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 fuck 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.