by Shane Morgan
“Dad, it’s been nearly two years. I’ve apologized so many times.” I straighten, asking, “What more can I do? Why can’t you let it go?”
He scoffs. “You just keep maintaining focus in school and football.” Clearly, that’s not enough.
“I am. I’ve always been.”
Dad glimpses the wooden car on my desk. Forehead creasing, he picks it up and asks, “Aren’t you too old for this?”
I frown. “It was a gift from Gramp. I’ve had it all these years. You know that.”
It pains me to the core when he tosses the car into the trash. “You have better gifts from him. This is childish.” He motions to leave but stops in an afterthought. “By the way, I noticed your stats are fourth place behind Horace Dixon at Charles Prep.” He points at me and says firmly, “You need to fix that. Prescotts are second to no one at that school. Understand?”
My shoulders sag. All I can say is, “Yes, sir.”
“Hurry on to class now. And answer your mother’s phone calls. She wants you to attend that brunch coming up.” He steps outside and shuts the door.
Jaw clenching, I walk over and take Gramp’s wooden car from the bin, setting it back on the desk.
Anger grows in me. My breathing turns heavy. Arching over, I slam my fist hard on the desk, rattling it. My hand aches afterward. I use it as a way to divert my mind from Dad.
Composing myself, I straighten, loosen my tie, and grab my bag. I head from my room like everything’s fine, nodding, and giving dry smiles to people who acknowledge me as I walk to class. But inside, I’m exhausted. I’m not good enough. My dad will always remind me.
9
Throughout the day, I mindlessly touch my mouth. I’m now wondering what it would feel like to kiss Parker Prescott. What his mouth would taste like.
Ugh. I don’t even know why I went out with him. I thought we could at least be friends, but my emotions are starting to grow. My shield is damn near ready to shatter. And I just don’t trust Parker enough to date him. Don’t want to end up another one of his conquests at the academy.
On my way from Spanish class that afternoon, I run into Aubrey in the hallway. She grips her bag with the name Balenciaga splayed all over it and purses her lips while regarding my appearance.
“Look, it was a stupid joke. No hard feelings?” Her red lips form a smile that’s as fake as her apology.
I shrug. “None at all. Just reminded me how shady some girls can be.”
Aubrey flips her ponytail off her shoulder. “Why are you hanging around Parker? Thought you weren’t into him?”
“What is this, high school?” I joke. “I can hang out with whomever I want.”
She pouts childishly as if nearing a tantrum. “Why, Parker? You do know he’s only using you? He doesn’t get serious with anyone. You’re just another girl to have fun with for the time being. It won’t last.”
I already know that about guys like Parker. But why does Aubrey’s words sting?
“Girl, if you’re worried I’ll get in the way, don’t. You can have him.” I push past her and continue from the building. Weirdly, regret sets in within seconds. Why do I want to take my words back?
Damn it. Parker Prescott is getting under my skin.
“Come on, Sydney!” Anjali urges. “Steal the ball!”
The team has a match in two days, but she still takes the time to practice with me until Coach Dobson returns from an academy meeting.
Hope fills me when I manage to steal the ball cleanly and maintain control. But Anjali takes it back in no time.
“You’re so freaking good,” I praise her.
She giggles then sends the ball flying past the goalkeeper into the net.
Anjali is a superb forward who can land goals with both legs. Some of the girls are better with one. I’m good with neither. The only time I score is when the goalie isn’t present.
She tosses the ball back. Anjali passes it to me and says, “Send it down the middle.”
The goalkeeper displays a smug smirk while readying herself.
“I can’t score. I’m beyond terrible.”
Anjali sucks her teeth. “Sydney, we’re Spencer Lions. Nothing is impossible, and we sure as hell don’t doubt ourselves. Now go for it.”
She positions the ball on the centerline and motions me over.
