Page 7 of The Player

I knew they won, but why are they holding a press conference on Monday? Shaking my head, I look toward Aaron and smile brightly. I’ll ask Aaron once he gets over here what’s going on.

CHAPTER FOUR

The game went phenomenally well. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better outcome. Everyone is hyped, and there isn’t a moment where it’s quiet on the bus ride home.

I found out that the NFL wanted to draft me. The N…F…L! The stupid rule is that I have to be out of high school for three years. That’s where Michigan State comes in. Sure, I wanted to go to college with Julie, but we have FaceTime and the phone. Who the hell gives up the chance to play for Michigan State?

The urge to send everyone I know a message eats at me, but the coach said I had to wait. I don’t want to fucking wait. I want to celebrate.

Before I know it, we are pulling into the school parking lot with a line of news reporters and magazine writers waiting. We can hear them chanting my name in hopes they will receive an interview.

It’s not about me today, even though I am the star quarterback that just took us to state and fucking won. That makes four state championships under my belt.

Coach puts an end to any student talking to the media. We all know better. The moment isn’t right to tell them anything, especially since he just announced a press release will happen on Monday.

Ignoring everything around me, my eyes search the crowd for the one person I’m dying to see. Julie. I want to run over there and kiss those sweet lips of hers.

The surrounding people wouldn’t understand why I want her. Hell, want isn’t a strong enough word. Need. Obsessively so. I hold back once I spot her and take in her thousand-watt smile. I know better, even if it breaks my heart. She looks so beautiful.

Jas, the linebacker, comes up and puts his arm around my shoulders. He’s laughing and whispers in my ear. “Don’t go over to the fatty. You know the guys will fucking eat you alive, man. I know how you feel, but don’t do it.”

As he tells me that, Julie gives me a little wave and sweat breaks out on my upper lip.

As the reporters turn to see who I’m staring at, I panic. Grabbing the nearest cheerleader—I think her name is Holly—I kiss her. This gives everyone something to write and talk about. The attention is diverted away from Julie. These monsters would eat her alive. I know it’s stupid and vain of me to not want people linking me to her—considering she’s a bit curvier than the girls in my circle—but I already know how this is supposed to end.

Jas winks at me and blocks my view of Julie. “So, are we headed to the party or what?”

“Yeah, why the fuck not?” Why the hell can’t I be a better man?

Holly is kissing my cheek, and I want to gag. Looking at where Julie was standing a second ago, she’s seen it all. I watch her eyes go downcast; her hands drop to her side as something falls to the ground. She gets in the Bronco, and I know I’ve got a lot of shit to make up for. By the time I get back out to the parking lot, Julie is gone, but I see the pan of bacon and I close my eyes.

Dammit. She left me, and I guess I can’t blame her. Holly is standing with Jas, and they motion for me to come over. Leaving the pan of bacon behind, I feel like my heart is being ripped out of my chest.

How could I be so fucking stupid?

* * *

Goddamn, the party is wild, and I seriously do not want Holly on me. I know I’m stuck right now, and shooting a text to Julie isn’t possible. Holly talks my ear off and I ignore her. There’s no way in hell I will stay with her all night.

Bry comes up when I grab a beer and looks over at Holly. His eyebrows hit his shaggy bangs, and I shake my head. He knows better than to ask me what is going on.

My sister, on the other hand, isn’t so subtle. “Why the hell are you here with Holly?”

Holly laughs and rolls her eyes. “Because I’m the head cheerleader, duh.” I’ve never wanted to slap someone so hard before, but I’m not opposed to it tonight. Bry keeps me from doing so.

“Why don’t you come to dance with me? I’m leaving tomorrow for the military and could use the company.”

And just like that, Holly is gone, and I’m left with Kaylee scowling at me.

“Where’s Julie?” she demands, and I sigh.

“She saw me kiss Holly and left.”

Kaylee slaps me so hard that people turn around to see me stagger backward. “Fuck, Kay, that hurt.”

“It should, you stupid jerk!” She puts her hands on her hips and shakes her head. “Don’t you know how much she loves you and dreams of being with you?”

“What?” There’s no way I’m hearing her right. Sure, Julie likes me and I like her, and we shared a very intimate moment. But there’s no way in hell she wants me like I want her.

---