Page 54 of Steeling Her
“Come on, Steel, spit it out.” He pokes me and leans back in the chair. I’ve grown up watching this game my entire life. I pick up on things the same way coaches do. I’m definitely my dad’s daughter.
“You’re not quick enough on your decisions. You’re release was too slow, but you played well because your blindside was blocked exceptionally well by your teammate. If he wasn’t on his game, you would’ve been crushed. You held the ball a fraction too long. Don’t get me wrong, your throws were like darts; exact. You also seemed a little distracted; I could read that from a mile away and I’ve only seen you play in person once but . . . you have a strong arm—a very strong arm. If you could make faster decisions, you would be better than any quarterback I’ve seen. That’s your downfall; you hold on to that ball a second too long when you need to release quicker than what you normally do,” I finish with a shrug, and just he sits there with his mouth hanging open. I hear Cas giggle at his reaction.
“Well shit, Jackson, she’s got you there!” Reggie says with a laugh but Nick is still in shock at what I said. I look down at my feet, embarrassed that I probably insulted him. He’s probably used to being praised, and I knocked his ego down a little. He still hasn’t said anything while the couple across from us can’t help but laugh at him.
“But you played really well! I’m sorry . . . I didn’t mean to insult you . . . I don’t even play football, so who am I to judge you, right?” I rub my palm awkwardly along my jeans because I’m sweating from all the attention I’m getting right now.
“No, don’t be sorry! I don’t disagree with you. I was sloppy with my decisions, I knew that. How were you able to pick up on that?” he asks me in disbelief.
I shrug. “My dad. I listened to him a lot growing up, so I see things the same way he does. I don’t know . . . I pick up on small things like that . . .” It’s practically second nature for me at this point. I play with the plastic cup and then meet his eyes.
I clear my throat, meeting his gaze that’s gone darker. Is he pissed at me? “I didn’t mean to insult you, Nick . . .” I take his arm. He wanted criticism, and I gave it to him. I feel him tense suddenly and I drop my hand away from him.
“You didn’t. Honestly, I agree with what you’re saying.” He starts to play with the bottle in his hand, wiping the print on the surface, the cool droplets threatening to run down the side.
“Trust me, if you can perfect that, that you’ll be pro in no time!” His grin comes back to his face and he sips the bottle.
“Why do I get the feeling that there’s more?” he asks as he leans back. I press my lips together, trying to hide my smile. He’s reading me too well. I don’t like that. “Come on, keep going. I know there’s more!” He laughs, winding his finger around the air. I shake my head and he leans forward, edging closer to my face. “Carter . . . come on, I’m going to criticized in the future. I might as well get used to it.” I watch as his Adam’s apple bob when he swallows another gulp of the beer. He sends me a reassuring smile telling me it’s alright to voice my opinion.
“The anticipation of slating Jackson is killing me, girl! Tell us!” Cas squeals and laughs with Reggie. She nears the edge of her seat as if I’m going to let her in on a secret that shouldn’t be shared. I smile as I try to hold it in and I look back over to Nick.
“You seem to favor TJ. I know you’ve played together for practically your whole life, but you have other guys on the team; use them. It’s like you’re afraid to change up your routine. There were loads of free players that you didn’t see. You need to have more of an open mind. Look around, you won’t be insulting TJ if someone else gets the ball. You’re playing to win. Have alternatives.” I watch him nod attentively as his shoulders drop a little. “I know it’s easy for me to say that watching from the stands. All the while, you’re under pressure on the field. It’s just two comments. Two that are probably wrong, it’s just my opinion. I’m not a coach or a professional—”
“But you’re the daughter of one,” he points out. I agree with him, looking down at the ground. I did insult him. I knew I should’ve kept it to myself. I watch the ants crawl around in the grooves of the tiling under my feet. “Hey, I appreciate the criticism. It’s cool, Carter! Seriously, no hard feelings.” I nod to him because his voice was so soft. It sounded like he was actually alright with my comments, but I can’t help but feel bad. I’m not a professional; I could have read the game wrong. I’m just a girl who’s never even played the damn sport.
