Page 3 of Necessary Roughness
Bryson, Jayden’s twin brother, rolled his eyes. “No, after watching you pound your last two beers, I wanted to make sure you’re making good decisions.”
“So far, every decision has led to me getting nice and sloshed,” I said. “And like I told your twin, I’mjustsloshed. Not drunk.”
“Not sure what the distinction is,” he muttered.
“The distinction is that I’m still perfectly capable of making rational decisions. And right now, that decision centers on who I’m going to hit on tonight.”
From my spot in the living room, I had a view of the front door as two new guys strode into the party. They were taller than everyone around them, and gazed around the party with a casual confidence that immediately drew me to them.
“Target acquired,” I said. “I think I recognize that guy who just walked in. He was in my chemistry class last semester.”
Bryson squinted. “I don’t see him. Is he behind those football players?”
I barely heard what he said because I was focused on the guy by the door. “Don’t worry. I’ll be smart tonight. I’ll include you on the check-in texts your brother is requiring me to send.”
Bryson chuckled. “You’re confident tonight. I like it.”
“This is the new, single Sloane,” I said, tossing back my hair. “Wish me luck. I’m going in.”
2
Knox
“You’re going out?” Logan asked from the couch.
“Weare going out,” I replied. “Get up. You’ve been on the couch all day.”
“Because this is the only time I get to relax before the semester starts and everything goes to shit,” Logan said. “On Saturday, I have to carry this team on my back to our first victory. Let me be a lazy piece of shit tonight.”
“Once the semester begins, we’re going to have approximately zero minutes per day of free time,” I said. “Two-a-day practices, class, study hall, team meetings…”
“All the more reason to be lazy now,” Logan said.
“All the more reason to go out and enjoy tonight!” I argued. “You know I had a rough summer. I just want to blow off a little steam while I can.”
That got Logan’s attention. “You tryin’ to smash tonight?”
“I’m just trying to have a good time. I’m not looking to hook-up.”
“I’m rapidly losing interest, then.”
“Come on. Don’t make me go alone.”
Roman, our other roommate, came lumbering out of his room like a tattoo-covered Bigfoot. “Take Roman with you!” Logan suggested.
Roman said nothing, but held up his middle finger in our direction while getting a beer out of the fridge.
“See?” Logan said. “He’s practically a party animal. He’ll be your wingman.”
“I don’t need a wingman,” I insisted. “I don’t want to hook up with someone. I just want to drink with my fellow students before the football season starts. Before all they care about is whether or not I won.”
Logan rested his head back on the couch and let out a long groan. “You’re so pathetic. Fine. I’ll come with you, but only for a beer. I don’t want coach on my ass if he finds out we went to a party.”
“Deal,” I said. “Give me five minutes to get ready.”
Logan leaped to his feet and ran a hand through his hair. “I’m ready now. Some of us don’t need to tease our hair and put makeup on before going out.”
“Wide receivers can get away with looking like slobs,” I countered. “But I’m the face of the team. I have to besomewhatpresentable.”