Heaving a long sigh, I stand a few inches back to give myself a little running distance. I focus on kicking techniques: position my planter foot, watch my lean, and don’t hesitate. I make an attempt. It feels as if my kick is good until the stupid ball goes wide. Nowhere near the net.
The goalie snorts and advises, “Keep practicing.”
“Uhh.” I swivel and hold my head. “Good thing Coach Dobson didn’t see that.”
Anjali bumps my arm. “You still have time. It’s only your second week of training.”
“I know, but I feel like Coach is expecting a lot more.”
Offering a kind smile, Anjali waves around the field. “We all started somewhere. None of us came out of the womb playing great soccer.”
That makes me chuckle. “Thanks. I’ll work harder.”
She nods approvingly. “There’s a spot on this team for you, Sydney.”
More than anything, I want to believe that.
10
Interestingly enough, trying to charm Sydney diminishes the impact left by my dad. Although she refuses to go on another date, her tone was softer when she told me to stop staring at her in class earlier.
But that look of suspicion is still present in her gaze. She won’t open up to me.
Who better to help with my mission than Sydney’s cousin.
“Nia Wright,” I say, dropping down in the seat beside her in French class. We’ve barely talked this whole time we’ve been at the academy.
Lines appear on her forehead as she regards me. “Parker?”
I smile in return. “What’s Sydney into? Her likes and dislikes?”
Nia snorts. “You should find that out from Sydney.”
“True, but she’s not budging. Surely you can help my cause?”
She purses her lips. “Nope. Syd has to come around to you on her own.” She flicks away as Kawan Pryce lowers in the seat in front of me. Her brown eyes gleam with adoration. Geez. Anyone can see she likes the guy. Kawan must be impeccably oblivious.
“Hey, Nia,” he says, waving to her.
The girl lights up like a Christmas tree. “Hey. How’d you manage the homework?”
“It was easy.”
They smile with each other.
When Kawan turns back around, I whisper to Nia, “Just tell him how you feel.”
She blinks shyly and drops her head.
I get up and move to my seat next to Coleman.
“Party later, dude?” he asks, looking at his phone.
“No.” A thought occurs as I stare at Nia, watching Kawan while she daydreams. “We’re going to the opening basketball game.” If my guess is right, she’ll definitely go to support him. That means Sydney will be there.
Loud cheers and music have the gym hyped. I made sure to keep the seats in front of me free in case Sydney and her cousin do show up.
Nunez nudges my arm and nods toward the doors. My elation dies when I see Mallory sashaying down the row.
Her scarlet lips curl upward. “Hey, Parker.” She settles in Davidson’s seat on my right. I could sock him for skipping out on the game.
“Okay…” I scoff. These girls are persistent. I guess I’m the same way with Sydney.
Nunez chuckles beside me. “What’s the big deal? Girls throw themselves at us. That’s a good thing.”
“Yeah,” Coleman chimes in from Nunez’s left. “Why chase anybody when others keep coming?”
I huff at them and turn my head, watching the doors. With Mallory sitting next to me, I’m sure that will only make Sydney even more cautious.
“Um, you mind joining your friends?” I suggest to her.
A frown results. “M
y friends are closer to the court. Seats are full.” She brightens again in no time. “I wanna sit beside you.”
“Listen, you and I aren’t gonna happen.”
She shrugs. “I get it. It’ll only be for tonight.”
“Geez.”
Just my luck, Sydney enters with Nia and Leighton Valentine. They search the packed gym for seats.
I feel a happy flutter in my chest when Sydney glances this way. Forgetting Mallory, I wave and gesture to the empty seats.
Sydney glimpses me. Her eyes flick to Mallory, and displeasure contorts her pretty face. She quickly looks away.
Leighton notices me and nudges her roommate. Sydney shakes her head, adamant about sitting someplace else. Nia bumps her cousin’s arm and starts over this way.
Cool points for Nia.
Slouching in defeat, Sydney follows them to the vacant seats. She presses her lips and cuts her eyes at me when I smile, sitting in front of me.
