Page 55 of Scoring the Player
Static buzzes in my ears.
My throat narrows, locking in the lie I’ve spoken easily since childhood.
“Hey.” His voice is gentle, but the soft touch of his finger singes my scar. “You okay?”
His breath snakes across my neck, and I rip out of his arms. Scrambling for the unmarred skin of my sweatshirt, I yank it over my head, shove my legs into my pants, then grab my kicks.
My head turns slightly, searching for my good-luck beanie.
I pat my pockets, and the alarm blaring between my ears kicks up.Where are my shades?
Fuck the beanie. I have good-luck socks that can replace it, but my shades—I need them.
“Blue, hold on.” He starts to move, and I fly to the door and don’t stop until the staircase door shuts behind me.
I’m a coward, just like Carter said.
CHAPTER 13
ARNAZ
“Twilight”
My soul is reflected in the looming darkness, strengthened by the dying sun.
Sweat soaks my T-shirt.
Hell.
12:52 a.m.
Not even an hour of sleep.
Feeling like shit for running out on him, I’ve denied myself my nightly ritual of watching Salem’s videos until I fall asleep.
Blowing out a breath, I reach for my joint and lighter, then pause, cursing early practice tomorrow.
I crawl out of bed.
Plan B.
Leaving my house, I pop in my earphones and scroll through my watch to call the only person I know likely to be up at this time.
“Hello,” Anaïs answers.
“Waddup?”
“WatchingExosphere.”
“Cheater!” She was supposed to wait for me.
“How? I waited weeks for you to catch up. It’s not my fault you’re a whole season behind.”
“Judas!”
“Nope.”
“Delilah!”
