by Parker, Ali
Clara flipped me the bird.
“Do you see the trouble you’ve caused me? I’m in love with that girl, Britany. And if you were ever my friend, you’d know that. You’d want me happy and tell her the fucking truth.”
“I’m sorry about what happened, but I’m not talking to that Amazon. She’ll kick my ass.”
“She’s not like that. She’s special.”
“What we had was pretty special, wasn’t it? At least I thought so.”
“At the time, yes. But she’s special in a different way.” Coach Carr blew his whistle. “I’ve got to go take the field and get ready to play. Think about it.”
She shook her head. “I’ll talk to you at the party.” She walked away, and I felt as if it was never going to be resolved. I’d never get Avery back.
But as I took the field, I noticed her watching me. I had to win this game, and maybe if I brought home a victory, she would at least take time to congratulate me. If that was all I could earn from her, I had to put my all into the game.
When the game finally began, I played my best. I scored six points right out of the gate, and the crowd was going nuts. Including Avery, who I had only taken a second to take a peek at.
“That’s the way to do it,” said Paul. “Good pass! Good goal!”
I took a deep breath and focused on the game, and when the ball was passed to me, I knew only Motor was going to be in a position to score. I passed him the ball, hoping he was going to make the goal, and he dropped and kicked, sending it shooting to the goal.
Motor grinned ear to ear, which didn’t do much to improve his face, but he walked by and gave me a high-five. “Way to play!”
Carver looked like he had just sucked a lemon, but we were all playing for glory and the championship title.
I had a foul on the next play, but I didn’t let it get my temper up. Instead, I passed it to Paul, who scored, putting us one play away from a win.
As the other team huddled up on the other side of the field, getting one last pep talk from their coach, Coach Carr let us rest. We knew what we had to do, and I had a feeling he didn’t want to psych us out. We got in our positions, and Paul threw an unexpected lateral pass to me, which I swiftly caught. I found myself with only one option for the try zone. I dropped the ball and kicked it into the only open spot. I held my breath as the ball made its way through the opponents and between the goalposts.
I was still processing what just happened when the crowd went wild. And all of a sudden, Paul rushed over to congratulate me, and we shared a happy moment of victory. “I knew you could do it, man.”
“Thanks.” I knew I had recommended the right guy for my replacement as captain.
Everyone rushed the field, and there was confetti shooting in all directions. But something was missing. I looked up in the stands, and Avery was already gone. I saw her and Clara walking out with Dillon.
Coach Carr came over and congratulated me. He had a trophy in his hand, and the rest of the team crowded around. “Great game, son.” He passed the MVP trophy to me. “You earned it.”
The rest of the guys congratulated me, even Motor and Carver. I had not ended the season as captain, but going home with the MVP trophy made it all worth it.
As the rest of the guys went back to planning their after-party fun, I hung back with Coach Carr. “Are you sure you want me to have this? I mean, I didn’t exactly show sportsmanship when I hit you.”
“No, you didn’t. But I wasn’t acting like a good coach. I provoked you, and for that, I’m sorry. I’m not always my best at this. My old man was about as loving as yours back in the day, and I guess I’ve got a streak of him in me somewhere.”
“We all end up taking something from our fathers,” I said. “Even if we don’t want to.” I had taken scars and a strong survival instinct. That was why I lashed out at Avery and drew my fist.
Coach shook his head. “That, we do. But for my part, I’m sorry.” He patted me on the back and walked away.
If Coach Carr could forgive me and even apologize for his part, maybe anything was possible.
* * *
That night after the game, I had cleaned up and put on my best shirt to look my best for Avery if she showed up. I still wasn’t convinced that she would, but I was going to behave regardless.
I went to the Omega House party and was greeted at the door by Micah and Dillon before I even had a beer in hand.
“I guess this is you telling me I can’t stay.” I had waited for that to happen. Dillon was still big man number two in the house, and since I had hurt Avery, or at least he thought I had, they weren’t going to want me around.
“Nope, you won the game,” Micah said. “You deserve to stay.”
“But no fighting,” said Dillon.
“The only reason I beat Will’s ass was because he had Britany fuck things up with Avery and me. I never cheated. Britany lied.” Dillon hadn’t answered any of my phone calls, either.
“You’ll have a chance to plead your case. But you’re going to have to come with us.”
I shrugged and walked with them through the house and to the backyard where Will stood waiting.
“What’s this?”
“You two need to tell us what happened. There are too many lies going around, and we’re tired of Omega House getting a bad rap because of it.
“It was my fault,” said Will, who had a week of healing behind him and still wore the bruises of defeat. “I take responsibility.”
Dillon looked as surprised as I was that he had taken the blame. He turned his attention to me. “What started this?”
“It’s like I said. I never cheated on Avery, but he had a bet going with Britany to get in her pants. Avery and I were his collateral damage. He caught me right after she ended things and kicked me out. I was mad, and I was worried about her. I just lost it.”
“Is that true, Will?” asked Micah. “You threw your friend under the bus to get some action? And from Britany? Dude, you don’t have to work that hard for her. She’s easy.”