I brace forward and lower at her shoulder. Damn, she smells good. Always like lavender. “Hey, Sydney Bell.”
She twists and eyeballs me. “Won’t your girlfriend get mad you’re talking to me again?” Wait, is that jealousy?
I assure her, “I don’t have a girlfriend.”
“Does she know that?” She nods to Mallory, who is busy on her phone. Probably texting her friends some lie like, Parker Prescott saved a seat for me.
“Look, Mallory came and sat here. She refuses to leave.”
“Don’t explain.” She dismisses me with a wave. “We’re not together.”
I catch a speck of the truth beneath her act and smile. “Then, why are you jealous?”
Appalled, Sydney touches her heart and tells me, “I am not jealous. I don’t care what you do; it’s your life, and it’s none of my business.”
“If you say so.” I lean back in the seat, leaving her be for now.
She shifts around, seemingly bothered.
“Okay?” Nia asks her.
“Yeah,” she replies fast, acting nonchalant. “Excited for this game.”
Turning to Mallory, I clear my throat and say nicely, “Listen, my friend’s gonna be here soon, so…”
She glances up from her phone. “But, Parker—”
“It’s just not gonna happen. If you don’t mind, could you sit someplace else?”
Twisting her lips, Mallory harrumphs and springs to her feet, strutting off to the exit. Guess she didn’t really want to watch the game.
When it finally begins, so does the roars. The place comes alive with supporters on both sides shouting at the top of their lungs.
Spencer Academy has a pretty good basketball team. Kawan is impressive. He achieves twenty points by the second quarter, and Nia can’t hide her excitement. She looks really proud.
I steer my gaze to Sydney on and off. Damn, there’s something about this girl that has me crushing hard after a week. Some kind of force. I keep thinking about kissing her. Touching her until she trembles like in my car Monday night. My own body tingles at the thought of being close, wrapped in each other.
As if Sydney is having the same thoughts, she gradually turns to her right, trying to act cool as she looks over her shoulder. Her brown eyes brighten with what appears to be relief, seeing that Mallory’s seat is empty.
Well, well, well.
Sydney’s about to turn back around but catches me staring. I smile in my discernment. She spins quickly.
I lean over and say close to her ear, “So I guess you were jealous after all.” Instead of denial, she shudders at my warm breath on the side of her face. I’m sure it probably sent chills down her spine.
Desire radiates from her body when I touch her arm gently. It stimulates even me. Her skin is so silky-smooth, I could keep feeling on her all night.
Biting my lip, I let out a low growl and tell her, “Don’t worry. My attention is all yours.”
Out of nowhere, a soft moan escapes her lips. Oh, wow. Her body is betraying her.
“I don’t want it,” she lies, voice unsteady. She seems to be struggling to calm down.
I snort and move away, pleased that I’m slowly creeping under that gorgeous brown skin.
Everyone jumps to their feet as a Spencer baller lands three points. Well, everyone except for Leighton, Sydney, and me.
Sadly, our academy ends up losing.
People make their way to the exit.
I find Sydney and Leighton outside. Nia’s nowhere in sight. Perhaps she went to wait for Kawan.
Sydney avoids my gaze and continues toward the path. I call out, “You there!”
She stops midstride and glares at me, crossing her arms.
Girls look around, wondering who I’m talking to. Hopeful, some straighten with excitement. My focus is only on one girl. I’ll make it clear tonight.
“Catch you guys in a bit,” I tell Nunez and Coleman.
“All right, dude,” Nunez says. They walk in the direction of the student village while I tread over to Sydney.
“Good game, huh,” I say, looking straight into her pretty eyes.
“Geez. After tonight, everyone will think Parker Prescott is dating the transfer student.”
I shrug. “All the better.”
She shifts and looks around at all the prying eyes. They’re making her uncomfortable.
“Ignore them,” I say. “Come on. I’ll walk with you to your dorm.”
“That’s fine,” she protests.
