It sucks to be the messenger. “He was sitting with a few of his friends when I walked by, and he motioned to me and said,‘Looks like I dodged a bullet.’ I’m not sure anyone knew what he was talking about because it was kind of a non sequitur.” But I knew he meant Roxy.
“Non sequitur?”
“Yeah, uh, out of the blue. Not really following the conversation he was having with the rest of the guys.”
I watch her for any indication she still has feelings for that idiot. But when our eyes meet, she looks puzzled. “You’re a smart guy, Billy, but you don’t always do well in school. Why is that?”
Huffing out a laugh, I shrug. “I like to read, but I haven’t always been motivated to study, especially if I’m not into a class. I’m trying harder this year, though, since I might not have a career in football.”
She grabs my shoulder. “You’re the best all-around athlete on the team. You have quick feet and sticky hands that can catch or intercept any ball. You leap like a damn jungle cat. And you have a stubborn coach who’s determined to snag another national championship. I think that bodes well for you. Don’t lose heart.” Damn, this woman makes me feel ten feet tall. But then she pokes me. “To be clear, I’m not saying you shouldn’t study.”
“No, ma’am.”
She chuckles and leans over to kiss my cheek, and I pull her into my lap. Her brow furrows. “You just need to remember why you fell in love with football and get back to basics. You know how my dad always says you have to focus on the immediate moment? Like, you have to catch the ball before you run, or you stand a greater likelihood of fumbling? That’s what you have to do. It’s the same thing with cheer. If I’m thinking about another part of the routine, I always screw up. My mind has to be on the move I’m trying to execute. Don’t get so caught up thinking about the combine or draft next year. If you execute in the fall like I know you can, you’ll be a shoo-in.”
“That’s great advice, biscuit.”
For the first time in so long, I feel optimistic about next season. Maybe I should count myself lucky that I’m now on defense and don’t have to deal with Ezra much.
I finger a long strand of Roxy’s thick hair. “I’m sorry Ezra’s an asshole.”
“You don’t have to tiptoe around this with me. My eyes are open. I’m not sitting around pining for that guy.I’mthe one who dodged a bullet.” She grabs her flat stomach. “You might not think that given my current situation, but at least I’m not heartbroken over that loser.”
I place my hand over hers. “When’s your next doctor appointment?”
“Friday.”
“Have you had any more cramps since I took you to the ER?”
She shakes her head. “No, I’ve been good. Tired, but otherwise okay.”
“Do you want me to take you to the appointment?”
“You wouldn’t mind?”
“Of course not. Will we be able to see the bean on the ultrasound again?”
“I think so.”
“I can’t wait.” Not a lie. Seeing that little life on the monitor is the coolest thing I’ve ever experienced. I waggle my eyebrows at her. “Make sure you ask the doctor if you can have sex.”
“I totally plan to.”
Our eyes connect, and the heat between us makes me groan. “Not that I’m expecting it or anything.”
“Of course not.”
“But it would be nice.”
She laughs and shoves me again. “It would be.”
24
BILLY
“Seven Nation Army”blasts from the stereo in the locker room as I head for the showers.
“Good workout,” Coach Gates says with a slap to my back. He works with the defensive line. “I saw you pushing it in the weight room.”