“It was a stupid move, yeah, but she was just so hung up on him, and well, there was a lot of alcohol clouding my reasoning. I just wanted her to see he wasn’t going to be tempted. And I guess if he would have shown up, I would have been doing Avery a favor.”
“And when the rumors started, you didn’t give a fuck who they hurt? Not even if it was Clara’s sister?” Dillon shook his head. “Dude, I’ve done a lot for you. Do you have any idea how your games fuck with people’s lives?”
“I’m sorry. I’d never hurt Avery.”
That statement made me think he had a crush on her, but I would let it go until he got in my way again. I doubted he’d be so brave.
“I was just drunk and stupid.”
“Maybe not have so much to drink? You were doing so well for a while, man. Don’t fuck it up.”
When I thought the whole thing might be over, Micah spoke up. “Do you have anything to say, Seth? I mean, we let you come into our house, and you beat the shit out of our brother? We don’t let that slide for just anyone.”
“I’m sorry, but if you want to take a swing, take one.” I held out my hands to give them a free shot. There weren’t any takers.
Micah shook his head, and Will spoke up. “It’s fine, man. I just wish if you wanted to beat my ass, you’d spar with me. You’ve got a hell of a left hook.” He held his jaw, and Micah and Dillon chuckled.
“Maybe another time. I’ve got to get Avery back.” I turned to Dillon. “Do you know if she’s coming?”
“She told her sister she was staying in tonight. But Abi called her, so I think there’s a good chance.”
“Good. Are we done here?”
“Yeah,” said Micah. “But listen up. You’re both on probation. One more fuckup, and you’re both out.”
Dillon offered me his hand, and I gave it a hearty shake. “Look,” he said. “I’m going to leave you to sort this shit out because Clara wants me home tonight, so don’t fuc
k shit up.”
“I don’t plan on it.”
“I’m serious. You know she’s been through a lot, so don’t pressure Avery. And whatever this mess is, I don’t even want to hear an excuse, but it wouldn’t have happened if you weren’t such a fucking man-whore to begin with, so cut her some slack and give her some time.”
“And behave,” said Micah, shaking my hand as well. “Or I’ll have to rescind the invitation.”
“I get it.” I would be permanently removed.
Micah nodded. “Good. Oh, and it’s time to pitch in for another keg. If you’re going to be around, you can pony up like the rest of us. This shit ain’t free.”
“Sure thing.” I wasn’t planning to make the Omega House part of my routine again. I had to fix things with Avery and get my life back on track. It was time to grow up and settle down.
They left me to fend for myself, and I walked back inside to look around. I noticed the crowd at the back of the room where everyone was chanting around the keg.
Britany and Lizzy stood with the others, and when she looked up and saw me, she walked over and offered me the next beer.
“Hey,” she said, giving me a half-smile.
“Hey. Did you think about what I said?” I needed her to do the right thing. Dillon could explain, sure, but I knew Avery might not believe it unless it was from Britany.
“Yeah, I thought it over.” She put her hand on her hip and rolled her eyes.
“And?” I felt like she was stalling.
“Are you sure she’s not going to kick my ass? I have cheerleading camp in a few weeks, and I don’t want to go with two broken arms.”
“She’s not going to break your arms. Don’t be ridiculous.” Just because Avery probably could didn’t mean she would. She wasn’t that kind of person.
“Damn straight, she’s not. But Lizzy said she might try. She’s seen her and how rough she plays with those other girls on the rugby team. And just so you know, Lizzy and the rest of the squad said they had my back. If that girl comes even three feet in my direction, she’s going to be sorry. You and I had a good thing. Too bad you blew it for a girl who can’t take a joke.”
I sighed. “You know, I really cared about you at one time. I saw in you a girl who would do the right thing, but after a while, you became so much like the rest of them. It’s really disappointing.”
She pranced away. She wasn’t going to help me. And to make matters worse, even though I’d worked things out with Will and the Omegas, Avery was walking into something she might not be able to handle.
I had to do something and make sure that Britany and her friends didn’t make any problems for either of us. One more strike, and I was out.
Chapter 27
Avery
After the game, my emotions were so mixed, Clara suggested we leave. Seeing Seth do his best at the game made me feel even worse that things were the way they were. I had figured that by now, we’d be at a place where I could run out on the field and jump into his arms to congratulate him with a kiss. But instead, I was so disappointed in him and his actions that I could barely watch him play.
If it weren’t for Clara and Dillon, I would have missed a lot. Every time the ball was in Seth’s possession, I had to look away.
Clara had learned what happened the day before, and while I had to go to the game to earn a test grade, she insisted she and Dillon would bring me just in case Seth decided to make a scene.
As I got ready to go to the Omega House victory party, my sister had no idea I was going. Abi and I had decided to go, but I could tell by the way she looked at me as she curled my hair she had something on her mind.
“Just say it. I know you’re thinking. I can hear those wheels turning.”
“Are you sure you’re really up for this? You were in the hospital just a week ago.”
“Why not? I’m fine, and I have to get back to living. And with Seth moving on, maybe I should put myself back out there too.”
