Page 50 of Sneaking Around with the Player
“Sure, I did. He told me that he cared about you and that he wanted to squash all the bullshit for you.”
I squirm with the squishy way those words make me feel as well as the scrutiny in Felix’s gaze. “I care about him too.”
“It’s hard to explain, but I’m just leery of the guy, okay? I can’t help it. I can’t magically erase every bad thing I’ve ever heard or thought just because you say he’s all right.”
“No, I understand.”
“You do?”
“I think your view of him is incredibly surface-level, but sure, I can see how Beau comes off as a guy you wouldn’t want me to date.” And yeah, knowing Beau better, I can see why Felix had the initial reaction he did, but those things aren’t all that Beau is.
I can tell I’ve caught my brother by surprise, so I keep going.
“He feels a lot of pressure from his family to succeed, and I think that’s why he comes off as reckless on the field. They look at him as the chance none of them ever had and he doesn’t wantto let them down. It wears on him. But, Felix, that’s such a small part of who he is. Just like you being a great quarterback is a fraction of who you are.
“Beau is funny and sweet. He’s the kind of guy who plays football with his young cousin and his friends, just to make their day, and the kind of guy who sends cheeseburgers instead of flowers because he gets me.” I realize I’m basically pleading with him to see Beau in a different light (which is highly unlikely), but I can’t stop. “And I get him too, which is why I’m asking you to just consider that maybe there’s more to him than you think. And if that doesn’t work, then know this, I am crazy about him. More than crazy. I love him. It isn’t some crush that is going to fade in a few weeks.
“But I hate that things are weird between us. You’re my favorite big brother.”
His mouth twists as he nods. He wraps one arm around my neck, and I hug his middle. “Me too. I’m sorry. I will try to wrap my brain around him not being a terrible human.”
The others come in from outside and the moment is broken, but hopefully, he’ll think about what I said. For now, though, it’s time to get this party set up.
After we finish decorating the guys’ house for tonight, they head out to pick up the keg and more liquor, and Holly and I go back to our dorm room to get ready.
“What’s Beau doing tonight?” Holly asks as she curls my hair.
“He’s going to dinner with his family and then to a party at some guy’s house from high school.”
She meets my stare in the mirror and gives me a sad smile. “I’m sorry. It has to suck not being able to spend his last night in Arizona together.”
“Tonight will be fun.” I put on my brightest smile. “I can’t imagine not being here for Felix’s birthday. Beau and I are going to FaceTime when it gets close to midnight, and then I’m goingto crash, so I can drive back early tomorrow morning and see him before he flies back to Colorado.”
“That’s sweet. I want to meet him sometime.”
“You do?”
“Yeah, of course. I’ve told you that before.”
“Right, but that was before.”
“I still want to meet him. I didn’t push over break because I knew you were enjoying alone time you never get.”
“Plus, you were busy making out with Teddy.”
A blush creeps up her neck. “And that.”
“Did you two make it official? Is Theodore your boyfriend?”
She nods and a proud smile stretches across her face. “Yep. I can’t believe it.”
“Well, I can. You’re great and he’s always been crazy about you.”
“It’s still so weird.” She shakes her head. “I’m so happy.”
“Me too,” I say. And I am. Mostly.
Three hours later, I’m sitting in the dining room at Felix’s house. I’m more of an observer of the party than a participant, but since everyone is in that happy tipsy state, I’m practically invisible.