“Do Reggie next!” Cas requests with a laugh, pointing to her boyfriend. I giggle at her reaction along with Nick. She got so much enjoyment out of it.
“No way! I’m a sensitive guy! I’m not equipped for that!” he jokes. I sip on my drink while we laugh at everything and nothing for the next while. These two are so sweet. It’s so easy talking with them. I like Cas. She’s kind and doesn’t take anything seriously. The conversation with them is so easy, so carefree. They didn’t treat me any differently even when they knew who I was. Initially, I thought Reggie would have, but he surprised me by treating me like I didn’t have a famous last name.
“I’m going to get another drink! See you guys around!” We both nod. He continues, “Nice to meet you, Carter!” Cas waves at me and walks with Reggie while I repeat what she said back to the both of them with a wave of my own.
“They’re so nice.” I watch them walk back inside together, kissing each other once they were through the door. Reggie never removed his arm around her shoulders the entire time we were out here. It’s was so cute to watch that happen. I felt my heart swell watching both of them. They were definitely couple goals. You can see their love for each other in their eyes when they looked at one another. It was like watching one of those romance novels come to life right before your eyes.
“Yeah, they’re super chill! Every time one of the guys is sick, Cas comes over to the house and nurses them back to life. She’s studying to be a nurse, so she gets practice in our house,” he jokes with me. I could see her doing that. She seems like the type that would help anyone. She has a kind heart and I admire that about her. She really showed it when we were talking.
“They’re really cute together,” I blurt out and I watch his head turn to me with a smile on his face. He nods after a minute of just staring at me.
“Yeah, they are. They’re practically married.” He laughs and I smile back at him. I take another sip of my drink and watch it disappear. “You want another?” I chug back the rest and nod while we both stand up simultaneously to walk back inside. The booming music meets our ears as we enter into the kitchen again and see more people than when we came in.
“That’s a lot of people,” I mumble to myself and feel a hand on the small of my back guiding me along to the drinks. Nick pushes me along to the options and I take out the same vodka TJ used to mix my drink then found some fruit juice to mix it with. Nick pops off the top of a fresh, ice-cold bottle and next thing I know, I’m being dragged inside by someone.
I try to turn around but I get pushed into gyrating bodies that are bumping off me. Hands grip my hips, and I spin myself around to meet Ryan’s glazed over stare. He’s swaying me little. I watch him awkwardly, not knowing what to do.
He leans over and slurs into my ear, “Loosen up, Steel, dance with me!” He smiles. I feel like I’m out of my depth. I’m not used to being around cramped areas. I’m not claustrophobic or anything, it’s just that it’s hot and clammy in here. I honestly feel weird being here.
He takes hold of my hips again and sways them for me. My drink starts spilling everywhere. Someone bumps on my elbow and it spills on the girl next to me. Hearing her squeal, she turns around and I see that it’s Maya. Her eyes turn to red when they land on me.
Oh shit.
Why doesn’t she like me? I’ve never done anything to her.
“Did you just pour your fucking drink on me?” she yells in my face. I feel my heart hammering as I stand there in shock. “Did you? Answer the fucking question!” I shake my head and lick my lips, feeling the sudden dryness on the surface.
“I-I’m sorry. Someone bumped on my arm and it spilled over. I’m sorry!” She steps closer into my personal space and I feel like I’m shaking. I’ve never been one for conflict, but I will defend myself if it comes to it if you push me too far.
“You’re sorry? You’re fucking sorry? Do you know how much this dress cost me? Look at it! You ruined it!” She looks down at the small splash that’s on her pink dress. It’s tiny. I mentally roll my eyes at how overdramatic she’s being.
“Maya, chill. it’s not that bad.” Her eyes whip to Ryan, who holds up his hands in surrender, and she yells at him to stay out of it. Turning her eyes back to me, I gulp down at the fire in her eyes. She already hates me enough as it is—for someone reason—I don’t need this to add to it. She’s borderline breathing fire at this point.
