Page 15 of All In

“Well, when you put it that way, how could I not listen? Why don’t I just let you tell me how to live my life while you’re at it, Chloe?”

“Be careful what you wish for. Your life seems pretty boring right now. Try actually living it a little. Have some fun. That’s what I would tell you to do if I was in charge of how you live your life. You’re eighteen. Enjoy your senior year, stop wearing the weight of the world on your shoulder pads, big brother. That is my wisdom for the night, Brady. Take it how you want. I’m going to bed.”

Take it how I want. I’m the God damn quarterback. It is my job to be responsible for an entire team. If we win or lose, it’s on my shoulders.

I got called into Coach’s office today after our last practice and told to gain control of my team.

Everyone wants to win.

Get them all on the same page, Ryan.

It’s your team. Lead it.

9

Natalie

Aweek later, Chloe and I are lounging in two beach chairs. Our toes in the cool ocean water, and our faces turned toward the warm sun. The water is a muddy, angry blue, with choppy white peaks. It looks like a storm’s coming in, but so far, it’s been beautiful. Not as hot as last week, but still a balmy 80 degrees.

We’ve spent the day laughing, reading, and watching two incredibly hot lifeguards in cliché red shorts, do everything from pull-ups and laps in the ocean, to running the beach. We couldn’t have asked for better eye candy.

I also found out my new BFF is just as interested in guys as she is girls, but when I asked her if Brady was wrong, and something actually was going on with her and Bash, she laughed her ass off. Apparently, it’s hard to date any of the guys from school because she’s known them all since they used to eat dirt.

When I think of Labor Day weekend at the Jersey shore, I think of the old MTV show. I do not think of a tiny little town, full of houses that take up entire blocks. Chloe’s parent’s beach house is massive. It’s also on the part of the island that is only one block wide. From one side of the enormous wrap around porch, you have a beautiful view of the bay, and all of the gleaming boats docked on private docks. You walk down six wooden steps from the opposite side of the house, and your toes hit the soft sand, taking you down a hidden path that gives you direct beach access. The location couldn’t possibly be better.

We drove the hour and a half here last night with the top down on Chloe’s cherry red Fiat convertible while we sang Taylor Swift at the top of our lungs. As we crossed the bridge onto the island, I recognized the smell Brady mentioned last week. I don’t know that it could be one of my favorite smells, but I could see how it would be something you could grow to love.

We had the house to ourselves last night. We gave each other manis and pedis, ate an entire bucket of popcorn, one bag of Twizzlers, and a carton of mint chocolate chip ice cream. Then, we binged watched The Great British Bake off while FaceTiming with Luca and his boyfriend Dan. It was a perfect night.

I’ve barely seen Cooper or the guys since last weekend. Our schedules never seemed to mesh up. The coach decided they needed a second week of two a days, so they’ve been miserable.

Checking my phone, I notice that I have a few missed texts.

Coop: Just left the house - on our way to the beach. You girls need anything?

Darby: Heard the team talking. Think we are coming to party with you at the beach tonight. You gonna be there?

Luca: Hey Bitch. Just checking in. Wanted to make sure you’re not in a sugar coma.

I text Coop back first.

Nattie: Nope. We’re good. Tell the guys Mrs. Ryan had the house stocked with food for us. See you soon.

After Cooper, I text Darby.

Nattie: Hey. How was the game? Chloe and I are already here.

Darby: Game was good. We won. I had a couple good plays.

Darby: I’ll try to get down there this weekend then.

I save Luca for last.

Nattie: Nope. No sugar coma. Just enjoying the view on the beach.

Luca: You better mean the view of the hot guys and not the ocean. Pics, please.

I send him a pic of the lifeguard in the boat.

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