“Chance Montgomery, wide receiver. Everyone else, I’m sorry, but you didn’t make the team this year. My advice to you is to keep practicing and come back out next year.”
“I can’t believe you beat Chance.” Matt chuckled. “He looks ticked.”
“So I noticed.” Okay, she needed to be brave. Taking a deep breath, she made her way over to him. “Congratulations.”
He shot daggers at her with a mere glance, and Payton knew at that moment that he was not going to be her friend. Every dream and fantasy she’d harbored over the last week was shattered in that instant. He wasn’t going to ride off into the sunset with her, unless she was being dragged behind the horse.
“I’ll see you guys back here on Thursday.” The coach dismissed them after handing out the practice schedules.
Payton hurried to catch up with Chance, wanting to make things right with him. “Hey,” she called out.
“What?” He spun around glaring.
“I just wanted to tell you I’m sorry.”
“For what? Beating me, or humiliating me in front of all the guys, not to mention my dad?”
“I tried out just as hard as you did—we ran the same plays. You’re just mad because I’m a girl, and I was better than you!”
He didn’t answer, only stalked off to where his father stood, red-faced, trying to control his temper as he talked to the coach. “What do you mean by picking a girl over my son?”
“She outplayed him Mr. Montgomery. I’m not looking for some name in the papers; I’m looking for a team player who can make things happen. Payton Carter made plays out on the field all throughout tryouts. She wanted this bad enough to put forth every ounce of effort. Besides, I think there can be some real magic this season with Chance as a receiver. He’s got great hands and can catch any ball. If you ask me, that’s where he should’ve been placed years ago,” Coach Youngman stated firmly.
“And just how are you going to make things work with a girl on your team, Coach? She’ll have to change in the locker room, not to mention shower with them.”
“Leave those worries to me, Mr. Montgomery. Your son has a spot on my team as a wide receiver. Now, Chance, if you don’t want the position, I’ll find someone who does.”
Looking dejected, Chance answered softly, “I’ll take it.”
“Very good. Now, I expect the best from you. I’ve been a coach for twenty-five years and know what I’m doing, just trust me.” He patted Chance on the shoulder.
Payton gave one last look over her shoulder and knew she’d blown it.
“I’m so proud of you.” Her dad hugged her tight, followed by her brothers.
“See? I told you you could do it,” Marino added.
“Yeah, but I also managed to beat my crush.”
“He’ll get over it, especially when he gets to stare at your butt in the huddle.” Bradshaw chuckled, then stopped, suddenly realizing what he’d just said. “I take that back. He better not be looking at you in the huddle or touching you or even thinking about doing anything with you.”
Payton shook her head at them. Damn. She didn’t know whether to be happy or sad. On the one hand, she was beyond thrilled to land the quarterback position, but on the other, she’d royally effed up with Chance. She wished he’d at least talk to her. It’s not like she set out to embarrass him. Maybe he’d get over it. Or maybe not.
Payton’s stomach growled as she grabbed her backpack and headed up to the kitchen. She smoothed down her khaki capris while eyeing herself in the hallway mirror. Her light-blue shirt was unbuttoned just enough for her white camisole to be seen, and the silver chain with a small football charm glistened back at her. After sliding on her flip-flops, grabbing her cell, and checking her hair one last time, she finally made her way into the kitchen to grab English muffins.
“You almost ready?” Bradshaw glanced up from his own breakfast, which consisted of two breakfast burritos, toast, and a glass of orange juice.
“Yeah, but I feel like I’m gonna heave.” Payton wondered if she’d survive her first day of high school. Not that she should totally freak out, because she’d have her brothers there—but still. This was high school. “Did everyone else leave already?”
“No. Elway and Montana are still getting ready, and Marino took Rice in to school.”
The boys had three cars between them. Marino had his own, as did Elway, while Bradshaw and Montana shared one, which they traded off every other day.
“So it’s just you and me?” She went over to get her football gear for after school.
