“He’ll never believe this, but I really try not to disappoint him.” After partying too much last year, I buckled down in the fall and got better grades. But it won’t matter once Coach hears I got knocked up.
“Aww, biscuit. I’m sorry. But welcome to the club. I’m a disappointment to my father too. You’ll get over it.”
Billy might act like he doesn’t care, but doesn’t everyone want their parents’ approval to some degree?
“Does your dad really doubt your chances of getting drafted?”
Billy’s so dynamic on the field, the kind of guy who puts his whole heart and soul into the game. If he could do that with a relationship, he’d be as swoony as those rakish dukes I love reading about in my historical romances.
He shrugs. “I don’t think he cares now that I’m not quarterback.”
That’s the big rub between Ezra and Billy. Ezra gloats about being QB1, especially since Billy got switched to defense.
When I started dating Ezra last fall, I didn’t know he was such a douchebag. He puts on a good show for his coaches. Unfortunately, my dad loves him.
“Tell me everything will be okay.”
Billy takes my hand in his rough palm. “Rox, you’re a tough little firecracker. You can do this. I promise everything will workout.” Pausing, he tilts his head. “And if Ezra doesn’t take the news well, I’d be happy to clear up his confusion.”
My eyes sting, and I squeeze his hand. “I don’t want you to get in trouble.”
“Trouble’s my middle name,” he says with a crooked grin.
Flutters erupt in my belly from the look he gives me, but I ruthlessly stamp them out. Jumping from one player to another would be the height of foolishness, but I appreciate Billy’s friendship, more than he knows. “He’ll probably declare for the draft this spring, and then he’ll be out of our hair. But he should know the truth before he goes.”
“Do you want some company? I can drive you down to San Antonio.”
Do I want Billy to take me to confront Ezra? That sounds like a terrible idea.
“It’s something I need to do on my own.”
He nods, then gets up to stand behind me. “Wanna push?” Nodding, I place my now empty cup on the ground and zip my jacket a little higher. Billy gives me a gentle shove, and my swing starts to move. “That pencil dick wouldn’t know a good thing if it bit him in the ass. This is his fucking loss.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“You know I got your back.” The vehemence in his voice calms my ruffled feathers.
Cold air rushes past me as I rise higher and higher. Closing my eyes, I hang on to the metal links and kick up my feet and let my head fall back.
That brief moment of weightlessness when the swing reaches the peak feels so good.
I can almost forget that my whole life is about to change.
Because next fall, instead of making captain of my Division 1 cheer squad, I’ll be nursing an infant.
2
ROXY
Don’t chicken out.
After I lock my car, I stare at the house across the street.
I’m starting to regret not taking Billy up on his offer to come with me.
I text him an update like I promised I would.
Looks like Ezra’s family is throwing a party.
