Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 34886 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 174(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34886 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 174(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
When she got to school I decorated her locker with streamers, balloons, and a sign so people would know it was her birthday. Then at lunch I paid a freshman to sneak out and grab her favorite food because I knew people would be watching me. The quarterback leaving campus right before the game would have been prime gossip material. I caught sight of her eating it when I was leaving the cafeteria and the smile she gave me was worth it. I even got Dakota’s boyfriend Wes to give her a shoutout over the morning announcements, and though I wasn’t in her class, I heard she blushed and buried her head in her hands.
My classes were short because the team wanted extra time to go over plays before the game tonight. I spent hours in the locker room anticipating the game ahead and getting ready to go on the field. My mind was sharp and focused but Ali was never far from my thoughts.
Something’s changed between us and it’s not like before. We pushed one another away but this morning when I was lying there next to her, I could feel something shift. When she smiled at me I didn’t feel the same tension, like a wall between us, but instead there was a look in her eyes I hadn’t seen in years.
“Hey Drake,” Court coos as I step out of Coach Chris’s office and into the hallway.
We’ve just finished going over some last-minute changes to the roster tonight and I wanted to be ready.
“Hey.” I go to walk around her and she side steps in front of me.
“Notice anything?” She looks up at me with her lips parted and I glance down at her cheerleading uniform. She’s got my number painted on her cheek and a button on her uniform with my name on it.
“Thanks,” I mumble because what else should I say? “I’ve gotta get to the locker room.”
“I bet you do.” She makes a show of looking me up and down and it makes my skin crawl.
“What do you want, Court?” I say, because I’m tired of wasting time.
“Just wondered if you were going to Kira’s party after the game tonight. Her parents are gone for the weekend and she’s having a pool party.”
“I’ve got plans with my family.” We’re all going to Joe’s after the game and it will be like old times. I’ve been looking forward to it all week.
“Yeah, but they close at like eight. The party won’t start until after. Surely the quarterback can sneak away.” She moves in close quicker than I anticipated and I feel her body press to mine as her hand slides up my chest. “I’d love to show my thanks for all your hard work on the field this year.”
“Whoa—” I go to step back and put my hands up, but just at that moment Ali steps out of the door at the end of the hall.
One look at the position we’re in and I see the hurt across her face. I call out after her, but she’s already moving in the opposite direction and can’t hear me.
“Fuck,” I hiss, stepping away from Court.
Court turns around, sees Ali’s back and waves it off. “I thought it was a teacher. Anyway, come by tonight. I’ve got a brand new bikini and I need you to tell me if I look fat in it.” She air kisses me and walks around me down the hall.
I didn’t do anything wrong but somehow I know I just fucked up.
“Drake,” Coach Chris calls and he’s got his clipboard under his arm. “Hustle up, it’s time to go.”
Part of the deal with Homecoming is before the game starts they announce the winner of the Homecoming king and queen. It’s a big long show when I’m just ready to get on the field and hit something.
After the team suits up we go on the field and wait for all the girls nominated to walk on with us. The guys stand on one side and the girls on the other as they call out the winners. I haven’t been paying attention to any of it but it’s all the Blonde Brigade can talk about. Kira and Dakota get called first as third and then second runner-up. A couple of the guys on the team get called and they walk them down to the front.
I scan the crowd the second I’m on the field and see my parents in their usual spot. Both of them have their phones out recording and taking pictures non-stop, which is embarrassing and sweet at the same time. When I don’t see Ali my heart starts to beat faster and my eyes move through the sea of people.
Relief hits me when I see her and Lindsey making their way down the row to my parents with drinks and snacks in their hands. I take a breath and talk myself back from the panic and try to focus. I need to get my head in the game. Literally.