“No. Why?” I ask.
Tyler runs a hand through his hair. “She was sitting with Bree and Melissa at lunch.”
“Son of a—” I turn, pretending to punch the wall. “This day just keeps getting better and better.”
Before we can finish our conversation, we walk into coach Anderson’s office. Three recruiters are waiting for us from Oregon State. I glance around the room, sure my dad is lurking in the corner, but he’s nowhere to be found. This is a first and a nice reprieve.
21. Batman, Maybe?
When I walk out of the girls’ locker room for PE, Ford, Jack, and Tyler are waiting for me next to the gym doors. “Did you get my message?” he asks, taking my hand.
“Yes. Another recruiter?”
He nods. “Are you okay with running outside?” Ford asks, glancing around the gym for coach Eskelson.
“Yeah, I already told her what I planned to do today. We can head outside.” Ford holds the door open for me, and the four of us head outside to the grassy area next to the tennis courts.
I stretch out my calves. “So, who met with you this afternoon?”
Ford’s lips curl into a smile. “Oregon State.” He seems really excited about this school. Oregon State is a great school. I just thought Ford wanted to go somewhere bigger. He’s been talking about the University of Washington and Sutherland University since school started.
“Oh. Are they on your list?”
“No, but he didn’t just meet with me.” Ford glances at Tyler and Jack.
I drop the leg I’ve been stretching. “What? Jack, really?”
“Hey, what about me?” Tyler pouts.
I roll my eyes. “And Tyler too, oh my,” I say dramatically, patting his arm.
“Thank you,” Tyler smiles.
“What did they say?” I ask.
“They talked about taking all three of us,” Ford says excitedly.
“Wow.” I look at all three guys. “That’s awesome. Do you think they’ll offer all three of you a scholarship?”
Jack scratches his head. “They were vague on the details.”
“The recruiters are going to watch us play tonight, and then they’ll meet with the other coaches, and if they think we’re a good fit, they will make the three of us an offer.”
“That would be great if the three of you could play college ball together. You work so well as a team. I rolled my eyes when I first heard your guys’ nickname, the Holy Trinity. I thought it was a little much. But only having watched one game, I get why they call you that. You’ve earned the nickname.” I playfully punch Tyler on the arm.
“Was that a compliment, Clark?” Jack puts a hand over his heart, looking stunned.
“Did it sound like one?”
Jack smirks. “I’m not sure. I think you need to repeat it.”
“I think it’s time for you to make an appointment with an audiologist, and if you don’t know what that it is, it’s—Hey!” Ford wraps his arms around my waist, picking me up and hefting me over his shoulder. “He started it.”
“Say thank you, Jack.” Ford hollers.
“Thank you, Jack,” he squeaks in a baby voice.
“You’re welcome for the compliment, Fitzgerald.” I huff over Ford’s shoulder. “See if I ever give you another one. Why did I want him as my brother again?” I mutter to myself.
