Page 32 of Fragile

Indie stares at me pointedly, and I already know I’m going to fold because there’s one name that keeps ringing in my head from last night. It’s kept ringing in my head over and over and the worry has built right alongside the anxiety of him kissing me.

“You don’t think any of the team would do anything stupid, do you?”

“Define stupid, because if you’re talking about the situations with girls that Hudson gets himself into, then I’d say that’s really stupid.”

“Yeah, that boy is something else,” I pause, contemplating what to say. “I meant more like…” I hesitate again, should I even be bringing this up? But if I can’t talk to my best friend then who can I talk to. “…maybe, like, drugs or something.”

Her eyes widen. “You don’t think someone is doing drugs, do you?”

“No, no no.” I backpedal as my hands become clammy. “I read an article about a pro player being tested for drugs, and I just got worried about any of the guys doing it.”

Jesus, that was fast thinking. My heart is strumming in my throat.

“I don’t think the guys we know would do it. They all have too much to lose.”

I nod. “Yeah, you’re right.” Except I still have a niggling feeling in my gut about Levi. Maybe they’re just unlikely friends. I don’t know if I should outright ask Miles, or just keep an eye on things. That is, if I can ever face Miles again after last night.

Indie nudges my shoulder with hers. “You know, I’ll never judge you for anything, and if you want to hate him, I’ll hate him too.”

“Thanks.” I smile softly. “I’m not sure I could ever hate him, though.”

“I’m not sure he deserves you being so good about him.”

Shrugging, I stand, ready to go back to our friends. “He needs someone in his corner. You didn’t hear his dad the other day.”

“I didn’t, but you also need someone to fight for you, too.”

***

Indie and I are some of the last ones to arrive to wave off the bus for our away game. The team's already there, the chatter and energy buzzing around us, as luggage gets flung into the lower compartment with heavy thuds. I glance over at Indie, who's busy checking her phone.

Just as we're about to step onto the cheer bus, Seb appears out of nowhere, blocking Indie's path. “Hey, where do you think you're going?” he asks, raising an eyebrow, a smirk on his face.

“The other Dawson has claimed me today,” Indie shoots back, pocketing her phone.

“But you'remygirlfriend.” Seb pouts, sticking out his bottom lip in an exaggerated manner. “I want to ride with you.”

Indie stares at him, a sly smile playing on her lips.

“I’m pretty sure you’ll survive a five-hour bus ride without me.”

“Maybe I don’t want to.”

“Maybe you should stop holding up your team and get on the bus, Seb.”

He sighs dramatically, but a smile tugs at his lips. “Fine, go. But I’m mad.”

“Oooh, mad Sebby, my favorite.” She winks, blowing a kiss to him before stepping toward her car. Seb shakes his head, chuckling as he watches her go.

As I turn, I spot Miles walking across the parking lot, headphones on, a deep scowl etched on his face.

My stomach knots at the sight of him.

Seb notices me watching him. “He got a shitty email from his dad when we were training in the gym last night, put him in a weird headspace again.”

“Another one? Does the guy ever give him a break?” I mutter, deflated.

“Doesn’t feel like it lately. I’ve got him, though. Don’t stress, little sis,” Seb says, before joining his teammates.

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