Page 44 of Strong Side
We won the game by a touchdown that Beck ran in. Thank God because, with the way we played tonight, we’re alreadygonna have hell this week at practice. At least now, we may not have to do two-a-days.
I’ve showered, and I’m getting dressed by my locker when Silas walks over to me.
“Good game, King. You going to that neon-party thing at Smith’s tonight?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. You going?” I look at him.
“Yeah, should be a fun time. Not sure I’ve ever been to one though. Do I just wear white or what?” He shakes out his still-wet hair and it hits me in the face.
“Dude, I just put my shirt on, and now I’m wet again.” I shove him.
He laughs. “Sorry, man. At least I showered. Could’ve been worse—you feel me?” His brow rises, and he puts his fist out for a bump.
I ignore him, but laugh. Then I grab my phone from the top shelf of the locker. “Let me just see what the plan is tonight.”
Since the night of the best blow job of my life, Noelle and I have spent nearly every free minute together. We haven’t had sex yet, but I have no doubt it’s coming soon—and not because we haven’t wanted to, but really, I just want to make sure this is heading in a direction that’s permanent. I think it is. I hope it is. But we’re also having fun, messing around. She’s not as naive in the bedroom as she thought she was. And I’m definitely reaping the benefits of her exploration. Trey was just a selfish asshole. She knows exactly what she’s doing.
I don’t see a text from her yet, so I shoot one off, asking what she wants to do tonight. As I wait, I see a notification from Instagram from her. It’s a carousel of pictures from the game. One of her and my sister in the stands. They’re wearing their jerseys, but also little stickers or something on their faces with my and Beck’s numbers. She looks so fucking cute. The other pictures are of me on the sidelines, one of my touchdown, andthen of me running off the field and waving to her. She must have posted these while I was in the shower.
But it’s the caption that gets me—My favorite story is ours.
I mean, I’m no relationship expert, but that seems pretty real. I heart the post and make a comment—My one and only—which isn’t fake either. She’s the only girl I’ve ever loved. As I shoot it off into my story, my phone buzzes.
Noelle: Up to you. Did you not want to go to the party?
Casey: We can if you want. Is my sister going?
Noelle: Yeah, I think she and Beck are going, and then some of her friends are meeting us there.
Casey: Okay then, let’s do it.
Noelle: I’m excited! I haven’t been to a party yet this year.
Casey: Should be fun. Are you going home or to my house?
Noelle: Your sister and I just left. I’m sorry we didn’t wait, but we were going to run by my place so I could grab a white T-shirt and shorts.
Casey: Okay, I’ll meet you at mine.
Noelle: *kiss emoji*
I look over my shoulder and yell to Silas, “We’re going. You want to walk over with us, or you going solo?”
Beck walks up to his stall. “Where are you going?”
“We’re”—I motion between us—“going to Smith and Schuster’s for that neon party they have planned tonight.”
He points to himself. “I am?”
“Yes, according to Noelle. She and Charlie are stopping at her place to get some clothes, and then they’re meeting us at the house.”
My phone dings with another notification.
I pull it up and see Noelle has hearted my comment, then below it, my sister commented—Love this for you guys!
I smile and shake my head, then pocket my phone.
“Fuck. Okay.” When he bends over to reach into his locker, he winces.
