On The Rebound: An Enemies-to-Lovers Sports Romance (Steinbeck U)

by L A Cotton

  The lights dimmed, plunging the arena into darkness. “What the hell?” Josie whispered just as the huge screen flickered to life.

  “Oh my god,” I grabbed her arm, rendered speechless at the huge image of Declan’s face. But it wasn’t an image at all, it was an amateur movie.

  “Why do you love basketball so much, Dec?” the person off camera said.

  “There’s nothing better than the feel of snatching the ball and just taking off, you know?” He sliced his hand through the air, a goofy grin plastered on his face. “Those few moments before you make the shot... It’s the best kind of high.”

  “What’s the goal once you get to SU?”

  “The goal?” He smiled at the camera. “I’m going all the way, baby. Straight to the motherfucking NBA. Shit, can I say that? Or will you guys need to edit that out?”

  Quiet laughter rippled through the arena. It was too dark to see Zach’s face, or my brother’s.

  “It’s a tribute,” Josie whispered, clutching my hand in hers. A lump formed in my throat as the video montage cut to some Scorpion game footage. Declan had the ball right at the top of the key. He took the shot, and the ball sank clean through the hoop. The crowd on the video went wild but it wasn’t just them. It was us. Everyone around me clapped and cheered, chanting Declan’s name as if their chorus would carry on the wind and reach him.

  By the time the video ended, and the lights came back on, there wasn’t a dry eye in the building. Mine included.

  “That was... intense,” Josie said, and I nodded. But I was too fixated on the man moving toward center court.

  Timothy Messiah.

  Zach and Declan’s father.

  Coach Baxter greeted him, the two of them shaking hands.

  “I want to thank you all for coming out here this afternoon,” Coach Baxter started. “And thank you to Victoria Penderton for such a moving tribute to one of the best damn players this team has ever seen.

  “Let me tell you something about Declan Messiah. He isn’t a good player. He isn’t even a great player. He’s the kind of player that you remember. It isn’t just his skill on the court, it’s his leadership on and off it too.” He dragged in a shaky breath. “This team has had a run of bad luck over the last couple of seasons. It’s even been dubbed the Scorpion curse. But I’m not a superstitious man. I’m a man who believes in making your own destiny. Declan might not be here to lead our team to the championship this year, but I don’t doubt for a second, that he’s here in spirit. Now before we get this show on the road and raise what I hope will be a great amount for the Cali Institute of Brain and Spinal Injuries, Declan’s father, Timothy Messiah, would like to say a few words.”

  Coach Baxter handed him the mic and clasped him on the shoulder.

  “Thanks, Coach. When Victoria suggested we host an exhibition game, I’ll be honest, I was a little apprehensive. But seeing you all here, to support my boy,” he swallowed hard, “well it just means the world to me and Debra. Declan was a bright kid. Always had a ball in his hand and a Twizzler hanging out of his mouth. At one point, I didn’t know what he loved more: playing basketball or eating those damn candy sticks. But it didn’t take long to realize he was going to continue the Messiah legacy...”

  His voice became white noise as I watched Zach watching his dad. His expression was like steel. Cold and unmoving.

  My heart ached for him. He’d been brought here and handed Declan’s team because his parents couldn’t let go of Declan’s dream. Mr. Messiah couldn’t accept that his eldest son wasn’t going to continue his legacy, so he handed that responsibility to Zach.

  It was a mess.

  As if he felt me watching, Zach glanced over his shoulder and for the briefest moment, our eyes connected. I felt his pain. It slammed into me, flooding my veins. This wasn’t his dream—it was theirs.

  No sooner had our eyes met did the arena explode with applause and Mr. Messiah melted into the crowd to join his wife.

  The players swarmed the court, moving into position.

  “Hey, are you okay?”

  I glanced at Jasmine and forced a smile. “I’m fine.”

  “You’re crying.”

  Bringing my fingers to my face, I felt the wetness there. “They’re just happy tears,” I lied.