“Yep,” he said, grabbing his keys.
They threw their football equipment into the back of the car then climbed in. Once their seatbelts were on, Bradshaw put the car in reverse and pulled out of the driveway.
“I can’t believe I’m in high school.” Payton toyed with her seatbelt.
“Neither can I, but hey, don’t worry about anything, you’ve got me and Marino here for ya. If anyone gives you any trouble, just say the words, and we’ll take care of them.” He gave a fake villainous laugh then slapped her leg. The car swerved.
Payton gripped the door tight, giving him a dirty look. “Um—why don’t you keep your hands on the steering wheel.” She shook her head at him.
“Are you changing the subject?”
“Maybe. It’s just I know you guys will be there, but I don’t want to tag along and have everyone think I’m just the annoying little sister.”
“Win a few football games, and everyone will be flocking to you,” Brad said as they drove into the school parking lot.
There were already swarms of kids hanging around outside the entrance. Some were on skateboards while others played catch with a football—people had their cells out texting and chatting—it was like mass chaos.
“Listen, if none of your friends end up having second lunch with you, just come sit with me.” Brad hopped out of the car. “I’ll meet you here after practice tonight so we can ride up to work together.”
“Okay. Thanks.” She gave a heavy sigh before making her way into the building. She immediately made a beeline for the freshman hall, which was jam-packed with nervous and excited ninth graders.
It only took her a few moments to find her locker, which was, unfortunately, next to Kibby Carlton’s. Head cheerleader. Captain of the dance team. Miss Teacher’s Pet. She was only the biggest snob in the whole ninth grade—well, her and all her gossiping friends. Payton hurried to put her things in her locker, trying to ignore Kibby’s chattering about hot seniors and how freshman guys were so “lame.”
Payton pulled out a couple of her football posters and hung them up, along with a mirror and some family photos, before grabbing her notebook and pen.
“Hey, Carter,” Matt Atkinson hollered down the hall.
She waved and watched the cheerleaders turn to glare at her. “I hope you weren’t listening in on our conversation,” Kibby snapped with obvious disdain. Her cherry lips drooped into a frown.
“Well, it’s hard not to when you’re talking loud enough for the whole school to hear. And by the way, no one cares about how big Max Peterson’s junk is.” Payton rolled her eyes before walking away.
“Hey, Atkinson, how are you?” She watched as Neal Visser joined them.
“Good. I can’t believe we’re finally in high school. My brother warned me already that some of the upper classmen might give us a hard time today.” Matt appeared worried.
“I told Matt he’s bigger than half the seniors and he could just knock ’em down, but he won’t listen.” Neal laughed. “So what classes do you have?” he asked, grabbing her schedule from her.
“Nothing fun,” she said, but peeked over his arm as he compared their classes.
“Hey, we’ve got geometry and astronomy together.” He handed her schedule to Matt so he could have a look too.
Payton peered down the hall, catching the tall, familiar frame of Chance heading in their direction. He stared at her for a moment before averting h
is gaze to the floor. It’d been like that for over two weeks, not one word being exchanged between them, unless the smart-ass, under-the-breath remarks counted.
They saw each other every day at practice, but he ignored her like she was a leper. It sucked, yet it had been her doing. But no matter how shitty he treated her, she wouldn’t give up the position she’d earned.
“Hey, Chance.” Matt waved him over to join them. “What classes do you have?”
Once more they went through the schedules, before Chance stated he needed to drop his stuff off at his locker.
“Hey, I’ll walk with you.” Payton realized they needed to call a truce, especially with their first game coming up in two days.
“Don’t bother, I think I can find my locker myself.” He pushed around her.
“You know—” Payton began, but stopped when Matt and Neal nudged her hard with their elbows.
“Man, he’s still pissed off at you.” Neal shook his head. “I’d just steer clear of him—no point in reminding him that he got beat by a girl.”
