Page 32 of Actions and Reactions
I get to sit in a pretty honored spot, at the players table with Xander, Milkman, Jules, Sterling, Santa, and Charlie.
All in all, there aren’t that many guests, just the people who work for the Pirates really, and that’s more than enough in my opinion.
I breathe a little easier when Vinny twists around to chat with our waiter and lets go of my hand. I use it to reach for the glass of iced water dripping with condensation already, and it relieves more than my throat.
“The new locker room is awesome, Silas,” Jules tells me from across the table.
I look up and nod before swallowing, then muster up a smile.
“I’m glad you guys liked it,” I tell him honestly.
“Jules showed us pictures,” Sterling pipes up and reaches for his own water. “Are you doing the same remodel for the one at the arena?”
“It’s going to be a little different.”Because practice and game days are different,as I told Gab. “But the overall style will be the same.”
“I think my favorite details were all the little hidden drawers in our cubbies,” Milkman says, and he leans in with a smile that does bring me some pride.
“I think all the changes will have a positive impact once the season starts back up again.” Jules nods and then turns to the waiter since he walks up to him hesitantly.
It’s the overall effect of a legend, I suppose.
Waiters back home act the same around Dad and Uncle Ruko, and though Jules is too humble to ever say it, or eventhink it, the stats tell us all he’ll probably break some of Dad’s records.
I can’t say exactly how that makes me feel, even though Dad’s assured me many times he’s been looking forward to a player becoming a bigger legend than him.
I doubt I’d be so generous with my thoughts and feelings, so maybe it’s a good thing I never got the chance to find out, huh?
“You okay?” Vinny whispers in my ear.
I just about jump out of my seat from how hard he startles me, but I’m quick to nod and reassure him.
“I’m fine,” I assure him. And since I want to be, desperately, I don’t consider it an outright lie.
A slow song sounds then, from speakers all around the tent, and Bear and Drew walk in and right to the dance floor set in the middle.
It takes me a moment, but when I place the song and listen to the lyrics, “Everything I Need” by Skylar Grey hits just a little too close to home.
I walk to the edge of the dance floor with the rest of my tablemates without even thinking about it. But when I find myself behind Vinny and unable to breathe properly, I know I can’t stay.
“I think I’m going to go,” I murmur in Vinny’s ear, and use all the strength I have left to keep my voice steady.
“What?” he demands and whirls around. Those green eyes are only another hit I can’t take right now, so I squeeze my eyes shut.
“I’m getting one of my migraines.” And okay, that Ican’t deny, is a lie. Not that I have migraines, but that it’s happening now.
“Do you want me to drive you?” I risk a glance and regret it when I’m faced with the concern on his face.Just another thing to feel like shit about.
“No, I think I have enough time to get home. You stay here.” I can hear the desperation I can’t hide that time, and that means Vinny can probably hear it too. “Have fun with your friends, Vinny.”
“If you’re sure,” he says, sounding unsure. “I’ll come by later, and bring you fresh cold presses, yeah?”
“I have some at home,” I blurt, impatient now that I finally have an out. “And I’ll probably just sleep the whole day. I’ll text you tomorrow.” I don’t even know if I mean that, but the determined look he sports right now makes me feel more threatened than cared for.
It’s fine, I tell myself as I walk away while everyone is still focused on the newlyweds. The panic will go away soon enough, it always does.
9
Ivan
