“I love him too,” I confess.
“Just make sure he’s not here because of something else.”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t doubt that he cares about you, but he might be a little starstruck too, if you know what I mean.” She glances to her left, and I follow, seeing Eli talking excitedly to my father as he helps Dad clean up his chicken mess.
“He’s not using me to get close to Dad,” I say weakly.
“I hope not,” Mom says, her tone ominous.
Her words, her tone, they stick with me long after we finish cleaning up, and we’re headed to the stadium.
Sixteen
Ava
It’s cold out and the game seems to go on forever. Early October around here is full of warm days and cool nights. At home, it’s even cooler. But we’re currently about an hour away from home and about three thousand feet lower in elevation, which makes a difference.
I slipped on my sweatshirt once the sun went down, and there was a look of total relief on Eli’s face when he saw what was on the front of my sweatshirt.
“I thought it was a Badgers hoodie,” he says.
I glance down at the red letters spelling out Bulldogs on the front. “Navy is their color too.”
“I guess I forgot.” He shrugs. Returns his attention to the field.
Where it’s been all night.
I never thought I could say I was jealous over a football team, but I am. Football has always been a part of my life, since the day I was born. When your father is a famous NFL player, you know this, but it doesn’t hit you until you’re older. It’s just a part of your life. Something you can’t change, so you have to live with it.
How I dealt with it? By ignoring that part of our life for the most part. Until recently. Until now. Cheering for our high school team? I have to care. Dating a boy who loves the game? Thrusts me right into it, kicking and screaming.
Eli is literally sitting on the edge of his seat, his gaze locked on the players out on the field. “You think he’s gonna throw it?” he asks no one in particular, referring to Ash. The Bulldogs are leading, but their time is almost up with the ball. And there’s still enough time on the clock for the opposing team to score and get ahead.
“No way,” Jake answers with finality, surprising me he’d respond to Eli in the first place. “If he makes a mistake, they could intercept it.”
“He’ll throw it,” Dad says with that easy confidence he has. Like he can read players’ minds without knowing them at all. It’s an eerie, sixth sense trick of his, and he’s always used it to his advantage.
Ash does indeed throw the ball. And one of his receivers catches it with ease, speeding up as he runs it into the end zone. The entire stadium erupts in cheers, and every member of my family rises to their feet, including Eli.
Excluding me. And when I realize they’re all standing, I jump to my feet too, yelling and clapping, trying to look enthusiastic. But I’m tired. Dead on my feet.
I just want to go home.
“Did you see that?” Eli asks me once we’re back in our seats. His entire body is practically vibrating. He’s so excited by that last play, and his expression is downright boyish. Staring at him in this moment, I feel like I know exactly what he looked like when he was eight. I’ve always thought he has a bit of a baby face, though it’s more man than boy now. And there was nothing boyish about the way he treated me and the things we did earlier. “What a fuckin’ play.”
I nudge him in the ribs and whisper, “Not so many f-bombs.”
He makes a face, waving a hand and dismissing my words. “Baby, we’ve been dropping f-bombs all night. Your dad included.”
I wouldn’t know, considering my father is sitting on the other side of Eli, with Jake on the other side of our dad, and they’ve been putting their heads together and chatting about the game the entire night. Autumn is sitting next to me, but she’s barely talking to me either. She’s too wrapped up in every single thing Ash does on the field.
By the time the game’s over, it’s past ten, I’m totally exhausted and we still have to wait for Ash to come around so we can all congratulate him on his game. Pretty sure Autumn is going home with him afterward, and I wonder what that’s like, realizing our parents know exactly why she’s leaving with her boyfriend because she’s headed straight home to eagerly get naked with him. Do our parents care? Does that freak them out? Does Autumn care? Is she afraid to feel their judgement?
It’s kind of a trip to consider. Yet something that doesn’t seem to faze my sister in the least.
Well, she is almost four years older than me, and way more mature. I’m still practically a juvenile compared to her, while she’s a full-blown adult.
