Page 95 of More Than A Game

Murphy

We only have a walk-through the day before the game. No pads. No hitting. Just a walk-through. It’s the only time we touch the stadium field other than game day. I was hoping that when we got off the practice field, we’d be able to pull our shit together. How we can fuck up a walk-through is beyond me, but we managed to do it.

We haven’t had a single good practice this entire week, and today capped it all off. It’s been a clusterfuck of epic proportions. We’re so far removed from the team we were the last time we set foot on this field two weeks ago, I’d laugh if I wasn’t so fucking angry about it.

As we walk out into the parking lot, Bash nods at Brady and me as he climbs into his H2. “I told Sammy I’d catch up with him for a late dinner. I’ll see you guys at the house later.”

“Tell your brother we said hi, man. Been a long time since we’ve seen him.”

Bash revs the engine of the Hummer and leaves.

Turning to me, Brady asks, “You want to get something to eat? Nattie said Chloe, Sabrina, and she were going to dinner and then to the movies to watch some chick flick.”

“Yeah. Sabrina told me they’d be home late. Wanna grab some pizza?”

“Sure. Home, huh? Did we gain a new roommate?” Brady is smiling as he says it, so I know he isn’t upset.

“Nah, man. Not a new roommate. Not yet. I don’t know though...I just want her with me.”

We both climb in the Escalade. “I get it, Murph.”

When we sit down at the local pizza place, I smile at the text vibrating on my screen.

* * *

Group Text:

Cooper:Hey, assholes. I finally have my phone and computer back.

Cooper:Damn, it’s been a long two months.

Murphy:Without sex or without a phone?

Bash:No phone means no porn.

Brady:Who needs porn?

Cooper:Not a word about my sister, QB.

Brady:Fine. Congrats on making it through, man. Wish we could be there Monday.

Murphy:Yeah. Don’t trip crossing the stage.

Cooper:It’s not high school graduation, genius. There’s no stage.

Bash:We’re proud of ya, Coop.

Cooper:So, what did I miss? Fill me in on everything.

Bash:Murphy’s in LOVE

Murphy:Bash is marrying a TRAIN WRECK

Brady:I kiss your sister ALL. THE. TIME

Cooper:I fucking miss you guys!

* * *

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