Page 19 of Their Cruel Play
“Oh, that’s just evil,” Kenz says as she takes a step back from me. “I spilled my perfume on it, my ass.”
I unfold the jersey and shake it in the air, hoping some of the scent goes away. That’s when I notice a blotch of red. I stop shaking it and find a kiss stain right above Luke’s number in red lipstick.
Rage flows through me. “I understand why Emma ran away with Jack’s jersey.”
“Might be able to scrub the lipstick stain off in the bathroom, but I don’t know, H.? That perfume is pretty potent, even outside.”
“I don’t really have a choice.” Sighing, I tug it on over my head. I cough and sneeze as the perfume overwhelms me.
“Oh, shit, I think they’re trying to kill me.” My eyes water at the perfume. I’ve never been allergic to something before, but this might be my Achilles’ heel.
“We need to get in the stands if we want to see our men walk on the field.” Kenz grabs my arm, but then retreats to my hand to tug me up the stairs and into the stands.
When Penny and the others wave, I force a smile before I sneeze again.
Kenz keeps us moving up to the top of the stadium. “Maybe we’ll be lucky and the wind will blow that stink right on the Cheermonsters.”
“I could only be so lucky.” I sneeze again and wipe at the tears leaking out my eyes.
We sit down and the announcer begins to talk about the senior boys. Then he announces each of the guys.
Brandon, Kenz’s boyfriend, is one of the first to go. Maybe I can slip the jersey off and let it air out.
“Jack Hill, accompanied by his parents Cathy and Robert Hill.”
Jack walks onto the field with his parents on either side of him. He flashes a cocky grin at the audience. His father walks tall like he’s proud of Jack with a slight grin on his face. His motherholds Jack’s arm like she never gets to do this and is so happy with him.
“They look like a loving family,” Kenz remarks.
“Mmhmm.” I sneeze again. Fuck this stuff is giving me a headache.
“Take it off, H. The guys can’t see you, anyway.”
“But Sidney can and I’m not letting that bitch win.” Yeah, my pride is going to kill me today. I’m sure that’s what she wants.
“Eli Jacobs, accompanied by his parents Nora and Cameron Jacobs.”
Eli walks out with his face stoic. His parents hold on to each of his arms. His father looks a lot like Eli while his mother forces a smile.
“I’m just glad I have a t-shirt on.” I’m sure it would itch otherwise.
“Try breathing through your mouth.” Kenz shakes her head and covers her mouth. “Or don’t, ew. I think I tasted it. I think I tasted Sidney. So gross.”
“Luke Foster, accompanied by his father William Foster.”
A chill rolls over me as I watch William walk beside Luke. That man is cold even from here. While the other parents were in team colors and jeans, William wears a suit and tie. My gaze moves to Luke, and he’s looking right at me.
My breath catches and then I sneeze. “For fuck’s sake.”
“We always knew Sidney was a toxic bitch. This just proves it.”
“Nico Lee, accompanied by his parents Sarah and Mark Lee.”
Nico smiles as his mother holds his arm with both of her hands. His dad seems proud, but a little distant. He holds himself apart from them.
I sneeze a few times. “Fuck,” I whisper.
When I lift my gaze, Sidney and Ashley are looking up toward me and whispering to each other. They both smile. Ugh, bitches.