  “It’s okay to not be okay,” she whispered, lacing her arm through mine and we sat there, two girls uncertain of their path in life, scared to take a leap.

  But when I looked down at Jasmine again, I realized we weren’t the same at all. Her eyes were alight with excitement as she watched the game. Every time Zach got the ball she leaned forward, cheering him on, and when he scored, she almost leaped out of her seat. Basketball was in her blood, she just had to chase her dream. To grab it with both hands and go after it.

  I’d given up my dream. So overcome with grief at losing my mom, I’d given up the one thing that had always brought me joy.

  But I missed it.

  I missed the weight of my camera around my neck, the feel of the clicker beneath my finger. I missed spending time perfecting the shot, hearing the click click click of the shutter.

  God, I missed it.

  “This is amazing,” Jasmine breathed, peeking up at me.

  “Yeah.” I couldn’t deny I felt swept up in the electric atmosphere. Everyone was here for Declan, to support a team who had lost their leader and star player.

  But me...

  I was here for his replacement.

  I was here for the boy who was born to play, even if he’d never wanted it.

  After the game, I’d taken Jasmine and the boys home with Maureen. Josie wanted me to go to dinner with her parents, but I didn’t want to spend two hours trying to avoid Joel, so I used the kids as an excuse.

  They’d been bouncing off the ceilings, high on adrenaline at the fact the Scorpions had beat the alumni team by three points. All the candy hadn’t helped. But it was good to see Jasmine excited about something. She had that sparkle in her eye. The same sparkle I’d seen so many times, growing up with Callum.

  By the time I reached The Pivot, my heart was racing, and my stomach fluttered with butterflies.

  “Hey,” Josie jogged over to me. “Everything okay?”

  “I guess.”

  “We don’t have to go in there. We can go back to the dorm and—”

  “No,” I took a deep breath, “I have to do this.”

  Something had happened to me watching the game. It was like my past had circled the arena, slowly creeping up on me. My dad had been there somewhere in the crowd, Zach’s parents too, while we all watched Zach and my brother play the game that had caused me so much heartache over the years.

  But it was just that... a game.

  I didn’t have to give it power over me anymore. It had already cost me too much.

  Losing my mom made me realize how short and precious life was. I’d been given another chance with Zach. I wasn’t going to let basketball or our families come in the way of that.

  “Okay, then, let’s go.” Josie went first, holding the door for me as I slipped inside. The bar was full of players, students, and their families.

  “Wow, it’s busy.”

  “Everyone wants a piece of a Scorpion.” She rolled her eyes, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the back of the bar.

  Zach spotted me first. His eyes raked over my body. I’d kept it casual, jean shorts and a SU t-shirt, but the way he looked at me made me feel like the most beautiful girl in the room.

  With the heat in his eyes, I half-expected him to stride over here and claim me in front of everyone, but he didn’t. And I couldn’t deny it stung a little. But it was only what I’d asked of him. We needed to survive tonight and then we could come clean to everyone.

  Josie managed to get us to the temporary bar set up at the back of the room. “Two beers, please,” she said to the server.

  “I wasn’t expecting to see you here.” I looked up to find Joel standing there.

  “I..
. uh, hi.”

  “Actually, I was talking to my sister.”

  “Wow, okay.” Hurt swam in my chest.

  “Joel, don’t be an asshole.”

  “I’m not... it’s just weird.” He ran a hand down his face, letting out an exasperated breath. “I’m sorry, Calli. That was rude.”

  “It’s nothing I don’t deserve.”

  “No, it was uncalled for. I get why you did it. Well, I mean, I don’t, not really... but Josie assures me it’s complicated, and I trust her with my life, so...”

  “I really am sorry,” I said. “I tried to tell you but every time something got in the way... and I can’t help but think it wouldn’t have changed anything.”

  “You’re right, it wouldn’t.” He shrugged. “The rules are there for a reason.”

  Josie scoffed at that.

  Joel narrowed his eyes at her. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing, big brother, it means nothing. You should go. I think cheerleader Barbie Britney is waiting for you.”

