You can’t look too far down the road, otherwise you’ll lose sight of what’s right in front of you and get your ass kicked by the last team you expect.
You’ve got to prepare for each game like it’s the championship game.
“Party at Sig Chi tonight!” Coop shouts, voice hoarse. “I better see every one of you fuckers there. We’ve got some celebrating to do!”
Damn right.
It’s been a long ass week and I could use an opportunity to blow off steam, especially after this morning’s run in with Sutton. It’s like the girl is everywhere I go lately. I can’t escape her, and I’m not entirely sure I want to, but, since she’s allergic to fun, I doubt she parties on Greek Row.
Which is a good thing.
Because tonight I plan to cut loose and purge the Sutton from my system once and for all—by any means necessary.
15
SUTTON
It’sSaturday night and I’m sitting on my bed Googling ways to remove sweat stains and foul odors from clothing when Maddie bursts in, all but bouncing on the balls of her feet.
She beams at me, eyes alight, and clasps her hands together in front of her chest. “You’ll never believe what just happened.”
Whatever it is, it can’t be more unbelievable than the fact that I spent the afternoon performing—poorly—for Wildcat Nation, got chewed out by the cheer coach, and then had to make four appearances on campus with my tail tucked between my legs.Literally.
“Try me.”
She flops down on the edge of my bed, sporting a wildcat tattoo on one cheek and the letters WU on the other.Because she knows how to show school spirit. “I got invited to a party on Greek Row. You have to come with.”
So not happening.
I toss my phone on the bed and meet her hopeful stare. “Not interested.”
The last time I partied on Greek Row, things didn’t end so well. It’s a mistake I have no interest in repeating.
Maddie’s face falls and I quickly add, “But you should go and have fun.”
Fun is the last thing I’d have at a frat party. And that would just spoil the night for Maddie. Really, I’m doing her a favor by staying home.
“Invite Brooke and Soraya. I’m sure they’d be down.”
“Yeah,” she says, nodding slowly. “But I want to hang out with you. Aside from training, we haven’t hung out in ages.”
She’s right. Not since spring semester. Maddie invited me to visit over the summer, but I couldn’t swing it with my work schedule.
There’s nothing stopping you from hanging out tonight, except excuses.
Acho. Am I a shitty friend?
Guilt gnaws at my conscience, and as if reading my thoughts, Maddie sighs, looking and sounding utterly dejected.
She’s playing me. I know it. But it has been a while since we partied and things are only going to get more hectic this semester with gymnastics, classes, and my Wildcat duties.
Duties I need to brush up on sooner rather than later.
I steal a glance at my open closet. The blue and white duffel bag sits on the floor, exactly where I left it. With Maddie out of the apartment, I could wash the costume and binge old games without worrying about getting caught.
Or you could get your ass out of bed and be a decent friend.
“Pleeease,” Maddie begs, her high-pitched whining approaching a frequency only dogs can hear. “I need you.”
