Page 86 of The Trade

“Honestly?” He shakes his head, clearly baffled. “We just busted our asses to beat one of the best teams in the NCAA.”

“Yeah,” I say as I sling my duffel bag over one shoulder. “But it was still just a scrimmage.”

His brows shoot up. “That doesn’t sound like the West I know.”

He’s right. It’s not. Because the West he knows is usually over the moon after every win, no matter how insignificant. But today, I’m a fucking stranger even to myself.

“I dunno.” I sigh, rubbing a hand over my face, feeling the grime and sweat. “I guess I just wanted some alone time with Jade.”

“Nah, I get it. You wanted to celebrate in private.”

Not quite what I meant, but I just nod in response, letting him believe what he wants. “Yeah, sure.”

“Well, I can make myself scarce if you want the place to yourself later on,” he offers, already planning his exit strategy. “I’m sure Danny will be crashing at his girl’s place like usual.”

“That sounds good,” I say, relief washing over me. This way, Jade and I can be alone when the storm inevitably hits. “Thanks, bro.”

With a final salute, Cam heads off, leaving me standing in the echo of the crowd’s cheers, panicking about how I’m going to make it through the next few hours.

* * *

An hour after parting ways,I meet Jade and her friends outside the Cathouse. Underneath the faint, flickering glow of the streetlight, I can make out their wide-eyed excitement. I take a moment to introduce myself to the two girls, trying to commit their names to memory before we all trudge inside.

The party is pretty fucking packed already, potent with the scent of sweat, alcohol, and loud music blaring from the speakers. Everywhere I look, there are bodies swaying to the beat, bottles being passed around, and people shouting over the loud music.

It seems like the whole team turned up tonight, along with their friends, dates, and the majority of the cheer squad. I haven’t seen a party this wild since the end of last season, and honestly, I can’t say I’ve missed it for a second.

“Is it always like this?” Jade asks, her voice a note above a whisper, eyes wide.

“Pretty much,” I say, glancing around at the growing chaos. I spot some of my teammates in the crowd, their laughter ringing loud and clear above the music. Turning back to Jade, I ask, “Can I grab you girls a drink?”

Maya, the more outspoken one of the two, grins. “Actually, we’re just gonna go explore. Which of your teammates are single?”

The question brings a chuckle from me. They’re definitely here to have some fun. “Pretty much all of ’em, except Noah and my housemate, Danny. A couple of our linebackers have girls, but they’ll be here tonight.”

“Ohh, sounds like we’ve got options,” she says, linking her arm with Sophie’s and disappearing into the crowd.

With their departure, Jade and I are left standing on the outskirts of the party. I glance at her, one brow raised. “They seem ... nice.”

“Yeah, they’re just thirsty. They’re actually really sweet girls.”

“That’s good. I was—”

“Hey, West!” Some bouncing brunette cuts me off, nearly stumbling into me as she does. She’s fumbling on her feet, her strappy heels slipping on the slick floor beneath us. Her voice is shrill and unfamiliar, but there’s a telltale glimmer of recognition in her eyes.

“Hey,” I awkwardly greet.

Wobbling, she steadies herself by clutching my shoulder, her fingers digging into the fabric of my T-shirt. “I just wanted to come say hi really quick,” she slurs, pushing her stringy hair out of her face.

Recognition dawns on me. I know she’s a junior on the cheer team, but I still can’t put a name to the face. I decide to play it safe. “How’s it going?” I ask, giving her a quick nod. “This is my girlfriend, Jade.”

She turns, her eyes widening slightly. “Oh,” she chirps, an odd mixture of surprise and disappointment washing over her. “Right, of course. I’ll see you later, West.”

“Who was that?” Jade asks, confusion knitting her brows.

“I think she’s one of Shan’s teammates.” I give her an easy smile, slinging one arm across her shoulders. “Come on, let’s get you a drink.”

We navigate our way through the crowd, our hands clasped tightly together. People I half recognize pat me on the back, their faces blurring in the dim lighting.

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