“It’s all good, she’s just got an attitude because school starts next week.”
“Sure.” I brush it off because I don’t want to hear his excuses on why his girlfriend acts like she’s single.
“Seriously, when is Coach telling the team he’s making the change?”
“I don’t know. It’s up to him. I’m not even sure I want it.”
Jack was made captain at the end of last season, and the same weekend he was arrested for getting drunk and drag racing on the edge of town. His dad is a lawyer and greased a few hands to get him off and keep it quiet. A couple of weeks ago, we started pre-season practices, and it’s been obvious that Jack hasn’t done any conditioning since the end of last season. He’s not taking it seriously, and the whole team has noticed. Coach pulled me aside and said he made a mistake with making Jack captain and asked if I’d take the lead instead.
Not only will it create tension between Jack and me but also between the people who still support him. I don’t want anyone on the team turning on me or for this to cause a rift and hurt our chances at a winning season.
I’ve got everything riding on this. It’s just me and my mom since my dad died three years ago, and I need every bit of scholarship money I can get. She’s got her own hair salon in town and does well enough, but there’s no extra money for college. My grades are good, and I stay out of trouble and work hard for everything I’ve got. I don’t want team politics to threaten that when it’s my last year. I’d rather ride the bench and play nice, but it seems like other people are making decisions for me.
“Don’t want it?” Shaun laughs. “You’re probably the first player ever to say that.”
“There’s a first time for everything,” I say, then I feel a hand smack me on the shoulder from behind.
“You talking about getting your dick wet, Big Tate?” Jack says, and I want to cringe. He’s already slurring his words. “Nah, not a little bitch like you. You’re probably saving it for marriage.”
“Sure, Jack,” I say evenly because I’m not taking the bait when he’s this drunk. He won’t even remember this conversation.
“It’s all right. When you’re ready to get some pussy, come see me.” Some of his friends have followed him over, and I hear a couple of them laugh. “Hey, shut the fuck up,” he barks, and a few of them stop.
“What’s his problem?” Shaun asks one of the players named Nick.
“He’s just mad he got rejected today,” Nick says, and another player in the back pipes up.
“Shut down, tight.” The guys start razzing Jack, but he’s not taking the joke.
“Fuck that bitch. She didn’t know who I was. Just wait until she sees me on the field. She’ll be getting in line to suck this dick!” He shouts the last part while some people laugh and some cheer him on.
I’ll never understand the people that worship at the altar of guys like Jack. Maybe it’s because of his dad or because they’re bored, but from what I've seen, he hasn’t earned an ounce of respect from any of them. The longer I’m around Jack, the more respect I lose for him.
“It’s late,” I say quietly to Shaun as I try to slip out, but Jack must have somehow overheard it.
“Where’s Big Tate going?” He talks loudly over the crowd, and I know he’s pushing to cause a scene. “Coach’s golden boy is ready for night-night.”
“Yep.” I decide to agree with him because it’s easier than arguing.
“You know, you’re lucky.” He takes a drink from his beer while I stand there and wait for him to finish his thought. I should leave, but I don’t want to cause more drama or rifts in the team.
“Yeah, why is that?”
“You don’t have to worry about playing like shit.” His eyes are glazed over and bloodshot, and I wonder if he’s done more than just drink tonight. “It’s not like your dad’s going to see it.”
Even though the music is blaring and people are talking over it and it’s loud as fuck, it’s like everything goes quiet when Jack says those words.
It takes everything inside me to ignore him as I turn to Shaun and raise my chin. “See you in the morning.” It’s a statement, and I don’t wait for a response before I walk away from Jack and his bullshit.
“Yo, Tate?”
Shaun calls after me, but I ignore him as I step outside and get in my Jeep. I don’t want to spend another second standing next to Jack Lexington or I’m going to do something I’ll regret. Something I know his dad will use against me or to help put Jack in a better position on the team.
My dad won’t be at any of my games, but at least he loved me. I can’t say the same for the two of them.
Chapter Three
ROSEMARY
I’m debating if I should pull my hair up into a ponytail before school. My mom hates when I wear it up because she says I was gifted with nice hair, and I should show it off. But it’s always getting in my way, and I like it tied back.
My plan is to not stand out and blend in as much as possible. I rub my eyes and decide I’ll keep my hair down, but I’m not wearing my contacts. They drive me nuts, and I hate wearing them. It takes me just as long to get them out as it does to get them in, but at least I have the time to spare. I got up early to make sure I wasn’t late, but it might have been a mistake because it’s given me too much time to think.
Grabbing my favorite sneakers, I slip them on before putting my phone into the back pocket of my jean shorts. For the tenth time in the last twenty-four hours, I check my bag to make sure I have everything I need before I head out of my bedroom to grab a quick breakfast.
To my surprise, my mom is in the kitchen. Normally she’s a late riser, and I don’t see her until I get home from school. She usually works bartending jobs, so now that school has started, we’ll most likely be two ships passing. About the time I get home every day is when she’ll be leaving to go to work.
She’s not the type to be up and see me off to school, not that she ever needed to. I’ve been doing it on my own since middle school. It’s going to be even easier here in Noblesville since the high school isn’t far, and I can walk.
What’s not a surprise is that there’s a man in the kitchen too. He’s in a pair of slacks and a button-up shirt leaning against the counter next to her. I think he’s been here a few times because I recognize his shiny shoes, but he’s always quick to make an exit.
“Hey.” I give an awkward smile.
“Hey, honey. I made you your favorite.” My mom hands me two Pop-Tarts wrapped in a paper towel. Is this her trying to be Suzy Homemaker for this man? “My girl is addicted to the s’mores flavor. Aren’t you?” She’s right, but god this is awkward. “Have I got to introduce you to Nathan Porter? He’s a lawyer here in town.” The man shoots my mom an irritated expression, but she doesn’t catch it. Looks like he didn’t want her mentioning that.
My mom is in a silk robe, and by the looks of it, she’s not wearing anything under it. I’m willing to bet he’s not here for a consultation after what I heard last night.