  His cheeks pinked. “Yeah, okay.” He looked ready to say something else, but he thought better of it as he melted back into the crowd.

  “Don’t,” she said.

  “I wasn’t—”

  “Yes, you were. You were about wallow in your feelings. I give you permission to not wallow. It’s over, it’s done. No one really got hurt and Joel has moved on with Barbie Britney.”

  “She is that bad?” Josie had told me earlier that Joel had invited a plus one to their dinner with their parents.

  “So bad.” She snickered. “She spent the entire meal with her lips attached to my brother’s neck. I could barely eat my meal.”

  “She sounds... lovely. And Brad?”

  “What about Brad?” Her eyes hardened.

  “Are you two...?” My smile fell as something caught Josie’s eyes and tears pooled in the corners, clinging to her lashes.

  I turned slowly, gasping when I saw what she’d already spotted: Brad with his hands all over some girl.

  “He wouldn’t,” I whispered, clutching her hand. “He cares about you.”

  “Not enough apparently.” Josie spun around and ordered another drink. “I can’t believe I was foolish enough to think he’d choose me.”

  “Josie, you don’t know the facts yet.” Although Brad seemed to have no problem letting the busty blonde sidle up to him. They were laughing and when she leaned up to whisper something in his ear, his eyes lit up with hunger.

  Josie knocked back her drink in one.

  “Is that a good idea?” I asked.

  “We shouldn’t have come,” she murmured. “He told me not to come.”

  “He did?”

  She looked at me, her bottom lip wobbling. “Said it would be too hard on us both. And he knew my parents would be here. I think he got cold feet.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I knew... I knew he wouldn’t choose me over his stupid team, but I let myself fall for him anyway.” Her eyes flicked down the room. “Will you hate me if we leave? I can’t do it, Calli, I can’t be here and watch him with her.”

  “Of course not, let’s go”. I grabbed her hand and led her back through the crowd. But a hand shot out and stopped me.

  “Calliope.”

  I glanced up at my father. “Oh, it’s you. Now is not a good—”

  “Please,” Callum said, joining us. “We’d really like it if we could all get a drink. For old times’ sake.”

  “Go,” Josie said. “I’ll be fine.”

  “No, I’ll come.”

  “No, you should stay.” She gave me a pointed look.

  “You’re sure?”

  Josie nodded. “You need to do this,” she whispered.

  “Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow.” I hugged her tight. “He’s a fool, Jos. Because you’re worth it, babe. You’re so worth it.”

  A weak smile tugged at her mouth. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She disappeared into the sea of bodies.

  “Will she be okay?” Callum asked me.

  “Yeah, she’s just... it doesn’t matter. Congratulations, you played a good game.” God, this was awkward.

  “Can I get you a drink, Calliope?”

  “No one calls me that anymore, Dad,” I said.

  “Yes, well—”

  “There he is,” a deep baritone voice said, and Timothy Messiah clapped my dad on the shoulder. “Andrew, it’s good to see you again. You too, Callum.” He pulled my brother in for a hug.

  I spotted Zach lingering behind, his expression grim.

  “We’re glad you came, Callum,” Victoria appeared at Tim’s side.

  “Ah there she is,” he slipped his arm around her shoulder, “the girl holding us altogether.”

  “Victoria is helpful like that,” my brother gritted out.

  Indignation flashed in her eyes, but she schooled her expression into a warm smile. “You’re too kind, Callum.”

  “Son, get over here.” Tim beckoned for Zach to join us. “We’re celebrating.”

  Callum’s teeth ground together as he visibly withdrew. I offered him a reassuring smile.

  “We don’t want to intrude, Tim,” my dad said. “We’re just here to show our support.”

  “Nonsense, Drew. Drink with me.” He thrust his glass in the air, sloshing liquid everywhere. “It’s a celebration. We should drink.”

  Apparently, he’d had one too many drinks already.

  “Dad, come on, I think that’s enough.” Zach tried to lead him away, but Tim shirked him off.

