“You sure you’re all right?”
I nod, hoping that my face doesn’t give me away. “I had trouble sleeping last night. I’ll be fine, really.”
He looks like he doesn’t believe a word I’m saying, but he’s not sure he wants to push it. So, he doesn’t. “Okay. Just checking.”
THE CAFETERIA IS FILLED with chatter like usual, only this time, it’s actually bothering me. I’m so tired, and all I want to do is sleep. If I wasn’t afraid of my dad finding out, I’d sign myself out for the day and go home.
Tanner and Kellan are talking about the game this Friday when Charleigh shrieks. I cringe at the sound and turn my head toward her.
“Uh, Char, do you mind?”
She smiles sheepishly. “I’m sorry, but I think you’ll be excited about this, too. My cousin is going to a frat party this weekend at NHU, and she said I can come.”
I look at her like she’s lost her mind. “And that would excite me, why?”
“Because you’re coming with me, duh.”
Okay, so maybe she’s right. That does spark my interest. Things have been getting a little tense lately, and a college party at North Haven University may be just the thing I need.
12
ASHER
For most of the week, something has been off with Tessa. Something I can’t exactly put my finger on. On Monday, she was her usual self, pushing limits at every turn and making me question my sanity for resisting her in the first place. Then on Tuesday, she came in late, and a totally different person. I could see it in her eyes; she’s struggling with something. But it’s clear she doesn’t trust me enough to talk to me about it. Whatever it is, I hope she’s all right.
Thursday afternoon, I walk out onto the field where all the players are waiting for me. They’re stretching and warming up, which is exactly what I want them doing. Once they see me, they all line up and wait for my instruction.
“All right,” I begin. “I know you’re all nervous about tomorrow’s game. It doesn’t take being here a while to know how strong the rivalry is between us and North Haven High. It’s been years since this team defeated theirs, but tomorrow night, all that’s going to change.”
A few of them look unsure, and Kellan even rolls his eyes.
“Something to say, Spencer?”
He sighs, tugging on the collar of his shirt. “No offense, Coach, but they beat us even with Grayson Hayworth as our quarterback. Tanner is good, but he’s no Grayson.”
“Fuck you too, ass,” Tanner snaps back, but Kellan shrugs unapologetically.
“Okay, okay. Relax.” I bring all their attention back to me. “I don’t know who this old quarterback is, but I do know we have one thing NHH doesn’t.”
“Yeah? What’s that?” Oakley asks.
The corner of my mouth raises in a smirk before I bring my fingers to my lips and whistle loudly. All their eyes widen as Colby, Griffin, Anthony, and Leighton come around the corner, looking like a dream team. I exchange a handshake with each one of them, then turn back to my players and cross my arms over my chest.
“A bunch of pros to practice with.”
I DON’T THINK I’VE ever seen these guys play as hard as they do with my former teammates. And the best part is that they all look happy doing it. The broad smiles never leave their faces even while sweat is pouring off them and they’re panting heavily, trying to catch their breath.
I let Colby take over and go over to sit on the bench for a minute. There’s something I’ve wanted to find out all damn day, but I didn’t want to ask while school was still in session. I heard Skye talking about some frat party they’re going to this Saturday at the local college, and while I shouldn’t care, I want to make sure Tessa isn’t going to be there.
Asher: A little birdy told me there’s a party this weekend.
Being as this girl’s phone is practically glued to her hand, it doesn’t surprise me when she starts to type back right away.
Tessa: Birds can’t talk, Asher. And I’m sure there are plenty of parties this weekend. That’s what kids do. They party.
I shake my head at her constant snappy comebacks, but can’t help the smile that comes.
Asher: Okay, smartass. I’m referring to the frat party at NHU. Tell me you’re not going.
Tessa: New fone, who dis?
Asher: Tessa.
Tessa: If I tell you I am, are you going to try talking me out of it?
Asher: You’re damn right I am.
Tessa: Then no. I’m going to sit at home with my rosary beads and pray.
Chuckling, I try to imagine that, but there’s no way in hell to even picture it.
Asher: I mean it, Tess. Those parties are bad fucking news. You don’t belong there.
Tessa: