Page 19 of End Game
“Yeah, that’s how I know something is wrong. So you’re going to talk to me about whatever is bothering you,” he says rationally.
“It’s a lot of little things. Adjusting. Acclimating.”
He nods. “The first week is the hardest.”
“I don’t miss USC. That’s not it.” I sigh. “It’s just not what I expected.”
“The team?”
“Yeah. They’re… ugh.”
He nudges me with his elbow. “It takes time. You’ll settle in and make friends soon,” he tells me.
“I hope so.”
“And you have us.” He gestures to the rest of the table. Tucker and Mason are sharing a sundae. Miles and Sam are holding hands across the table. Amir and Greg are focused on their own meals. Directly across from us, Wes looks up, makes eye contact, nods, and returns his attention to his book.
“I know. And I’m glad to have you guys.” My heart warms at how easily his friends have welcomed me into their group. “But the girls…”
“Yeah. It isn’t easy.”
Barrett wraps his arm around my shoulders. I shift closer, hugging him around the middle. Everything is a little bit easier when I’m wrapped up in my best friend’s arms. He chases away the bad feelings so effortlessly, I almost don’t realize he’s doing it until they’re already gone. I kind of admire that about him.
He kisses the top of my head. “It’ll get better,” he says, his arm tightening around me. “It has to.”
Chapter 7
Diana
The morning dawns cold and grey. It’s perfect weather for sitting outside for five hours watching a football game.
Johanna is already in the living room when I creep downstairs at eleven. “Where are you going?”
“The football game?”
Her eyes rove over my denim shorts and a Newton Soccer shirt from my new gear bag. I have the new Newton quarter-zip in my bag in case it gets chilly. I’m repping the silver, blue, and black from head to toe.
“You’re going like that?” Her lip curls.
I clear my throat. “I don’t have any other gear.”
She nods. “Okay, then.”
“Are you going to the game?” I don’t know why I ask.
“Nah, I’m going to do a yoga video and get a head start on my homework,” she says civilly, like she’s a normal person.
“Sounds like a good day.”
“I could...” She frowns. “You’re going to see Barrett?”
“That’s kind of the point. He’s playing today. He’ll be at our game on Friday.”
She goes pale. “He will?” She plays with the ends of her hair.
“He’s my friend. He’ll be there to support me. Us. To cheer us on.”
Johanna bites her lip. “Will you see him? After the game?”