God, even in my thoughts I sound young. Immature. With no knowledge whatsoever. Maybe I’m just tired. And over being at this game. A little bent out of shape over my boyfriend seeming to have more fun with my father than he is with me tonight.
This is what I wanted, right? For my boyfriend to receive my parents’ approval. It’s important to me, having them like him. I know it’s important to him too. I should be happy. Thrilled that they’ve seemed to embrace him so easily, especially after what happened last weekend. My father was ready to banish him forever, and now he’s acting like Eli is one of his long-lost sons. Even Jake has begrudgingly spoken to him throughout the game tonight, though always with reluctance and a heavy dose of attitude.
I sort of hate what Mom said earlier. I know she’s just watching out for me, but now she’s put all sorts of doubt in my head. Doubt I don’t want to focus on.
But I can’t help but focus on it. It’s all I can think about.
We wait around after the game finishes for what feels like forever, until finally Autumn returns to us, bringing Ash with her. He slings his arm around her shoulders and pulls her in close, dropping a kiss on her forehead. She beams up at him, her hand resting on his chest, and I can just tell. Despite the fact they’ve been together for three years, that they started out as a high school romance, they’re still madly in love. It makes me want what they have.
With Eli.
But can we stick?
“It’s good to see you guys,” Ash says in greeting to us, and we all take turns giving him a hug. He embraces me close, and I can’t help but think he smells amazing.
Not better than my boyfriend though.
“Who’s the guy?” Ash asks me, his voice a low rumble.
“That’s my boyfriend.” I wave Eli over and he approaches, trying his best to look cool. Like he’s not completely starstruck by Ash. Which is funny considering how comfortable he is around my dad, and he’s a way bigger star than Ash. “Eli Bennett, this is Asher Davis.”
They shake hands, Eli with a giant smile on his face. “So great to actually meet you. I played against you my sophomore year when you were a senior, and you kicked our asses.”
“Really?” Ash laughs. “Who do you play for?”
“The Mustangs.”
“Oh.” Ash takes a step back, assessing him before his gaze cuts to mine. “What the hell, Ava? Dating the enemy?”
“I know, right?” Jake slaps Ash’s shoulder, like they’re bros in this situation. Ash glares at him before returning his attention to me.
“You must really like this guy if you’re willing to date a Mustang,” Ash drawls.
Eli stiffens, his expression turning to stone. “We try not to let that rivalry bullshit divide us.”
Ha! It’s been the biggest problem with our relationship from the get go. But maybe Eli is changing. I know I’ve tried to let it go. Maybe he has too. The high school rivalry bullshit as Eli called it is dumb. We shouldn’t let that get in the way of what we have.
Easier said than done, but hey. We’re trying.
“Props to you, man. You’ve got balls.” Ash holds out his hand and Eli takes it, the two of them performing some ritualistic bro shake that I have no idea where they learned it. Or how they knew
they should do it.
Boys are so weird sometimes.
The relief on Eli’s face is obvious. The anger on Jake’s is almost comical. He didn’t expect Ash to be so accepting of my boyfriend.
Of course, Ash isn’t some petty jerk like my brother, so thank God for that.
We all talk for a while, Ash patiently answering all of Eli’s questions. Jake and Hannah bail, Jake claiming he has to get her home before it gets too late.
I know for a fact her mom works nights at one of the local hotels, so that’s a lie. But I keep my mouth shut.
Eventually, Ash and Autumn leave too, Autumn going back to his apartment to stay the night. Mom and Dad hug her and Ash before they turn their attention on us.
“You’re riding home in our car, right Ava?” Mom asks.
Oh. I figured Eli could take me home. “I sort of planned on going home with Eli.”
“Let’s leave,” Beck says, sounding tired. When the kid is done for the night, he’s absolutely done. There’s no convincing him otherwise.
“It doesn’t make sense for Eli to drive all the way to our house and then turn around and go back to his,” Mom explains.