Not wanting to be rude, I acknowledge her friend. “Hey, Leighton, right?”
She narrows her green eyes on me and folds her arms tightly. “Listen, dude, Bell is a cool girl. If you’re trying to add her name to your list, I suggest walking away right now, because I will kick your ass if you screw her over.”
A chuckle bursts from Sydney’s lips. “Damn, roomie.”
“Wow.” I clear my throat. “That’s good to know, but that won’t be necessary. I don’t have a list, and I don’t wanna screw her over.” I refocus on Sydney. “I just want us to get to know each other.”
“Hm. Well, I’m not sure I wanna know you.”
Shit, that actually hurts.
She explains, “You discarded Mallory so you can gain the interest of another.”
I sigh before replying, “I never led her on, Sydney. I’ve made it clear I’m not interested. She still came up to me. They always do. It’s like that here. Girls attach themselves to me to be popular.”
“Still, you can see why I’m hesitant.”
“Yeah.” My shoulders slouch. I wish she could trust me. “How am I gonna prove you have it wrong about me if you won’t give me a chance?”
Sydney switches from one leg to the other, appearing torn. “Why’s it so important for me to change my mind? Why do you care?”
“Cause I like you,” I admit. Sydney’s features soften from my candor. “You’re the realest girl I’ve come across since being at Spencer.”
Leighton coughs loudly. I look at her and shrug. “Well, we’ve never hung out, so…” Setting my eyes on Sydney again, I finish with, “I like your vibe. Is it so hard to just give me a shot?”
She still looks unsure, but I can see she’s considering the idea.
“I don’t know,” comes out in a pleasant tone.
“Think about it and let me know on Saturday.”
She pretends to have forgotten. “What about Saturday?”
I chuckle. “See you in class. I take it your pride doesn’t want me walking you to your dorm.”
Sydney scoffs, then gestures to Leighton to resume strolling down the path. I wait to see if she’ll glance back at me like before. This time, she keeps her head straight. Maybe I haven’t gotten through after all.
11
Although I try to fight it, I still spend the next two days deliberating about Parker and whether I want to take a chance.
Pushing him from my mind is getting tricky, especially when we have a class together.
Every time Parker looks at me,
I peer down at my books and avoid locking gazes.
He’s resting his arm at the back of my chair again. He knows he’s making me nervous, and he enjoys it.
When class concludes, and I’m packing up my things, he braces over and whispers, “You’re beautiful, you know that?”
Gawd! The desire in his voice is arousing. It causes my heart to propel. He can make a girl fall just by breathing on her.
I glance up and meet his captivating gray eyes. My knees feel as if they’re turning to mush.
“Yes, I know,” I reply shrewdly, repressing the mounting lust within.
A sly grin appears. “Good. Catch you at lunch.”
“We’re not sitting together,” I say.
I’m sure Parker detects the hesitation in my tone because he chortles at my words.
I release a shaky breath the second he turns and leaves the room. Why am I letting this boy get to me like this?
Grabbing my things, I make my way to the exit and hurry to my next class.
Nia isn’t in the cafeteria when I enter at lunch. But Parker and his friends are. They’re sitting at their usual long table in the middle with a bunch of other elites. Aubrey’s at the opposite end with her friends.
My heart skips a beat when Parker glances my way, a devious gleam in his eyes. Ignoring him, I grab a tray to get lunch.
He comes over right before I sit at the table near the window, snatching up my tray. “Come with me.”
“Uhh—Hey.”
Parker sets my lunch on the table with his friends. He plops down and motions to the chair adjacent to his.
I either have to fill another tray or just suck it up. Huffing, I stomp over to the table and sit down.
His three friends smile at me with interest. Aubrey snickers at the end of the table. The girls turn up their noses as if they smell shit.
“Is there a problem?” Parker grunts at the unwelcoming elites. They blink away and continue their conversations. “Anyway, you already know these guys from classes. No need for introduction.”