“About that. I asked around about Seth being there the other night, and not one person I know in the house said they could remember him there. Are you sure he cheated? I mean, what did he say? He went out to bring you breakfast, and we both know he did that. I watched you toss it in the trash.”
“I saw the invitation and a photo of them together.”
“Could it have been an old one?”
“It was hard to tell with his face in her tits.”
“All I’m saying is, those girls keep a camera on them. They take tons of selfies and post things to social media all day. If it’s an old photo, maybe you could find it there?”
The cheating wasn’t the only part of our breakup that made things permanent. “I appreciate the idea, but Seth was gone. And it wasn’t the first time he ran over there the second he left my place.” There was a lot I couldn’t tell her.
“Okay, fine. But you know his temper, Avery. Don’t do anything to set him off. My brother said he’s already on thin ice with the Omegas.”
“I just want to go out and have fun. I’ve been through a lot, and I’m tired of sitting around and feeling sorry for myself. If he sees I’m moving on, maybe he will too, and he’ll leave me alone.”
“And maybe you don’t want him to leave you alone,” she said as she twisted the curling iron, rolling my last strand of hair. “Maybe you still like him.”
“No, I loved him, but he’s not the guy I thought he was, so what good is that?”
She pulled the curling iron away and sprayed my hair as she ran her fingers through to loosen the waves. My hair looked amazing.
“You should do this for a living.”
She laughed. “I wish. My parents would flip out.”
“Why?”
“Because they think it’s not a good enough career move. I’ll probably end up as a counselor or something. Get some letters behind my name.”
It was hard to understand her family, but if she moved in, I was sure I’d learn more than I wanted to know. She lived away from them for a reason, but could they really be that bad? Mine was. Why not?
As I got up to put on my boots, Abi gave me a worried look. “Are you sure you’re feeling better?”
“Yeah, I had my checkup, and the doctor said I was doing great. I just wish my heart would heal.”
“In time,” said Abi. “I think it was a much deeper wound. So if at any time you want to leave, just say the word and we’ll bail.” She stood back and looked me up and down. “Girl, you look fabulous. I wish I could wear boots the way you do. I can’t with these chicken legs of mine.”
“Are you serious? You’re perfect. I’m basically a boy with boobs.”
Abi laughed. “I guess it’s just like my mother always said. Everyone has something about themselves they’d want to change.”
“Are you ready?” I asked. I was anxious to get to the party and turned in the mirror.
“Ready as ever. Let’s hope Thomas has already bagged a girl. I don’t want him playing protective brother tonight. He keeps me so close. Someone asked me if he was my boyfriend.” She made a face at the thought.
I laughed. “I’m sure by the time we get there, everyone will be settled in and paired off. And that’s fine with me.” Seth was probably already gone off with some girl, and if he was, maybe it was for the best. The less I saw of him with someone else, the better. I knew eventually I’d move on too, and tonight was more about showing I had the strength to do it.
I grabbed my purse. “Let’s go. I’ll drive.” I gave her a wink, and she giggled. It was always our little joke, the same old one, but funny every time even though it was silly. It was good to have a good friend who cared enough to laugh at the silliness and to listen when it mattered.
* * *
We walked up the street and around the block and took our shortcut to make it to the Omega House.
The large structure sounded like it was about to implode from the muffled music, and when we opened the door, the noise became deafening.
&
nbsp; We were greeted by a couple of guys who were already so drunk they were holding each other up. “Welcome, ladies,” the one said. The other turned and threw up in a plant.
“Nice welcome,” I said. “Looks like things are in full swing.”
Abi covered her mouth. “Oh, man. That was foul.” She rose up to her toes and panned the room. “I don’t see my brother.” She grinned. “Lucky me.”
“I don’t know. He’s probably the one getting lucky.”
Abi groaned. “Yeah, I’d rather not think about that. All I know is when he’s not around, I have a whole lot more fun.”
We laughed and went to get a drink, but on our way, there were mumbles, and I heard my name being spoken along with Seth’s.
I turned to see Lizzy laughing and giving me daggers. I narrowed my eyes and noticed Britany standing with her, looking like she had just seen a ghost.
As the two argued over whether or not to give me hell, I walked by, shaking my head, and went to the keg. “Can I get some service?” I asked Ben, who was manning the tap while chatting with another guy. Ben was the one with the loud mouth who thought I was into girls.
“Hey, sexy, I’ll give you anything you want.” His tune had changed, and I found it humorous that he would make a complete turnaround just because I dated Seth.
Ben wasn’t ugly by any means, but his immaturity was a turnoff. And there was something about the symmetry of his face, the way his eyes were deep set, his lashes so dark and defined. It gave him a creepy vibe.
“Just beer is okay, thanks.” I wouldn’t drink much of it. I had learned my lesson from the last time, and my medications were too strong to mix with alcohol.
Ben moved closer. “Come on, sweetness. You know you want me to give it to you.” He chuckled, and his friend laughed with him before walking away.
He was a total loser with those lines. And with all of the shit he’d said about me to Seth about me liking girls, I decided that maybe it was time for a little revenge of my own.