Page 35 of How to Lose at Love

Maybe that’s something you should ask him.

NOT LIKELY.

seven

dallas

“I sent my ex a card that said GET BETTER SOON. She was not sick or anything, she was just really bad in bed.”

– Drake Colter

“Haveyou thought about what I said?”Eli is staring me down from inside my computer screen.

“I don’t understand why it matters. Texas already knows me—my pops played for them and now my brother plays for them. Why do they need to know my personal shit when the Colters have played for them for decades?”

“I want you to understand something: you may not go to Texas. You shouldn’t get your hopes up about any one team. They will look at you the same way they look at everyone else—with a critical eye.”

I might not go to Texas?

“Have you asked yourself if you really want to play on the same team as your brother?”

Obviously, I want to play on the same team…don’t I? What if I end up in a place I hate? And can’t get traded? Worse, what if I go pro and biff it? Plenty of outstanding college athletes have made the move, then couldn’t meet the expectations.

I don’t want that to happen to me.

“Won’t I play better if I play with my brother?”

He twirls a yellow pencil between his thumb and middle finger. “Have you everbeenon the same team?”

“No, but I’m on the same team as the twins.”

His brows go up. “But they’re younger.”

True. “So?”

“You’re the alpha in that relationship. Duke is the alpha in yours, yes?”

“Yeah?” I mean, he’s the oldest—obviously, he’s the dominant one.

“Consider the fact that you would be playing for his team, entering his team as a rookie. You won’t be on even playing ground. That’s all I’m asking you to consider.” He rolls his chair closer to the desk, arms behind his head. “Now, as I was saying—the girl thing.”

“I told you, I’m not dating. It’s a distraction.”

“I of all people already know that.” His pencil spins. “Having someone to support you can also be the most rewarding part of your success. Coming home after a weekend away and having someone waiting for you. Taking a hit and having someone in the stands who’s going to be there for you.” He pauses. “Not having an emergency contact gets pretty lonely.”

“I’m twenty-one—my mother is my emergency contact.”

“But she’s in Texas and you’re in Wisconsin.”

“Brothers. You.”

He nods. “All right, you made your point. You have no interest in being in a relationship, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fake it for the media.”

Fake it for the media?

“What are you talking about?”

“Just like I said before. It looks good if you find the right young woman.”

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