Page 23 of Sneaking Around with the Player
A knot forms in my stomach and I’m quiet.
“Is it weird?” she asks, reading my mind.
It shouldn’t be. I’ve known that Felix was her brother all along, and it isn’t like us talking when he’s nearby is any better or worse than when he isn’t, but it still has unease prickling up my spine.
“It’s weird. I know. It is for me too,” she says, before I find my nerve to say as much. Her voice sounds cheerier when she asks, “How’s home?”
“Good. The whole fam came over for lunch.”
“I love how close you are with your extended family. Both of my parents are only children, so we don’t have any cousins.”
“Yeah, they’re great.”
“You sound tired. Everything okay?”
“Yeah.”
“Liar.”
I chuckle. “I was hoping for a break from football, but it’s all they want to talk about and do. I don’t want to seem ungrateful. I know they’re being supportive, and I feel like a dick for it annoying me.”
“You aren’t a dick.”
I don’t feel as confident in that assessment.
“What are you doing tonight?” she asks. “You didn’t answer my question about Show Low. When do you leave?”
“That got postponed until next weekend, but a few high school buddies are going out tonight. I think I might stop by for a bit.”
“That sounds fun.”
“What about you?”
“I think we’re staying at the cabin. The guys stocked the fridge with beer and there’s enough liquor for the entire neighborhood. Wish you could come.”
“Yeah. Me too.”
“I’m going to talk to him over break. Felix, I mean.”
“Stell,” I start.
“I know, I know. He hates you, yadda, yadda. But are you sure? Maybe he just hates your team.”
I stay silent. I wish that were the case, but know it isn’t.
“This is silly. I like you, you like me, you both play football, who cares?” I can practically see her brown eyes rolling and her hand waving in the air as she talks. “I’m going to tell him right now.”
She moves closer to the noise again.
“Wait, Stell. I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
“Do you want to see me over break?”
“Of course, I do, but maybe wait until the entire team isn’t around.” I chuckle loose the knot in my chest.
“Oh, right. Good call.” She huffs. “It’s frustrating, knowing you’re so close and going to parties with girls that aren’t me.”
“You’re sexy when you’re jealous.”
