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He nods a bunch of times. “Yeah, okay.”
“And I’d hold off on Kozy Kar until the third date or something.”
Kozy Kar is a theme bar that Ben loves, but it’s got a weird vibe that includes throwbacks from the seventies up to the nineties. You can drink on a waterbed, and there are stripper poles and posters of naked women everywhere. What do I know though? Maybe Clara would like it.
“Really? I always take women there. I think it’s cool and there are all the dark corners to make out.”
I swallow hard at the thought of him making out with her.
“Well, she’s not your average girl.” I open the car door, say goodbye to the driver, and head into the arena, saying hello to security.
Ben’s quick to catch up to me. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”
I stop before entering the locker room. “Just… I mean, she’s someone really important to me.” That truth remains, regardless of how long it’s been since we really talked.
He puts his big bear paw of a hand on my shoulder. “I know, X. I’m not in this to get in her panties. I’m getting older now and I’m looking to settle down.”
I raise both eyebrows.
He chuckles. “I’m not just looking for fun anymore, that’s what I mean.”
I nod and open the locker room door. “Her favorite food is dessert. Get her anything to satisfy her sweet tooth after the meal and it will be a success.”
His smile grows while my stomach grows nauseated. “Thanks, X.”
He heads to his locker, and I do the same. My mood grows sourer when I see the guy sitting next to my space.
Lee fucking Burrows. The new quarterback brought onto the team to take my place should I not be able to perform this year.
“Hey, Xavier,” he says with a smile. The guy is so laid back it drives me crazy. The worst part is, he’s smart as shit, probably already knows the playbook.
He got traded at the end of the season, and I can’t deny from the tapes I’ve watched, he should do well. He showed that he could probably take my place in a heartbeat.
Which gives me two goals this season. Further secure my position on this team. Show them why they signed me to a huge five-year deal two years ago. And second, win back my best friend.
2
“BUT, I’M PROUD OF YOU.”
Clara
I walk into my sister’s bookstore, The Story Shop, trying to ignore the chalkboard sign outside the neighboring brewery, Truth or Dare. Today is the first Sunday game day for football, and the San Francisco Kingsmen are playing. Two years ago, I would’ve had Xavier’s number nine written on my cheeks and been decked out in his red-and-gold jersey.
Now, I’m going to help Presley do inventory for her store.
The shop is quiet when I enter, and I take a moment to admire her display of fall books with pumpkins and leaves scattered around.
I didn’t grow up with Presley. She didn’t come into my life until after both my parents had passed away. This used to be my mom’s sewing store and was left to both of us when she died. That’s when Presley arrived in town and surprised everyone, including me. Lots of people think we’re twins, except for our hair colors. We recently flipped them around though. She’s allowed hers to go back to our original brown while I’ve dyed mine blonde.
“Pres!” I call and venture toward the back of the store.
Ohhh.
God, yes.
Harder.
I close my eyes and my head falls back. It’s nice that my married sister, who recently had a baby, is getting some, but I can’t say I’m overjoyed to hear a play-by-play. Or I’m just a bit envious.