“Right, and this works so well when we’re on the same team.” Payton looked around, spotting the one person she’d been waiting all summer to see. “I’ll chat with you guys later.” With a squee, she rushed down the hall toward her other best friend, Jake, who’d just gotten back from England. She’d gotten plenty of postcards and emails from him, but it wasn’t the same as hanging out in person.
His auburn hair was spiked up in the front, while gray eyes looked as stormy and intense as ever. He’d grown a few more inches over the summer, which put him over six feet now. Jake Baker was a little bit of everything: jock, musician, singer, and smartie—not to mention one of her closest friends.
Today he was garbed in a black, rock t-shirt, a pair of faded jeans, and his favorite leather hippie sandals.
“Jake.” She ran toward him. When she got to his side, she hugged him tight. “When did you get in?”
“Early yesterday morning.” He grinned then lifted her up and spun her around until she was dizzy. They nearly knocked into a few people, like an out-of-control merry-go-round. At last, he set her down. “I missed you,” he stated, throwing an arm around her shoulders and guiding her to his new locker.
“Have you seen Kelly yet?” She glanced up at the clock. Ten minutes until class started.
“No, but knowing her, she’ll be late.” He snorted, running a hand through his short hair. He fought to shove his guitar into his locker, then hung up a couple photos. “So is everything still the same with you and Chance?”
“Oh, you mean my being nonexistent in his line of sight?” Payton laughed while flinging her long hair back over her shoulder.
“That bad, huh? You’d think the guy would be thankful the coach gave him a position he was good at rather than letting him be a mediocre quarterback.”
“But that’s the thing, he’s not mediocre. He’s actually really good. Do I need to remind you about all the coaches who were scouting him pre-high school?” Payton spotted Chance chatting it up with Matt and Neal, now that she was gone, but his gaze kept flickering to where Jake’s hand rested on her shoulder.
“Hmmm … Maybe he’s not a lost cause after all.” Jake winked at her. “Perhaps a make-out session is in order.”
“In your dreams.” She giggled, while her face flushed.
“Oh, you know about those?” He raised an eyebrow at her.
“Shut up and come on. We don’t want to be late for first period.”
“Hel-lo! Watch where you’re going.” Kibby shoved passed Payton and Jake.
“Sure thing! Next time I’ll make a point of knowing what time you’re gonna walk past me,” Jake called out, giving a mock bow.
Kibby glared. “I wasn’t talking to you, I was talking to your jock friend there.”
“Lovely, isn’t she?” Payton smirked. “Maybe I’ll make it a point to run her over on the sideline this year.”
“Now, I’d pay to see that.”
“Really? How much for beaming her in the head with a football?”
“Come on.” He dragged Payton down the hall past her teammates, right into first-hour English literature.
Payton and Jake found a table and sat down together, waiting for the rest of the class to shuffle in. Unfortunately, this consisted of Kibby and Chance, the two people Payton least wanted to see.
Mrs. Bradford soon filtered in as well, taking a seat at the head of the class, her graying brown hair tied up in a bun.
“Hello, class, welcome to English literature,” Mrs. Bradford began. “First, I’m going to start off by assigning you seats and table partners. I think it’s important for me to pair you up with someone you normally wouldn’t sit with—it takes you out of your comfort zone and if you’re not sitting with your friends you’ll pay closer attention. Matt Atkinson and Danielle Patterson,” the teacher read off. “Payton Carter and Chance Montgomery—take the back table.” The teacher gave a smile. “Are you related to the Carter boys?”
“Yeah, I’m their sister.” Payton forced a smile while trudging to her new table. She slid into her seat and threw Jake a pleading look. He only mouthed the word “sorry” then turned back to the teacher.
Chance slid to the furthest point possible at the table, and Payton let out a deep sigh. Geez, it was like they were back in elementary school and she had cooties or something. How the heck had she ever thought she had a crush on him? But as hard as she tried to convince herself she was over him, one glance in his eyes said otherwise.
Payton’s classes dragged by, and she didn’t even see Kelly until seventh hour, when she and Jake walked into choir class.