She’s got us there. I turn to look at Eli, who’s frowning a little. “I don’t mind driving her home.”
“You should probably get back home,” Dad says, his voice firm. “It’s late. You won’t even get there until close to midnight.”
“Yeah.” Eli blinks, turning his attention to me. The look on his face says it all. He doesn’t want to go home. No one cares about him there anyway. “You cool with that?”
“Sure. Of course.” Not really. But what am I supposed to do? Tell my parents no, when they obviously want me to ride home with them?
“Perfect. We’ll let you two say goodbye. Meet us at the car,” Dad says, his gaze shifting to Eli. “Glad you were able to come to the game with us tonight.”
“Thank you so much, sir.” Eli approaches my parents and shakes their hands again. “And Mrs. Callahan. I appreciate the invite. I’ve had a great time.”
“You’re very welcome,” Mom says, smiling broadly at him. I think he might’ve won her over.
Eli high fives Beck, who is so over this night, I’m surprised he hasn’t dropped to the ground, already asleep.
Dad’s expression is stern. Not too sure about him yet. He’s very overprotective of us. Especially me and Autumn. “Don’t take too long with your goodbyes,” he says, his gaze and words for me.
“I won’t.” I send him a smile, one that hopefully says move along.
We don’t need an audience.
Once they start walking away, I turn to face Eli, a shocked breath leaving me when he suddenly pulls me into his arms and plants a kiss on my lips. “I thought I’d have more time with you.”
“Didn’t we have enough time together earlier?” I ask, tilting my head up to smile up at him. “Did you have fun?”
“Yeah, I had a great time.” He leans in and drops a kiss on my forehead. “Sorry if you thought I was ignoring you.”
“I didn’t,” I say with a sigh. No way can I admit that I actually was. I don’t want to put a damper on his good time tonight. “I know you were having fun with my father.”
“He’s not so bad. I’ll get him to warm up to me,” Eli says with that easy confidence I know is a bit of a front. When he talks like that, it’s because he’s feeling insecure and trying to hide it.
“My dad will grow to love you,” I tell him, voice firm. “I know it.”
“If you say so,” he says with a tired smile. “Hey, wasn’t it cool when Ash put Jake in his place?”
“Yes.” I laugh. “Their relationship has always been tinged with animosity.”
“Isn’t that how everyone’s relationship with Jake is? Maybe not Hannah though. For some reason, she tolerates his ass.” Eli shakes his head.
“She’s good for him. He needs her to calm him down.” I rise up on tiptoe and brush my mouth against his. “I hate leaving you right now.”
“I’ll be fine,” he assures me, before delivering another kiss. We’re standing in the parking lot, the last stragglers still exiting the stadium and heading for their vehicles, but I don’t care who sees me. I love being in Eli’s arms. Feeling his mouth on mine. Knowing that he loves me. Knowing that he belongs to me.
There’s nothing better.
Seventeen
Ava
I’m at cheer practice chatting with Dakota and Lindsey before we start stretching when Cami and Baylee make their approach. I try to ignore them at first, focusing on Lindsey telling a funny story about a kid who almost blew up his backpack by accident in her AP Chemistry class, but when Cami clears her throat extra loud, I finally turn to her.
“Can I help you?” The hostility in my voice rings loud and clear. I should probably respect my cheer captain, but it’s so damn hard when I know so many horrible things about her.
Horrible things she’s done and said.
“So is it true?” Cami crosses her arms. Baylee copies her. Even their snotty expressions match.
God, they’re annoying.
“Is what true?” I ask, when she doesn’t further explain herself.
“That you’re actually going out with Eli Bennett?” Cami raises a single, skinny brow. Looks like she’s been playing with the tweezers too much, yet again.
Baylee thrusts her phone in my face. There’s a photo of me and Eli standing together with his arm around me inside Bulldog stadium, right before the kickoff. I look pretty cute if I do say so myself. That cropped t-shirt/jean combo totally worked. And I like the possessive way Eli’s hand is resting on my hip. Like he’s staking his claim.
