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“Don’t sugarcoat it, Lyndell,” Ty mutters.

“Edee is really smart. And nice.”

I smile up at Lyndell. “Thank you.”

“Welcome.” Lyndell looks pointedly at his brother. “Ask her to let us walk her home.” He does not know how to whisper properly. I cover my mouth with my hand.

Tyrone glares at Lyndell but meets my eyes with a soft smile. “Can we walk you home?”

“Sure.” I accept easily. I like them. The Wicawiil brothers are hard to ignore. Lyndell is as big as his brother and nearly as fit. He must work out with Tyrone. As we walk through campus to my dorm, I feel special being flanked by them both. Safe. We don’t talk much, the events of the evening weighing heavily on us all.

We’re feet away from the main doors, when they are thrown open. My roommate comes out. Great. Just what this day needed. My entire body braces for impact. Shaye notices me first, her sneer something I’m used to at this point. She dismisses Lyndell but her demeanor changes instantly when she registers Tyrone.

“Ty!” Sweet as pie…I’m gonna be sick. “I know you aren’t playing football anymore, but there’s no reason to give up.” She looks directly at me with pity. “Forget…her,buy me dinner, and I’ll thank you properly.”

“Fuck off, Shaye,” he grits out, his jaw clenched, shoulders up near his ears. He’s angry. That’s hot.

“Whatever. Commit social suicide, see if I care. You aren’t a has-been, Ty, you’re a never-was.” She titters as she walks between us, purposefully knocking into me on her way through.

I turn slowly to face Tyrone. “Not just a bitch to me then, she’s an equal opportunity cunt.”

“In more ways than one.” My stomach drops…he must have fucked her, or at least someone like her. I’m not his type at all then. I’m not small, never been called petite a day in my life. He’s probably just being polite because I’ve been nice to Lyndell. Lyndell likes me so he tags along like a good brother.

“Thanks for the walk home. Have a good night.”

“Edee—”

“Gotta get up early and process the photos from today’s game. I’ll see you around.” I cut him off, unlock the door and rush in. I try to think back over my interactions with Ty, I didn’t give anything away about my little crush. Right? Shit, he probably thinks I’m pathetic.

And I’m a horrible person for feeling sorry for myself when Phia almost died! Literally. I’m the absolute worst.

Tyrone 5.

On most days, I consider myself as average as the next college guy. Classes, workouts, meetings to discuss upcoming games, etc. I share an evening, or a few hours with one of the many girls who still vie for my attention. I may not be a Big10 quarterback anymore, but I’m still handsome as fuck. And the chiseled muscles don’t hurt my chances.

And just like any other average college joe, I enjoy the bye week where there is no game and meetings and sweaty hours as a furry in front of 100,000 fans. However, this week…

IT’S FUCKING KILLING ME!

Because I’m an idiot. Something Lyndell has taken great joy in pointing out while I pout and whine and bitch in every room of our small two-bedroom apartment. Addelsbach, Gill, Schultz and others have joined in, ribbing me for my lack of game.

I’ve foundmyone…but I can’t contact her because I never got her fucking number. I’ve been in her presence a few times, I’ve walked her home, we searched the entire stadium for Prib’s girl and at no point in time did I think,“I need her number so I can call her. Ask her out properly. Inquire about her day. Gauge her feelings on oral sex. Does she need clitoral stim to cum or will my cock be enough for her to shatter in ecstasy?”You know, normal phone conversation between potential romantic partners.

I’m desperate. So, I’ve resorted to some light stalking. Nothing nefarious, just hanging around outside her dorm waiting tocasuallyrun into her and ask her for her number and preferred sexual position.

The door opens and I stand up from the bench I’ve taken over in the last week, but I sigh in disappointment when some dude emerges. I pull my phone out of my short’s pocket when it vibrates with a message.

Addelsbach:Are you still camped out in front of her building?

Tyrone:No.

Addelsbach:*image*

My head snaps up, seeing the image of myself on my phone screen. It’s taken from the side… “Motherfucker.” I growl and flip Addelsbach off, settle on the bench with my arms crossed and my lips pursed. He’s mocking me…and I deserve it.

My phone buzzes again.

Addelsbach:Douche. Don’t you think DM-ing her on Insta is better than stalking her?

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