Page 33 of Love on the Waiver Wire

He smirks. “I’ll try to do my best for you, Peaches.”

15

OWEN

“Your parents are here?” I ask Leo as we practice before our game.

“Yeah, they decided to stay longer and visit some old friends. They’ll be here for almost the whole season, actually,” he says as he throws to Tristen.

“That’s cool,” I say, surprised. I bend down, stretching my legs. “Where are they staying?”

Leo shrugs before catching a ball thrown at him. “They got a small place to themselves outside of the city. Something about the city being too much for them now.”

Honestly, if I lived in a small town in a foreign country, I’d probably feel the same way about a city.

I start doing some drills before catching some passes, and we finally head to the locker room before the game kicks off.

I’m smart enough not to ask Leo what I’m really wondering though—is Isla here with them.

* * *

I caught two touchdowns, Leo ran into the end zone for one of his own, Tristen got one, and one of our running backs also got one. We ended the game thirty-four to fourteen. Our defense was a little rusty tonight for some reason, but we’ll work on it this coming week.

We won, and that’s what’s important. Well, and no one got hurt today.

The energy in the room is great as we pack up to leave, and although all the guys are talking about hanging out, I can’t help but only think of Isla. I take out my phone, opening my texts. We exchanged numbers finally the other day.

To make sure Leo doesn’t have a fit if he sees my phone, her contact name isPeaches.

I hope that was enough points for you

Finishing up my packing, I grab my water and head out, passing Leo and his parents on my way, almost missing Isla behind them, looking at her phone.

“Hey!” I call out to the Warner parents. They’ve always been nice to me. Sure, am I mostly going over to get Isla’s attention? Yeah. But I do also want to say hi to their mom and dad.

“Hey man, great game,” their father, Ted, says.

“Thank you so much sir,” I say, enveloping his hand in mine for a firm handshake. “I’m happy you guys have been hanging around.”

“Well, we figured we’ve been gone for a couple of years and haven’t really had an extended stay. Gotta spend time with the kids.” Fiona, their mother, says.

I nod in understanding. My parents don’t live close, and it would be nice if they could come visit. But my parents had me young, and they both still work. My mom’s a nurse and can’t take much time off at all.

Briar and I make do, though.

My phone vibrates in my hand as Isla looks up at me. I won’t check it here, but I smile at her. “I hope you guys all enjoyed the game. I gotta head home, but I hope you guys have a great night.” Leo slaps me on the shoulder before calling out to another teammate, but I hold Isla’s gaze for a beat too long. Nodding at them, I turn, heading out.

“He’s so handsome, isn’t he Isla? What was up with the way he was looking at you?”

“Mom, stop. Please for the love of god not here,” I hear her hiss quietly.

I can’t help but smile.

* * *

The rest of the day is a blur. I went home after the game, hanging out on my couch to watch the night games.

Peaches

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