Page 26 of Calm Before the Score

“Nope. The angle here is perfect!” The echo of Liza’s voice travels down to the field.

The whistle blows, indicating that their break is over. Ryan motions for me to check my phone, and Hartley continues babbling about how Liza should move closer to get better details.

“Hartley!” He blows the whistle louder. “Shane!” he screams. “Would you two lover boys stop flirting with your girlfriends and join the rest of the team? Socialize on your own time.”

“Not my girlfriend, but I’m flattered that you think I’m pretty,” Hartley mouths back to his coach before turning to join him at midfield.

Ryan gestures up to the stands and points directly at me, “She’s mine, and I know she’s so far out of my league, it’s not even funny.”

“Yeah. I don’t know what girls would want to date two buffoons like you, but consider yourselves lucky.”

They continue to banter until the drills begin. I’m entranced by Ryan’s body and skill. His muscles ripple each time he gets a handoff from Mason. His strength is put on full display when he plows through the offensive line, creating space to run his route.

“Ready, girly?” She places her sketch pad in her bag and gestures to the exit. “Looks like they’re almost finished.”

“Yep. Let’s go.” We walk down the stairs and back through the breezeway. I remember Ryan asking me to check my phone, so I whipped my bag around to fish it from under my papers.

Ryan: How am I supposed to practice when you’re in the stands looking like a vision in my practice shirt?

Giggling at the text, I respond.

Violet: How am I supposed to work on my assignments when you’re running around shirtless and sweaty?

I know he’s in a practice debrief, so I won’t hear from him for a while, but that doesn’t stop my heart from fluttering without permission at a simple text.

19

Ryan

Ithink I like this boyfriend thing. Having someone to share my days with is something I never knew I wanted or needed. I turn into a goofy fool for that girl, and I could care less what anyone says. Sure, I’ve heard the rumblings around campus:This will never last. She’s not his type. It’s just a phase.Actions speak louder than words, so I put my head down and ignore those who don’t believe I can be what Violet needs. It's easier for me to ignore the noise. I've gotten used to it being in the football spotlight.

Mason’s Halloween party is tonight. I went last year but didn’t wear a costume. The minute Violet caught wind about the party from Liza, she was all in on matching couple's costumes, so I’m going as a prince. I would do anything to make my girl smile, even wear questionably tight pants.

Flicking my blinker on to turn into her apartment complex, I take a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the sight of the ridiculous costume Violet put together for me. To my surprise, the door flings open as I take the last step on the stairs. Blinking the shock from my eyes, the sight of Violet leaning against thedoor frame is a dream. She’s dressed in head-to-toe pink, gold, and glitter. Her hair cascades over her shoulder in a braid with little white flowers poking out. A tight pink dress clings to her curves in the best way. Heeled boots with rhinestones decorate her feet. Her face is porcelain and sparkles when she moves her chin slightly in the light. Someone pick my jaw up off the floor.She's mine.

I stick out one hand to her and bow, giving my best prince impression. “Princess, Aurora. You’re breathtaking.”

She places her palm in mine and pulls me closer, pecking a kiss on my cheek. “Thank you, Prince Phillip.”

“Let’s see this outfit, my lady.” She leads me to her room, excitement radiating from her body. Lying on her precisely made bed are the tight khaki pants she already warned me about, a blue vest paired with a black T-shirt, and a green chameleon stuffed animal. Her hands fly to her mouth, and giggles escape as she taps her feet from side to side.

“So… what do you think?” She grips my shoulder. “The outfit wouldn’t be complete without Pascal.” She grabs the chameleon and cuddles it to her chest.

“Let’s do this, babe.” Peppering kisses across her neck, I reach under her arms to tickle her. She laughs uncontrollably until she fusses with me to get ready so we’re not late.

The pants are indeed tighter than I could have imagined, but this costume makes Violet smile, so I’ll endure the wrath of tight pants for a night. Violet slicks my hair down to one side with some sort of hair gel, giving me the trueprince effect,as she says.

The apartment door flies open with a loud bang when it hits the wall. “Harley Quinn has arrived, ladies and germs!” Liza’s scream vibrate through the house. Violet dashes quickly into the main room to meet her friend. I trail close behind my princess.

“You psycho! I love this!” Violet squeals as Liza twists and turns to show off her costume. She nailed the deranged look with two different color pigtails, a top that shows off her stomach, short shorts, a baseball bat, and bubble gum.

“Gotta live up to the hype,” she answers. With all the commotion from the girls in the main room, I didn’t notice Hartley walk in from his bedroom. He makes an unusually quiet entrance, which could spell trouble.

“Liza.” He juts his chin out to her and frowns slightly.

“Hey, Hart. Nice costume.” She grips the bat with both hands and nervously scans the room.

“Thought it'd fit.”he replies with a somber tone.

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