Page 142 of How to Prevent a Fumble

“I still don’t totally understand football.”

Zara laughs beside me, and so does Amara. “I don’t think any of us do,” Amara tells her between giggles. “Well, except for Isla and Briar.”

“It’s kind of hard to avoid it when you grow up with a future NFL player,” I shrug.

Both Leo and Owen were great from the beginning. Both first round picks in the draft, the two grew up winning awards in the sport.

Owen was always one of the best, if notthebest around, and we were incredibly lucky when the Cobras drafted him. We were able to stay in the state we loved so much.

The two of them actually knew each other a little bit before the draft, having played each other in high school.

“That’s true,” Mila mutters, grabbing another snack.

“I was wondering if you guys wanted to have some book club nights, actually,” Amara asks almost nervously, her hands rubbing her jean-clad knees.

I look at the others, unsure whetherto be the first one to say something. When it’s clear that they’re shocked at the words that came out of her mouth, I decide to be the first one. “That sounds really fun, actually. I already read quite a bit, so why not?”

“Yeah. I just started reading again and thought it would be a fun get together. Just a bunch of girls and a book you know? We could have themed nights maybe? Elara is more than welcome to come, too.”

Elara, who's been mostly quiet, breaks out of her trance and looks at her, but doesn’t say anything.

“Sounds fun. What would we read?” Heid asks.

“I mean we all like romance, right?” Mila says, looking around.

I shrug. “I mean, I do.”

“Oh, like a spicy romance!” Zara claps her hands together.

Amara smiles, thankful for how easily we agreed. “Yeah, like that. I think it would be really fun.”

“When do you want to do it?”

She shrugs. “Whenever we want to start.”

26

LEO

The first thing I do when I get home from our game is grab a pizza from my favorite 24/hour spot. The second thing I do is go home and find Briar. It’s been days without seeing her, and for some reason, that’s all I want.

It was the middle of the night when we got on the plane to come home, and I’m shocked that she’s not up yet. Checking the time, I find it’s nine in the morning on a Monday.

She’s always up around five, when I usually leave for training and my first workout of the day.

I wonder if her alarm just didn’t go off, and I’m about to wake her up when I realize that maybe, just maybe, she wakes up that early for my benefit, and she’s taking the opportunity to sleep in.

Shaking myself, I walk back out to the family room. I have a meeting in a bit, and then after that I was going to ask her if she wanted to go on a date.

For her, it’s a fake date.

For me, it’s another chance to make her develop real feelings for me past the idea of her seeing me as justmy brother’s stupid best friend who I’m trying to help.

“Hi Leo,” a small voice says from the hallway. I turn, watching as Elara walks into the room, her eyes sleepy as she stretches with a large yawn.

I never liked kids. Never wanted them. I’m still not sure what I want for myself, but having Elara around has changed my mind just a little bit.

“Hey, your mom have a late night?” I ask, not wanting to pry but also, well, who am I kidding I’m absolutely trying to pry.