving up entirely either.

“What are we going to do?” Mike asks.

“Hargraves suggests you improve your defense.”

“Ooooh.” The guys laugh, but Hargraves is right; there isn’t much else we can do other than poaching someone from another school, which doesn’t seem ethical. Otherwise, I’m sure Coach would have tried it.

Me

Talked to Hargraves. He’s still saying no. Any idea why?

Coach

I expected as much. He was pretty adamant at the time, but even I’ve caved for your annoying persistence.

Me

I’m sorry Coach.

Coach