Page 80 of Keep Me
“It sounds like you’re leaning more toward staying, then?”
Scotty glanced down at the microphone and hesitated before glancing over at his table.
“I, uh, haven’t decided yet. Moving out of the country is a big deal. One that I’m prepared for, but I’m just not sure I’m willing to leave the things that Covey U has to offer just yet.”
That answer wasn’t what I was expecting. Most athletes here were looking to get into their professional contracts as soon as possible, but Scotty was bucking that trend and holding out on the Toronto Thrashers. Maybe it was something to do with the fact that he didn’t need the money, or maybe there was something or someone else he didn’t want to leave behind. I didn’t know him well enough to be privy to that answer.
“And what are those things if you don’t mind me asking?” Typical Sienna, always pushing for more information.
Scotty pushed his tongue out before swiping it across his lips. “You know, teammates. The people. It’s a great college, and who would want to leave?” Evasive as always, but also showing his media prowess.
“Alright, well, I don’t think I’m going to get any more out of you on that, so I’ll let you go. Thank you for talking to me, and I’m sure all Crusher fans will be thrilled to hear that you’re potentially staying for another season. Enjoy the rest of your night.”
“Thank you, Sienna. Appreciate it.” Scotty winked, then walked over to a huddle of players. She’d been interviewing the team for the last forty minutes, but I had little sympathy, with knowing I was next and who I had to interview.
The football team.
Gah. It was so frustrating that I was dreading speaking to the team I loved so much. I was at a players’ event, yet I hadn’t brought myself to even look at the tables filled with football players, in fear I’d lock eyes with Matty. I needed to get over this. It was my job, and if I wanted to be taken seriously by any sports broadcasting team, I’d need to deal with the awkwardness between Matty and me like a professional.
Like I did after Matty’s terrible performance on Friday. He was upset and needed someone to talk to. I thought I could be that person, and I was for the night, but how long could that last? Ourlives were about to become drastically different. He was getting married to a woman I couldn’t stand and having a kid with her. I already knew she wouldn’t let me anywhere near her husband, but that probably wouldn’t be an issue, anyway. I would move to whatever state I could get a broadcasting gig in. It’d most likely be with a lower-level team until I’d proven myself, and I wouldn’t have time to call and see how he was doing. Things were over between Matty and me romantically. Our friendship was dwindling too, but it felt like there wasn’t much I could do about that.
“Would you mind getting me a water?” Sienna asked as another player, Brooks, stood in front of her. He adjusted the lapels on his purple tux, and I shook my head. Even the dreamiest guy on that team couldn’t make that look good. I didn’t know whose idea it was to wear purple tuxes designed to look like their jerseys, but they deserved to be shunned.
“Sure.”
I gave Brooks a small wave before heading over to the bar. Unfortunately, the wait was already ten people deep, which meant Sienna wouldn’t get a drink for a while. Standing on my tiptoes, I tried to see what was taking so long, and in doing so, I saw a familiar face attached to one of those awful jersey tuxes.
When Erik saw me, he tipped his chin and mouthed,What do you want?
I raised my hand and mouthed,Two waterswhile trying to avoid all the arms and heads in the way.
He nodded, flicking his finger away in a gesture that I figured meant he’d come to find me. Well, that was easier than expected. I knew I’d see him tonight, but I didn’t expect him to wait on me. We hadn’t talked since I fell into his arms last week, and I didn’t know what to say or how to act around him. At least I knew he wasn’t offended that I hadn’t responded to his text.
By the time I got back to Sienna, she was finishing her interview with Brooks, and her brows furrowed at my empty hands.
“Where are our drinks?”
“Erik’s getting them for us.”
“Erik?” she said with a goofy smile on her face. “I thought we weren’t interested in Erik?” Her voice had a playful edge as she knocked me on the hip.
“We aren’t. It’s nothing.” I pointed to the mass of people. “There’s a huge line, and he was at the front of it, so he offered. Be thankful, I’d probably be waiting there another ten minutes if it wasn’t for him.”
She shook her head and laughed. “You know, sometimes, I feel like fate would have to slap you across the face with a bowl of hummus before you’d take notice of anyone else.”
“Why hummus? How would that even work?”
“Because it’s the only thing that’s just random enough to make you actually question things. I swear you’re so up in your head about Matty you’re completely blind to the way other people look at you.”
“It’s just a couple of waters, Sienna. I think you’re exaggerating a little.”
“Nope. I’m not. And it’s not just water. You sat next to him in class when you were trying to hide from Matty. Didn’t you say he stopped you from falling over and breaking your nose the other day?”
I nodded, remembering that was also the time he mentioned I needed to tie my shoelaces, and the significance of that point.
“So, I don’t think it’s just fate that this stuff keeps happening. I think you just need to look beyond a certain floppy-haired prince that you’ve been itching to talk to all night.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