  “I’m fine, Son. Got plenty of life left in me yet. Where’s your mother? She should be here. She should—”

  “Mom already left, Dad,” he said quietly, pain glittering in his eyes.

  “She did?” Tim frowned. “But it’s a celebration. The team did good tonight. They’re looking strong. Don’t you think they’re looking strong, Drew?”

  “They played well,” my dad agreed, “I think they have a real shot this season.”

  “Damn right, they do. They’re going to go all the way.” He roped his arm around Zach’s neck and pulled him close. “With my boy Declan at the helm, they’ll go all the way.”

  My eyes widened with disbelief as a gasp escaped my lips. Zach’s eyes shuttered, his mouth twisting with anguish. “Nice, Dad, real nice,” he muttered.

  “Z- Zach?” Tim blinked at his son, confusion clouding his eyes. “N- no, you’re not—”

  “Okay, Tim,” Victoria said, showing a crack of concern through her usually perfect veneer. “Why don’t we get you home.”

  “But the party—”

  “Come on, Dad. The party is over.”

  They started to lead Tim away, but I couldn’t just watch them go.

  I couldn’t.

  “Zach,” I called out, stepping forward.

  He glanced back, looking so defeated, so lost. I wanted nothing more than to run to him and hug him tight and never let go.

  But then he said three little words that cracked my heart wide open.

  “Not now, Calli.”

  “Are you okay?” Callum asked me as we sat at a quieter booth in The Pivot. After Zach and Victoria had left with Tim, the party began to wind down. It didn’t feel right celebrating when Mr. Messiah was obviously suffering so much. Dad had left not long ago, unable to suffer in the awkward silence any longer, but Callum had stayed.

  “Honestly, I don’t know...” I picked at the label on my beer.

  “How long?” He shuffled closer, our knees brushing. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been this close to my brother. It felt so strange and yet, oddly reassuring.

  All I’d ever wanted was a big brother who cared; a big brother who would always stand by my side and protect me from the monsters of the world.

  Instead, I’d gotten a brother who only cared about himself.

  “Excuse me?” My brows knitted.

  “You and Messiah, how long?”

  “I don’t... I...�
�� My cheeks flushed.

  “Calli, I know we’re not close by any stretch of the word, and I know I’ve been an asshole to you for most of your life, but you’re still my sister. I watched you fall in love with him before, I know the signs.”

  “You—” The words died on my lips.

  He knew.

  Callum knew.

  “But how?” I gawked at him.

  “It’s written all over your face every time you look at him.”

  “Oh.”

  “I’m not angry. If that’s what you’re worried about.”

  “I’m not... I mean, I was a little worried, but not because I want your permission, Callum, I don’t. It’s just the team has all these rules and I—”

  “Fuck the rules.”

  “W- what?” I almost spat out my beer.

  “Calli, my best friend is lying in some facility and he’s probably never going to wake up again. And then Mom died... she just... fuck.” His eyes shuttered, his Adam’s apple pressing harshly against his throat as he swallowed. “I really fucked up. I fucked everything up and for what?”

  “You love basketball,” I said, unable to keep the sadness out of my voice.

  “Yeah, but more than friendship? More than family? That’s what’s important. This,” he glanced around the bar at the basketball paraphernalia littered over the walls, “it doesn’t mean anything without family.”

  I laid my hand on his arm. “I’m so sorry about Declan, Callum.”

  “And I’m sorry about everything. Mom. The divorce. Leaving... I’m sorry about every-fucking-thing. I was an idiot. A self-absorbed idiot and I’ll never get a chance to fix it with her. But you’re here, you’re here, Calli, and I want to do better. I need to do better.”

  “Okay,” I said, tears dripping down my cheeks. “Okay.”

  “Yeah?”

  I managed a small nod.

  “Good, that’s good. But first I need you to do one thing for me.” My brow arched, and he smiled. “I need you to go get your guy.”

  “But the team...” The words got stuck over the lump in my throat.

  “If the team want Zach strong and ready to lead them into the season, then they’re going to have to accept you, Sis. Because Messiah needs you... he needs you, Calli.”