Page 21 of I Blame the Club

I wince, remembering the injuries Silverwood’s leading forward gave our old captain.

“Bad example. As your coach, I’m telling you to lay off the rookies. Got it?”

He lifts a brow, “I think you’re enjoying this a little too much.”

“Hey, a deal’s a deal.” I blow my whistle, “Now get your ass back on the field!”

Mo grunts and runs back over to resume drills.

Upon arrival, it quickly became clear that I was in no shape to play lacrosse today. I made one epic save during warm-up and Mo almost had to carry me off the field because I was in so much pain. After that, I accepted I would coach from the sidelines and Mo would take my place on the field.

Had I known this is what he looked like in lacrosse gear, I would have suggested the switch much sooner.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I pull it out with a wince. Those boots did a number on me, and I am not ashamed to say there will be an Epsom salt bath in the near future.

“NICO!”

Jerking the phone away from my ear, my face breaks into a grin.

“Mi amor! I’ve been dying to hear from you.” I drop my voice into a whisper, “You know you're my favourite Williams sibling.”

Lacey laughs and I swear the world becomes a brighter place. Wes’ younger sister is the light of my life, and had my sexuality not gotten in the way, she would have been the love of my life as well.

“Wes must be within hearing range if you’re dropping that line.”

Quickly signalling for the team to take a timeout, I struggle out of my lawn chair and hobble a couple feet away.

“You know I only speak the truth.” She giggles and the pain in my body seems to fade.

There was a time when Lacey’s ex-boyfriend had stopped her joy of life altogether. Those were dark days, and I will do everything in my power to make sure it never happens again.

“You need to learn how not to flirt, Nico. You break too many hearts with your charm.”

“Where’s the fun in that?”

I watch the team assemble for a water break, all of them laughing and joking except for Mo, who is standing off to the side, furiously typing into his phone.

“I’m scared.” Lacey sighs and steals back my full attention.

“Scared of what? Starting university?”

“Yeah.” She goes quiet and I wait for her to continue, “Wes made it look so easy, you know? He makes friends like it’s the most natural thing in the world.”

Distress leaks through her voice and it rips at my heartstrings.

“You can’t compare yourself to Wes, or anyone else for that matter. Everyone experiences university differently and it will all come down to what you make of it.” I pause, “Plus, let’s behonest. Your brother has always been a freak of nature when it comes to making friends.”

Lacey laughs, “You’re right. I guess I’m just nervous about leaving home for the first time. I’m excited to have a fresh start after, you know…”

She trails off and I know what we're both thinking. She’s ready to leave the town and the people who led her to almost taking her own life.

“… but it’s still nerve racking. What if my roommate hates me? What if I fail all my classes and have to dropout?”

I shake my head even though she can’t see me, “There’s no point in worrying about things you can’t control. Except for the school part, you could probably put in some effort on that end.”

She sighs, “You’re right, I’m just being ridiculous.”

I cluck my tongue, “You are not being ridiculous. Everyone feels this way, trust me.”

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