Chapter Seventeen
Thomas
Another reporter catches me off guard, and just like I’ve said to all the others, I repeat my formal statement…
“There is no truth to the rumors surrounding my family. Anything you may have heard or read about my relationship with my family, in particular my sister, is fallacious and should be ignored. I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by a loving and supportive community, and I’d appreciate it if we did not subject them to harassment and lies simply because I’m in the public eye. I will be making no further comments on this matter. Thank you.”
Or something similar.
I would love nothing more than to tell them all to fuck off and mind their own goddamn business. Instead, I have to be a professional. I can’t afford not to be. But God, am I ready to throw punches.
This bullshit with my family has been following me around for years. Some days I think I’ve spent more time fighting off rumors than I have playing football, and I’m almost at my breaking point.
I’m not even a part of the goddamn drama, and yet, I seem to be suffering while Summer lives her life as though nothing happened, staying close to home but never once talking to me about it.
And God, that hurt.
What started as something my family kept quiet, changed over the years as more people noticed the rift between us, and more people formed an opinion. But rather than setting the story straight, Summer continued to flaunt her ways, keeping us in the spotlight. Keeping the whispers going.
It’s been three years. I’ve moved states. I’m hundreds of miles away, and that period of my life still haunts me. I don’t even know the full story, but I’ve learned some truths that, to this day, I wish I’d never found out. I wish I’d never been caught up in it—that my parents had never involved me. That Summer had never involved me. I don’t want to hate her. She was my little sister. She is my little sister. But how do I get past what she’s done with no apparent remorse?
Moving to Seattle was supposed to change all of that for me. Growing up, it was my dream to play for San Francisco. They were my team. But after everything we went through, I needed to get out of California, away from everyone and anyone that knew us.
I needed a clean slate.
Being signed by Seattle was a blessing. Everything I could have asked for. But, of course, my nightmare followed me.
Now, once again, I’m forced to do anything I can to cope.
“You coming out tomorrow night?” my teammate Adam asks, catching up to me on our way outside.
I put on a smile and laugh. “Do you really think I’d miss it?”
No matter how fucked-up my head is, no one needs to know my business. Ever. I tried to talk to someone once…and it fucked me up even more.
The good thing about Adam is he never asks.
Like me, he’s a rookie. But unlike me, he hasn’t really made a lot of friends on the team. He’s nice enough, but a little shy and not as sure of himself as the rest of us are. But he’s a hell of a player, and it’s easy to see why he’s here.
“I have to fly out early for Thanksgiving,” I continue as we walk, ignoring the dread working its way into the pit of my stomach. “But I can sleep on the plane. I’m ready for a big night.”
“I doubt you’ll need to sleep. No matter how much you drink, you always seem to bounce back like it’s nothing.”
I huff out a laugh, though I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing. “I’ve just figured out the perfect remedy for a hangover.”
“Please share it with the group.” He laughs, just as our quarterback rushes past, jumping into his truck so quickly I almost call out after him.
“Do you think his wife went into labor?” I ask despite knowing Adam doesn’t have the answer.
Adam’s eyes flash toward Colton driving away, his expression puzzled. “Maybe.” He nods, his voice light. “Or maybe not.” His shoulders drop before he gives me a shrug and walks toward his car, leaving before I’ve answered his earlier question.
I hold back a laugh as Adam throws me a wave over his head, and then my gaze follows Colton as he disappears out of sight. I hope everything’s okay.
From the moment I get to the bar the next night, I’ve got a drink in my hand and an endless number of congratulations thrown my way.
It didn’t take long to find out if Colton’s wife was in labor. I was called back to talk to the coaches before I’d even left the parking lot. She wasn’t in labor, but there are complications with her pregnancy, and while she’s okay for now, they’re monitoring the baby. She’s not due for another two weeks, but Colton asked to be rested for our upcoming away game to stay close to home.
And they want me to start.
Me. A rookie.
Starting quarterback.
This is my moment.
This is it.
But it’s jaded.
I should be elated. I should be shouting my excitement from the rooftops, but every time I think about it, a feeling of déjà vu hits me and my stomach sinks.
It’s like college repeating itself and it doesn’t feel right. Once again, I haven’t earned the position. I got it by default. And last time karma came in the form of Summer leaving and my parents struggling to afford my college fees until I thankfully secured an athletic scholarship. This time, who knows.
“Congratulations, man. What an achievement for a rookie,” one of the seasoned wide receivers says, patting me on the back. “I have no doubt you’re going to kill it; it’s been a pleasure to practice with you.”
His words do nothing to ease my mind, but I don’t show it. “You mean we are going to kill it.” I smile brightly, giving him a fist bump as I smile. “Dream team right here.”
“Hell, yes!” Others join us and I’m engulfed in more warmth than I ever could have imagined. Warmth I’m not sure I deserve.
But I take it anyway, because it comes with drinks. And that’s what I need right now.
The night goes on, and the later it gets, the more my worries drift away until I’m just as excited as the rest of my teammates.
“Tho-mas. Tho-mas. Tho-mas.”