“Did you actually screenshot this off my story?” I ask Baylee before I glance over at Lindsey and Dakota.
They’re wide-eyed and dead silent, watching all of this unfold in complete fascination.
“Yes. I did,” Baylee admits without shame as she drops her arm to her side, not embarrassed in the least that she’s completely tracking me. “I had to document this and send it to Cami. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw it. You and Eli?”
“Picking up my sloppy seconds, hmm?” Cami says, smirking at me.
Rage flows through my veins and I curl my hands into fists. Tell myself to keep it together. She’s not worth the aggravation. “You were barely with him.”
“Long enough to know what he tastes like.” Cami takes a step closer, lowering her voice to a whisper. “Everywhere.”
I see black. Red. Without thinking I swing, my fist making solid connection with Cami’s jaw. She squeals and drops to the ground, clutching her face and writhing around on the grass. I stand above her, breathing hard, quickly coming back to reality, realizing far too late what I’ve done.
Oh. Shit.
“What the hell is going on here?” Brandy appears out of nowhere, making her way toward us. The entire team is circled around us, Baylee mingling with the rest of them, like she had no part in this.
It feels like I’m moving in slow motion when I swing my body in Brandy’s direction. “I, uh…”
“She fucking hit me!” Cami shrieks, leaping to her feet. Still cradling the side of her face with one hand and pointing at me with the other. “I want this bitch gone.”
“Now Cami—” Brandy starts, but Cami won’t hear it.
“No. No way. You can’t defend her. She fucking hit me—”
“Language,” Brandy interrupts.
Cami snaps her jaw shut, then winces like it hurt. I hope it did.
Oops. I shouldn’t think like that. I’m about to get in some major trouble. I know it. I don’t even really remember actually hitting her. It’s like it happened while I was in a blind rage, and I blocked the moment from my memory.
Taking a breath, Cami restarts. “Ava hit me in the face, coach. With her fist. And no matter what you say or how much you want to defend her, that’s wrong. It’s grounds for getting her ass—butt—kicked off the team.”
“What, like I asked you to hit me?” Cami taunts.
I’m about to lunge for her again, but Dakota and Lindsey each grab hold of my arms and keep me back.
“What exactly did she say?” Brandy asks me.
I don’t want to repeat it. I’ll get mad all over again.
“Just some silly stuff about her boyfriend,” Cami answers for me, waving her hand dismissively. “I can’t help it if I dated him first.”
Oh, that sets me on fire all over again, and I’m jerking against Dakota and Lindsey’s surprisingly strong hands, wishing I could yank all that long hair out of Cami’s head.
“Everyone, go stretch. Now. Baylee, please lead them,” Brandy commands. The other girls take off to the practice area, the sound of nervous, high pitch whispering going on between them. Brandy turns and faces me and Cami once more. “Can we try and work this out, just between us?”
“No. Freaking. Way,” Cami says through clenched teeth, glaring at me with narrowed eyes. She looks really evil right now. The worst feeling washes over me, making me sick to my stomach. It feels like I might’ve fallen into her trap. Like maybe she set me up, knowing I’d lose my mind over her rude comments. “I’m going to the office. I want the health aide to document this.”
“I am the health aide, you idiot,” Brandy says, making me crack up. Brandy sends me a look, essentially shutting me up before she continues. “You’ve only gone to this school for almost four years. Didn’t you realize this?” she asks Cami.
“I forgot, okay?” Cami shrugs. “Then you can take photos of me and all the damage Ava did to my face. I want this in my file, and I want it documented that Ava Callahan did this to me. It’s assault! I have witnesses!”
“Who saw it?” Brandy looks around, all of the girls returning their attention to stretching and not watching us, which is really what they’ve been doing.
“Everyone! Even her little friends. They’ll vouch for me. They have to,” Cami says, pointing at Dakota and Lindsey, who are both doing their best to not look over at us. I’m sure their ears are burning.
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