“Hey, girl.” Kelly rushed forward. “I can’t believe I’ve managed to miss you all day long.”
“Ugh, tell me about it—I’ve had run-ins with Kibby today, and Chance hates me … ”
“Oh, I did bump into Chance today.” Kelly fanned herself. “And that boy is way hotter than you described.”
Payton felt a slight surge of jealousy, but Jake quickly grabbed her and flung her onto his lap before dipping her back into a crazy dance move.
“Mr. Baker, this is choir, not interpretive dancing.” Mr. Fogg smiled as he walked up in front of the piano. “But save some of those moves, we may be able to use them for choreography later on this year.”
“Yes, sir,” Jake said. He quickly let her go.
Payton glanced at Kelly and wondered if she was going to have competition where Chance was concerned. Her best friend wouldn’t do that to her … would she?
By Thursday, Payton was pretty much into her routine of finding classes, hanging out in the hall, and juggling practice and work. But nothing prepared her for the nervousness that swept in throughout the day as her first game approached.
The freshman and JV teams would head out on the bus at two o’clock in order to make it to Clarksdale in time for the game. Payton waited patiently in her choir class for the announcement dismissing her to come over the loud speaker. All the while her stomach somersaulted, and she had absolutely zero focus.
“We’re going to hitch a ride with your dad,” Jake whispered as they sang the Star-Spangled Banner.
Payton nodded, still pissed over the sign she’d found on her locker that morning. The cheerleaders always made them for the football teams on game day, usually putting something catchy like, “Touchdown all the way,” or, “Go big D.” Instead, hers had read: “You’re the man.” She already knew who’d drawn that one up, but instead of ripping it off like she wanted to do, she’d told Kibby thank you. She’d even managed a big grin to show that she didn’t care.
“All freshmen and junior-varsity football players are excused to leave now. The bus will be parked in the southern lot,” the announcement speaker came on.
Payton stood and gave Jake and Kelly a quick wave.
“Good luck, Carter,” a few of the guys called out. Even Mr. Fogg gave her a loud cheer, which sent her hurrying out of the class before they could em
barrass her further.
Payton grabbed her homework and schoolbag along with her football equipment then followed the string of players out to the bus. When she stepped outside, the sun was blinding, reflecting off the hoods and windshields of the cars. She raised a hand to block it.
Coach Youngman was waiting for them in the parking lot, looking anxious and alert, like he’d had one too many cups of coffee.
“Carter, Mrs. Atkinson is going to come along and help you out in the locker room.” He motioned to Matt’s mom, who gave a wave. “I’ve already made arrangements at each of the schools to leave an office or something in the locker room open for you to change in. Everyone else, listen up. We will not shower after our away games, only the home ones—this will keep us on a better schedule as well as take care of any foreseeable problems involving the opposite sex.”
Payton gave a sigh of relief. At least she had one less thing to worry about. She already knew that the school had agreed to open the girls’ locker room for her when they played home games, so now all she had to do was concentrate on getting through her first game. Once she found a seat on the bus, she put her gear next to her and sat down. She tapped her fingers nervously against her leg.
“We’re staying to watch the JV team after our game, so I hope you brought food or money with you, because it’s going to be a long night,” Coach said, sliding into the front seat.
Payton stared out the window, her stomach nothing but a ball of knots. She was pretty sure the butterflies would eventually subside, but for now she just kept running through the different plays in her head. The last thing she wanted to do was screw up.
“Hey, Carter.” Coach Martin glanced over at her. “You’ll be fine, just don’t psyche yourself out before we even get there.”
The boys gave loud whoops and shouted her name a few times. She grinned and ducked down in her seat. She almost wished Elway was on the same bus, but they kept the freshman and JV teams on separate busses for the trips—and this was going to be a long one. Clarksdale was over an hour away, so she’d have plenty of time to contemplate her game strategy. Or worry about what could go wrong.
French Fries with a Side of Guys Page 4