I laugh as the guys chant my name, before grabbing a shot from the counter and positioning it at the chest of the girl in front of me. I think her name is Brenda. Or maybe she just looks like a Brenda. But what does a Brenda look like? Either way, I’m going in.
“I’m gonna need you to push those tits together and stay still.” I wink as she flips her red hair over her shoulder and does as asked, securing the shot between her billowing breasts.
She lifts to her toes as I bend down, wrapping my lips around the glass before tipping my head back, loving the feel of the liquid as it burns down my throat. I’ve barely had time to lick my lips before she thrusts her tongue in my mouth and grabs the hair at the nape of my neck, pulling a guttural groan from within me.
My eyes roll closed as someone yells, “Fuck, yeah,” and I can’t stop my following smile.
The beat of the music swirls through my mind, the notes dancing with colors, and my senses take control. When the alcohol hits, my head lolls back as I sway my body, only mildly conscious of the people surrounding me, until a warm breath tickles my cheek, snapping me from my haze.
“You want to get out of here?” the girl I’ve named Brenda whispers in my ear before sucking my lobe between her lips. A shiver runs through me as my smile widens.
“Hell, yes,” I say, taking a step back. “But first…I need to piss.”
Without waiting for a response, I turn and bump shoulders with Adam, pulling him into a hug, my bodily functions forgotten. “Adam! My man! Where have you been?”
Adam smiles as he rocks slightly, unable to keep his balance. “You look happy,” he says, reaching out to squeeze my arm.
“You know what, Adam? I am happy. I’ve been looking at everything all wrong,” I tell him as I grip his shoulder, leaning forward to whisper. “This was meant to be. I’m meant to take Colton’s place next week. To show the coaches what I’m capable of.”
Adam nods but otherwise gives me nothing, so I explain it more clearly. “I’ve spoken to Colton, and he admitted he’s only got a few years left, five at max. If he sticks to that… it’s gonna be me.” I laugh to myself as the NSYNC song plays in my head until I remember Summer loves that song and push it all from my mind. “I’m going to make it happen,” I say instead, patting Adam on the back with my free hand.
Adam smiles as he nods this time but his brows furrow, and when he sways again, it makes me dizzy.
“You alright there, Adam?” I ask, gripping him tighter to still him.
Adam’s face scrunches as he turns me around, perching me on the edge of the stool someone just vacated. “I’m fine. Are you?” I hear Brenda giggle and reach behind me to give her waist a squeeze.
“I’m on top of the world.” I throw my hands in the air. “Let’s have another drink to celebrate.”
When I wake the next morning, I’m surprised to find myself alone, especially with the smell of perfume lingering in the air and flashes of long, red hair still present in my mind.
And while I can’t remember how I got home, or what time I stumbled into my apartment, there’s water on my bedside table with two Tylenol beside the glass, which I know I didn’t put there. I’m not that thoughtful.
Knocking back the water and pills, I throw on some shorts and make my way to the kitchen, startling when I find Adam standing at my coffee machine, pouring himself a cup.
I rub my eyes a few times, but when I open them again, he’s still there.
This is a first for me.
“Soo…” I say slowly, but loud enough to draw his attention, making him jump. “It’s nice to see you, Adam, but I was expecting a redhead.”
“Jesus, I thought you were sleeping,” he says as he spins to face me. “Did I wake you?”
“Nope, I woke up naturally.”
“Of course you did, and you look like you could go and play a round of tennis.”
Huh? I run a hand through my hair. “Tennis?” That’s random. “I can’t remember the last time I played tennis.”
“I play tennis sometimes.” He shrugs. “My point is that you look good… ready for the day. Anyway, you’re probably wondering why I’m here?”
“The thought had crossed my mind.” I scratch my head. “But since I can’t remember much, who’s to say I didn’t invite you.”
“You didn’t.”
“Oh-kay.”
“But there was no way you were getting home without me. You were pretty messed up.”
Oh. Jesus. That doesn’t sound good. Guess I lost out with Brenda. “Thanks, man. I appreciate that. I hope I wasn’t an asshole.”
“Nah, you were fine. But…” he trails off, making me wince.
“But what?”
“Nothing, it’s nothing.”
“It’s not nothing. What happened?”
“You said something and… is everything okay?”
His words hit me like a punch to the gut and I have no idea why. “Ah. What?” What did I say?
“You said something about not deserving any of this life…and told me to be a decent human.”
What the hell?
“You are a decent human. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—”
“No, sorry. You made it very clear I was decent. It was more you telling me to continue being that person.”
“Right, okay.” I laugh nervously but hide it. “Drunk me has no idea about life. I’m good. I promise. But I appreciate you helping me get home safe. Can I drive you somewhere, or did you drive?”
“I don’t have my car, but I’ve called an Uber, so I’ll be out of your space as soon as it arrives. I know you’ve got an early flight.”
An early flight. Shiiit. “What time is it?”
“Just past six thirty,” he says, and I relax a little. My flight isn’t actually until nine, but that’s early enough after a big night.
And while Adam is right that I’m usually good with hangovers, this one feels extra punchy. Right on my temple and I’m left wondering…
How much did I drink?