Page 79 of Hey, Stepbro

"Get a fucking grip," I tell myself, shaking my head. "You're the Rawdogs goddamn starting quarterback. You can do this."

I strip off the rest of my gear and step into the showers, letting the hot water cascade down my tense muscles. The steam fills the room, clouding my vision as I lather up with soap.

"Blakely," I whisper, closing my eyes and picturing his smile. He's become such a powerful distraction, even more so than Amanda ever was. But this time, it feels different—deeper, more meaningful.

Suddenly, the sound of the locker room door opening breaks me from my thoughts. I glance over to see Justin entering the shower area.

"Hey, Brock, you okay?" he asks cautiously, concern etched on his face.

"Coach doesn't get it, man," I reply, frustration creeping back into my voice. "Why can't he be more understanding?"

Justin looks at me sympathetically. "Football is important to him, but he also knows relationships can be tough. Maybe he thinks you need some space to figure things out."

I sigh, letting the water wash away my anger and frustration. "Yeah, maybe."

"Whatever happens, remember that we're here for you, alright?" Justin pats me on the back.

"Thanks, man," I say, grateful for his support.

As I step out of the shower, Justin's words still echo in my mind. He's right—relationships can be tough, but it's important to find a balance between my personal and professional life. Drying off quickly, I wrap a towel around my waist and make my way back to my locker.

I can do this. I can play football and be with Blakely at the same time.

My mental resolve sends a shiver down my spine. There's nothing that can stop me from achieving both my dreams.

Justin comes back up beside me, toweling off his own hair. "Remember, man, we've got your back no matter what."

I open my locker and pull out a fresh set of clothes. "You're a good friend."

"Ditto," he replies with a grin before heading to his own locker.

As I get dressed, I think about Blakely again. His adorable smile, the way his eyes light up when he talks about his favorite books or the animals at Rainbow Paws... It all makes me feel warm inside. I know I'm not going to let anything come between us, especially not football.

Coach strides into the locker room. "Make sure you're focused and ready for the big game next weekend. No distractions."

"Understood, Coach," I say.

"Good," he says, nodding in approval before heading to his office.

I finish dressing and grab my backpack, slinging it over my shoulder. As I leave the locker room with my teammates, I glance back one last time, relishing in my renewed sense of purpose.

"Let's do this," I whisper to myself, thinking of Blakely. "For us."

***

With my resolve stronger than ever, I walk out of the locker room and into the crisp autumn air. The sun is setting, casting a golden hue over the field, and I picture Blakely's smile shining as brightly.

"Hey, Brock!" Pablo calls out, jogging over with Justin by his side. "You feeling better?"

"Definitely," I reply, offering them both a confident grin. "Thanks for checking on me."

"Anytime, man."

As we walk down the sidewalk, I can't shake the premonition that my life is getting more complicated. It's crazy that a few months ago, I was completely oblivious to my feelings for Blakely.

"You two lovebirds want to grab some dinner?" Pablo asks, interrupting my thoughts.

"Sounds good to me," I respond, glancing at Justin who nods in agreement.

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