Page 2 of Offsides Attraction

“What did you bring me? Flowers?” Lucas Rodrigues, their other roommate, asked, straddling one of the kitchen chairs as it squeaked under him.

“Flowers and allergy medicine don’t mix.”

“So, how’d your meeting with Coach Shockley go?” Lucas asked. Bash slammed a kitchen cupboard door shut and banged a glass on the countertop.

“You know, I liked Sam last year when he was a player. He was a good guy, decent even. But give the guy a whistle and a promotion and suddenly he’s like Oprah and Dr. Phil rolled into one.” Bash added ice to the glass, enjoying the cracking noise as they slammed into each other.

“How so?”

“He thinks the pocket keeps collapsing because no one on the line wants to protect me. I pointed out that’s their job. And then he pointed out it’s that attitude that’s landing me on my ass half the time.” He popped the top of his kombucha, pouring the fizzy drink over the ice and watching the bubbles race to the top of the glass. “Make nice with the team. You’re their leader. Find a way to bond with them,” Bash scoffed, mimicking their offensive line coach.

Lucas shifted in his seat. “Did Coach have any suggestions?” he asked. Bash clenched his jaw. He wasn’t Mr. Popularity like Lucas or Mr. Laid-back like Cal, but after almost a month of living together, Lucas should be defending him. Am I really that bad?

“No, and doing our nails and hair won’t cut it, either.” Bash grabbed his glass and joined them at the kitchen table overlooking the backyard.

“You didn’t really say that to him, did you?” Cal asked, cringing.

“No.” Bash looked between Cal and Lucas, hoping they’d have a solution for him without him having to beg for one.

“Maybe we need an evening out? Just the three of us? Grab dinner and hit a club? You know, baby steps in becoming likable. If we invited the offensive line here for a bonfire, you’d be overwhelmed,” Cal smirked.

Bash gave him a tight smile. “See if I throw you the ball tomorrow.”

“You will.” Right now, Cal and Bash were the hottest combination the offense had. But they were a one-trick pony. To do well this season, they’d need more cards up their sleeves, and Bash needed to stay on his feet, otherwise it would be a very painful and short season.

I need a crash course in People Skills 101.

“He knows us. He needs to practice on a few people he doesn’t know,” Lucas said.

Bash groaned. “Do not tell me to strike up conversations with strangers.”

“Cal, do you think your sisters are available? We could all go on a hike and grab dinner. Low-key and casual. If they survive Bash, we can expand his circle. Baby steps, like you said.”

“I wasn’t raised by wild animals, you know. I have people skills.” Bash scowled.

“So, you just choose not to use them?” Lucas asked.

“I use them when it matters.”

“See, that’s where you’re wrong, Bash. It always matters. People matter and you’re the de facto leader of a professional team sport. People have an easier time following leaders they care about. And right now, there aren’t many players who do, which is why you’ve got more turf burn than the rest of us.”

“I misspoke, and you’re right. It matters. It’s just… I’m just…” Bash sighed and stared at the football-shaped salt and pepper shakers on the table, a move-in gift from Cal’s mom, their landlord.

“You’re reserved and borderline shy. We get it,” Cal said. “But Lucas is right. You need to do a better job leading the offense.”

“Fine. Are your sisters available?”

“Harper’s out of town, but I can check on Penny and Maggie.” Cal pulled his phone out of the side pocket of his cargo shorts. Bash had had his doubts when he’d agreed to house-share with Cal, a fresh college graduate and a local walk-on. But he’d done incredibly well during the try-outs and had earned his position at half-back. He was proving himself useful both on and off the field.

“Isn’t Harper the name of the lady who lives next door in the duplex?” Bash asked.

“Yep, that’s her,” Lucas answered. “She’s the oldest. And then there’s Penny, who works with their Aunt Elspeth at the Get Lost bookstore, and Maggie, who’s the manager at Brewster’s. Cal is the baby of the family.”

“How do you know all this?” Bash asked, wondering if he should take notes.

“Cal’s mom told me when we moved in.”

“Penny and Maggie are both available, so we’ll meet up with them tomorrow afternoon after practice.”

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