Page 61 of The First Play

I want to save him from it. But I can’t.

So I quietly brush my teeth, comb my hair, and walk out to find Zander stripping the bed.

“Any instructions on how to leave the place?”

“Uh… yeah.” I blink, checking my phone and helping him leave the little cabin as instructed. I feel like crying as we lock the door and store the key again.

This is not how I wanted our overnighter to end.

I had hiking plans this morning. I’d bought special picnic treats. We were going to take the trail into the forest and perch on a rock, eating Pringles and staring out at the wintery landscape.

We weren’t supposed to leave here until two.

Glancing over my shoulder, I give the cabin a morose smile and wave goodbye before hopping into the passenger seat.

Zander’s already behind the wheel, looking anxious, checking his watch and tapping the steering wheel with his thumb.

As soon as I’m buckled up, he pulls away from the house, and I sit there quietly, listening to him tell me that everything’s going to be okay.

“Dad was only yelling because of this football thing. He gets really paranoid and anxious over this kind of stuff. He’s overreacting, as usual.” Zander rolls his eyes. “As soon as we get that all figured out, he won’t even care about our night away.” His smile is reassuring, which is why I can’t understand this unsettling maelstrom in my stomach. “I don’t know what the hell’s going on with Brighton, but I’m not going to be riding any benches. Dad and I will set up a meeting with the Brighton coach. It’s all gonna be okay. I can play better than some other quarterback.” He sounds like he’s trying to convince himself right now. “And I’ll impress everyone, and hell…” An awkward laugh punches out of him. “Maybe I can even go pro. How cool would that be?”

A smile spreads across his face, like he’s genuinely pumped by that idea, and I’m sitting here wondering what happened to all the talk of traveling the world together.

Was that all bullshit?

I want to call him on it, but he’s talking so fast, I can’t find a break in conversation.

“Brighton wants me, Sparky. This is all just a big misunderstanding.” He reaches for my hand, kissing my knuckles. “And then I’ll only be a half-hour drive away. I can see you on the weekends.”

When you don’t have games or practices.

“And maybe you can come out one night a week for dinner or something.”

When you’re not studying or going to college events that I’m not invited to.

I worry my lip, trying to keep all my concerns in check.

“It’s okay.” He raises his hand, kissing my knuckles. “I know my dad can be scary sometimes, but I’m not going to let him yell at you or make you feel bad, okay? You didn’t do anything wrong. Yesterday was seriously the best birthday I’ve ever had, and I’m gonna tell my father that.”

Forcing a smile, I bob my head and try not to think too far ahead.

All I can focus on is surviving the day and making sure my happy face is in full play, because Zander’s got enough on his plate without me being all emotional and needy.

CHAPTER 24

ZANDER

Sienna was pretty quiet on the way home. I was trying to keep my tone bright and positive, but it wasn’t working. She was worried. Maybe even scared. I got it. My dad could be an ass. Which is why I’m going to drop her home first. Sure, I’d love her there when I deal with this bullshit about some other quarterback. I can’t believe that! There’s got to be a mix-up. The Coach from Brighton was keen on me. He said so himself.

Maybe this Coach Jones from Kelsey U is just lying becausehewants me on his team. Whatever. I’m not moving that far away from my girlfriend. Brighton is the college for me, and I’m not going to let someone else take my spot.

Glancing at my girlfriend, I want to reassure her again that I won’t be leaving her, but for some reason, the words won’t come. Maybe she’s more worried about my dad’s reaction to her birthday surprise.

“I’m gonna drop you home first, okay?”

“You sure?” Her big blue eyes look kinda glassy. Shit, is she fighting tears?

I reach for her hand again. “It’s okay, Sparks. You don’t have to deal with my dad. I don’t want him guilt-tripping you when you didn’t do anything wrong.”

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