Page 62 of The Quarterback Sneak

“So you heard?”

“Yes, I heard, everyone’s heard. Even students at North Central High have heard about it.”

“It’s not what you think.”

“Is that your way of saying you didn’t screw Honey in the closet?”

“I didn’t.” However, Ididdry hump her to oblivion, but I don’t need to mention that.

“Then why have you got that stupid lovestruck look on your face?” I pull my lips into a flat line. “God, this is getting messy. I thought you and Honey agreed that it was only about the money and revenge.”

“Itisonly about the money and revenge.”

“You sure about that? Because I’ve never seen you with such a goofy smile on your face, and now I’m hearing secondhand that you and Honey are fooling around in the janitor’s closet? You know that kind of shit can get you expelled?”

I nod. He’s right. It was not only a stupid, spur-of-the-moment thing, but I haven’t stopped thinking about it since it happened, and I’m more confused about where Honey and I stand more than ever. We need to get on the same page.

Mike grabs my face, forcing me to look at him. “Remember why you’re here. For football and family.” He doesn’t say their names, but I know exactly who he means. Tiff and Ella are why I’m here. They have become more important than I could have ever imagined, and he’s right. My focus should be on them.

But then honey-colored eyes and caramel hair seep into my mind, and I’ll never admit it to Mike, but something in my chest flutters.

Shit.

I hate to admit it, but he’s right. I need to talk to Honey before things get messy and confusing. Feelings over the richest girl in school aren’t exactly something I can deal with when I have college, championship games, and family commitments.

I need to talk to her before this whole thing gets dicey.

Chapter Nineteen

Honey

Olivia:Call me ASAP

I laugh, knowing exactly what she wants to talk to me about. It took two hours for the school to find out about Zach and me in the janitor’s closet, and I’m not even embarrassed about it. Everyone got what they wanted. I got revenge, Zach got an extra five thousand, and Jamie got what he deserved. How I wish I could have been there when he found out. Zach made me come with his hips, which is more than Jamie could accomplish over several years.

I toss my phone back into my bag and get out of the car. As much as I want to talk to Olivia, I need to be in my room to feel comfortable talking about it.

Skipping to the front door, I can’t help but feel a lightness in my heart. I feel carefree and ready to take on anything for the first time.

Are things finally coming together for me?

It sure feels like it. I may have surprised Zach with my proposal, but he didn’t say no. He rocked my world instead.

Stepping into my house, I stop when I see her.

“Hunniford.” My mother’s toe taps against our marbled floor while she glares at me, wearing an impeccable white pantsuit for a job she doesn’t have. I genuinely wonder what she does all day. It’s not like she’s even one of those influencer moms who wastes time taking pictures of her house to share. She sits at the club, gossiping about South Point Prep with other moms, drinking her gin and tonic.

“Afternoon, Mother.” My voice is flat, and I try to walk around her so I can get up the stairs to my room. “Did you have a good day?” I ask as though I care.

She cackles out a harsh laugh and shakes her head. It’s then I know I’ve done something wrong, and she’s not just trying to get any information out of me.” How long did you think you’d get away with it for?”

With wide eyes, I still for a moment. Surely she doesn’t know about the janitor’s closet? There’s no video evidence, and everyone knows not to share that stuff with parents. Turning, a shiver racks my body as I ask, “Get away with what?”

She rolls her eyes and sighs. “Don’t play dumb.” Oh, God. She knows. “When were you going to tell me you missed a month’s worth of elocution lessons?” My heartbeat slows, thankful I don’t have to explain the janitor’s closet, but I have no idea how to explain my absence. I don’t know; it’s just that since Zach came into my life, everything I did to please my mother has seemed pointless. I already had early acceptance to St. Michael’s, and I’ve been acing all of my classes, so I thought I’d ditch a class or two.

“My elocution lessons?” My voice can’t get any higher as I try to rack my brain for an excuse.

My mother lets out a low growl. “Can you imagine my surprise when I learned you’ve also missed riding practice and debate?” The only sign of annoyance is an irritated raised brow. Besides that, her face is frozen, almost like she just topped up her Botox.

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