Page 27 of Afterglow
“I don’t know anyone else by that name,”
Colt shakes his head. “How long will your relentless pursuit of this girl last?”
In the past, I would have been content once she was naked and squirming underneath me. But after tonight, seeing a different side of Jazmine brought out feelings I’ve denied myself since my mother passed away. Vivian Knight was my favourite person and a hopeless romantic, so I pushed away any feelings beyond lust for women.
Enter JazminefuckingAllen.
“I’m just trying to help,” It’s a lie. Not only to Colton but to myself.
“I know Theo. That’s why when I say you need to be careful. I haven’t seen you like this. Ever.”
He and Austin don't know the complete story about my mum and dad but they know enough to leave the subject alone.
I swallow the bitter lies on the tip of my tongue. “I’ll be fine.”
I wash the dirty plates in the kitchen sink and head for the comfort of my bed. The first game of the season is tomorrow and it’s my first time playing as captain. Nerves have a hold of me, striking my stomach until onlybutterflies exist. I’ve stacked my duffel bag next to the door and I have double-checked my alarms.
My lips turn up when my phone dings with a new message.
Unknown Number:
Hey Theodore, it’s Jazmine. I just wanted to say thank you for tonight. I know you probably had better things to do.
The smile never leaves my face as I store Jaz's number in my phone.
Theodore Knight:
No problem, Princess. There was nowhere else I wanted to be.
Princess:
I’m rolling my eyes right now. Do you ever stop flirting?
Theodore Knight:
For you, no. I’m glad you messaged me. Does this mean you’ll call me too?
Princess:
Don’t push it.
This girl is going to be the death of me. Or my saviour. I don’t mind either option.
***
Making the bed is nearly impossible with my shaky hands.
My dad’s voice is rampant, clanging against my skull. Having an overbearing father hasn’t helped my pre-game anxiety, which consists of nausea and the fear of failure. The only person who seemed to calm my nerves was my mum. Whether it was her comforting words and inability to be disappointed despite my performance.
I grab my phone and headphones, swing my bag over my shoulder and lock my apartment. The car is already running, courtesy of Austin, who is hunched over in the passenger seat with sunglasses covering his eyes. It’s hilarious. I mean the sun is barely above the horizon.
Coach Morgan is going to have a field day with him.
I slide into the driver's side, chuckling as Austin’s groans consume the car.
“I’m never drinking again.”
“I think I’ve heard you say that after every night out,”
