Page 4 of Made Better Together

She’s still got me in a chokehold—including my ability to form words, apparently.

So much so that, when I grab my bag to leave, I release only a single word in her direction: “Goodbye.”

That’s all I got.

Nice fucking work, Connor.

If you never get a second chance to make a first impression, I’ve thoroughly blown mine.

A week later, I finally invite Rawley to a practice session with Del, my third since the Fourth of July. Surprise, I’m a football player…how uncharacteristically dramatic of me.

It turns out he’s not the only guest. For a second time, Eden’s hitched a ride with her dad to practice on the field too.

Despite my brother’s presence, I glance at her any time I think I can get away with it. Her sun-kissed honey ponytail flies as she moves on the other side of the field, and she’s as breathtaking a player as I remember. When I manage to sneak in a “nice to see you again” as we leave, her cheeks are rosy from her exertions, and those turquoise eyes look curiously at me.

I wish I could steal her away for that second chance at forming her opinion of me.

But, nope, with just a few days before I leave for New Jersey, the only person who’s grilling me for information is Rawley, once the practice is over.

“Connor, you secretive little shit, start talking.” His slam of the car door is accompanied by a raised brow. Guess I’m not the only one being dramatic today.

I fill in the backstory on our return trip to Landon’s. Still, while my brother learns one of my secrets today, I don’t say a thing to him about Eden.

I keep my attraction to her locked up tight. Just for me to know.

The intensity of my interest only fades a few days later, when the demanding hustle of life in Princeton takes over.

NOVEMBER THAT YEAR

PRINCETON STAR TRIBUNE

Our Own “Battle” Football Star?

Could Princeton University have its resident Battle become a football star, like his NFL-playing brothers?

Sophomore Connor Battle, a standout center midfielder on the soccer team, was a surprise substitution yesterday on our football team.

According to Head Coach Perry Hodgson, starting placekicker, senior Stu Sanders, had a case of the flu and the usual backup, punter Mark Danotte, was out of town for a family matter.

“There are a couple other emergency options, but I wanted to give Connor a chance,” explained Hodgson. “He first approached me about his place kicking training in July, and has worked with Stu on several occasions.”

Battle made all three of his attempts, including two extra-point kicks and one field goal. Princeton won the game by four points, making his performance key to the victory.

Apparently, the coaching staff had quietly included Battle on the roster submitted to the NCAA earlier this fall, so he would be eligible as a backup.

“It was a last-minute decision, but he was the best option, and [soccer] Coach Roberts gave his blessing. You never expect to call on a backup at kicker, but all of us are impressed by his talent and his poise under pressure.”

Does that mean Battle will be back on the football field? “We expect Stu to return for the next game, and Connor to finish the soccer season,” Hodgson shared.

Still, with Battle only in his second year, who can tell what the future holds?

THE NEXT DAY

BETTER TOGETHER CHAT [the Battle Sibling chat]

LANDON: Connor. WTF.

LANDON: [sends screenshot of Princeton Star Tribune article]