Page 57 of Totally Geeked

“And does this no one in particular know you’re watching them?”

“I’m not watching anyone in particular, I’m…looking for weaknesses we can use in our next game.”

We’re playing an OG team next game. He’s totally full of shit.

Ryan jogs over, a wide smile on his lips like I’m his favorite person in the world. He said he understands how I feel about dating another player. He even agreed. Plus, he knows I’m seeing someone. But the way he’s smiling makes me think he might still be a little interested. Who can blame him, I am pretty awesome.

“Hey, Harry, Alan, ummm, I was thinking it might be cool to team up on a few promos. You know, us against the OGs,” he says, his gaze moving to Alan, and in that moment, I realize his wide smile isn’t for me.

“I’d be up for that! We could go over some ideas after training if you want?” Alan replies, and I just stand there like the third wheel I so obviously am.

“Yeah, that’d be good.”

Coach blows the whistle, calling us all into the middle of the field.

“I’ll catch up with you later then,” Ryan says, jogging away.

“Oh, so that’s the little nip then?” I laugh, and Alan turns my way.

“Huh?”

“The nip, N-I-P, the No-one in particular you were watching.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Sure,” I say, heading for the field. “Whatever you say. Just remember, when you’re on this field, Tanner’s the enemy.”

“Noted.”

Gordon doesn’t throw any high ones today, so he’s either coming around after my go at him or the coaches warned him to give it a rest. It’s probably that one. I’ve known Gordon to hold a grudge for years. Usually, the grudge is warranted, like when Watson Porter spread rumors about him hooking up with a teacher in college that made his girlfriend break up with him. Gordon held that grudge well out of school. Watson ended up becoming some big-name talent agent or something and contacted Gordon to organize one of his parties, and he turned him down. Told him to go fuck himself, I think was the actual reply. And that was years later, and Gordon didn’t even really like that chick, he’d almost broken it off with her three times in like three months.

I drive right to Arlo’s place after training, and park a few streets over, just in case when Gordon gets here, he spots my truck and picks up on the ruse. I don’t think he will though.

‘I’m nervous,” Arlo says, the moment he opens the door. “What if he just storms out as soon as he sees I’m okay?”

I wrap my arms around him.

Noah comes up behind me.

“Awww, I want a hug,” he says and tries to reach his arms around us both. “Isn’t this nice?”

“Awesome,” I reply, and Arlo laughs. “Okay, can you let my boyfriend go now?”

“Sure, but why are we hugging in the doorway anyway?”

“Arlo’s nervous about tonight because he thinks Gordon will do a runner when he sees he’s fine.”

“That’s why I’m here. Don’t worry, bro. He’ll stay. We’ll make him.”

“Thanks,” Arlo says, leading the way inside.

“Oh, your cast, your wrist, how does it feel?” I ask, and he holds up both hands, turning his wrists right and left. Arlo’s skin is normally pale, and he has loads of tiny freckles scattering his body, but the wrist where the cast was removed is extra light and looks thinner, too.

“It’s weird. I had a shower before and washed my hair with both hands. Haven’t done that in what feels like forever.”

“Dinner smells great,” Noah says, lifting the lid from the pot on the stove. “Is that Dad’s casserole?”

“Yep.”

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