Page 4 of Heartless Summer
“I think it’s possible with the talent on the roster and plenty of hard work.” There’s a pause. “I just wanted to let you know that I was able to scrounge up a little more money. It should be enough to cover your books for both semesters.”
Wow. Even though tuition along with room and board will be paid for by my scholarship, I was still concerned about how I would pay for the rest. Five or six hundred dollars a semester isn’t a big deal for most families, but it is for us. It’s one less expense to worry about.
“Thanks, Coach. I wasn’t expecting that.”
“I know how difficult everything’s been with your parents gone.” He clears his throat. “It was a real shame when Mason stopped playing ball. The guy had so much heart when it came to the game. I’ll do whatever I can to help lighten his load.”
It’s been two years since Mom and Dad died in a boating accident. Their deaths wreaked havoc throughout our lives, altering everything. There was a small insurance policy that helped bury them, but it wasn’t nearly enough to live off. Even though Mason was supposed to start his junior year at Claremont, he ended up dropping out and getting a job. He’s been busting his ass to keep our heads above water ever since.
Thick emotion swells inside my chest as I turn and stare out the small window that faces the tiny scrap of backyard. “Thanks, Coach. We both appreciate it.”
“No problem, son. See you in a week.”
“Yup. See you then.”
After disconnecting, I clench the phone tightly in my hand. If there’d been any lingering doubts filling my mind that I didn’t make the right choice for college, Coach Andrews has laid them all to rest. I haven’t even stepped foot on campus and he’s already taking care of me.
I know that has everything to do with Mason and the soft spot he has for him. Every so often, they get together to shoot the shit. Coach has been trying to convince him to sign on as part of his staff. Since Mason makes good money at the garage, he always declines the offer.
It's yet another sacrifice my brother has made for me. The guy loves football and would enjoy the opportunity to coach. Instead, he’s stuck in a garage, fixing cars ten hours a day. He doesn’t hate it, but it’s not how he saw his future unfolding.
It takes a few seconds to shake myself out of the thorny thoughts I’ve become tangled in. Even though I was pissed at Mason when I stalked into my bedroom, thinking about everything he’s given up is enough to have my anger draining away. He’ll be relieved to know that Coach has ponied up more money.
As I return to the main living area, I realize my brother has settled in the recliner across from Skye. He’s leaning forward with his elbows propped up on his knees and his hands clasped tightly in front of him. There’s a serious expression filling his face. Her gaze flickers to me before nervously darting away.
What the fuck?
That’s all it takes for my anger to roar back to life.
Why the hell can’t he just leave her alone?
This girl makes me happy, and for some reason, he’s set on ruining it.
Mason’s attention fastens on me as he shoots to his feet. “What did Coach want?”
Instead of telling him the good news, I snap, “Nothing.”
He narrows his eyes and cocks his head. “Are you telling me he didn’t have anything to say?”
“That’s right.” Dismissing him, I stare at my girlfriend. The way she refuses to meet my gaze pisses me off even more. “Come on, Skye. Let’s get out of here.”
She springs up from the couch before beelining to the front door without another glance in Mason’s direction. It’s like she can’t get away from him fast enough.
My hands clench at my sides. I swear to fucking god, if he said or did anything to upset her, I’ll rip him a new one.
See if I don’t.
3
SKYE
The hot summer sun scorches my back as I lounge on my belly with my chin propped on stacked hands and watch the guys play volleyball in the sand. Shirts have been stripped off while boardshorts hang low on lean hips. My gaze stays trained on Hunter. I couldn’t look away from his rippling muscles if I tried.
He puts all the other boys to shame.
There are several small groups of girls in tiny bikinis, trying to catch their attention. A couple of guys show off, flexing and posing as they jump or dive for the ball. Hannah sits a couple of feet away from Hunter. While his attention is focused on the game, hers is fixated on him. Even behind the sunglasses covering her face, the hope and longing that fills her expression is palpable.
Every time I bring up her obvious crush, Hunter waves it away as if I’m jealous and don’t know what I’m talking about. He doesn’t notice that she shadows his every move. Or, if he does, he’s oblivious to the fact that her feelings aren’t platonic. Part of me thinks his cluelessness is adorable. And then there’s theother part that wants to smack him upside the head for being obtuse.
