Page 33 of How to Prevent a Fumble

“I just don’t think it’s a great time for one,” he says, the look in his eye pleading with me to stop it.

But honestly I’m having a little fun.

“Okay well, I’m going to make a list,” Elara nods, flopping onto my bed.

“Of what?”

“Reasons you need a dog.” Elara sits up, looking down at me still on the floor. “Did you see mom’s collection? You should see how many she has back at home,” she tells him, her voice excited as she changes the subject just as fast as it came up.

His eyes catch mine, and I have to look away.

13

LEO

Training camp is the single most awful part of being in the NFL. Truly, if there’s one thing that will make you want to quit more than anything else, it’s training camp.

“Warner! What the hell are you doing?” Coach calls as he angrily waves his hands around.

“Laying on the ground, Coach!”

It’s been a long day.

A long couple of days, really.

The heat is sweltering, and my clothes are absolutely soaked. We’ll be having one of our two practices a day in pads soon, and the thought of that makes me want to scream.

It makes everyone want to scream.

“You ready to go again?” Owen asks, extending his hand as he blocks the sun from scorching my eyeballs.

“No.”

He rolls his eyes, grabbing my hand and pulling me upright.

“Warner! Let’s go!” Coach yells.

“Dirwin’s got this one, Coach!”

He flips me off from across the field. Dirwin is one of thebest backup quarterbacks we could possibly have, and one of my best friends.

“Let’sgo.”

Fine.

A couple hours later, we’re finally done with our evening practice. My body is sore, but not as sore as it’ll be during the season when I’m actually being hit.

We’re doing well.

“You doing okay?” Owen asks as we get changed in the locker room.

Since we practice a few hours away from home, we’re all just looking forward to getting back to our hotel rooms after our evening meetings.

I’ve been antsy being away from my apartment. I’ve never been this way before, and I should be totally fine knowing that my home is being cared for.

And I wonder what will happen if Isla finds out about Briar while Owen and I are here. If he’ll think that I’m just trying to get some kind of sick revenge on him or something.

No. Briar is a friend. And she needs someone there for her. I’m not sure why she’s not comfortable telling her family everything she’s been put through, and it’s not my place to pry. It’s also not my place to tell Owen what’s happening.

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