Chapter 17
The whistle blows and my feet pound against the grass, adrenaline pumping through my veins. I dart left and right, dodging defenders as I make a break for the try line. The ball feels like an extension of my hand, the perfect oval shape gliding between my fingers.
I spot an opening and push forward, my legs burning as I sprint the last few meters.
With a final burst of speed, I smash through the tackle and slam the ball down across the line.
The ref’s hand shoots into the air—try!
My new teammates let out a roar and rush over, surrounding me in a mass of grinning faces and high-fives.
I’m shocked. Hookers don’t usually score tries. But here I am, at my first practice, and I can’t even be accused of being a ball hog because it literally landed in my hands, and I saw a clear path so I took it.
“That was insane!” A girl with spiky black hair claps me on the back. “Dylan, right? I’m Sarah.”
Another teammate squeezes my shoulder. “Seriously impressive footwork there. I’m Beck.”
I can’t stop smiling, their praise warming me from the inside out. After feeling overlooked for so long, it’s incredible to finally be seen for my athleticism.
“Thanks, you two played great as well,” I say. We fall into easy conversation as we walk towards the locker room, the three of us laughing and joking like old friends. They seem just like the type of teammates I was hoping for. No interest in politics or drama—just the sport we love and the chance to prove our worth.
“So get this,” I say as we reach the locker room. “As you know, I just moved here, and there’s been a total mix-up with my housing.”
Sarah’s eyes go wide. “What? Girl, spill!”
“Well,” I sigh, “I was supposed to stay with some of the other new recruits, but when I got to the house, it was already full. So the housing office stuck me with...”
“Don’t tell me,” Beck says. “Killian Baxter?”
I nod, and they both gasp dramatically.
“No way!” Sarah whispers. “Living with the poster boy of the men’s team himself?”
“I know, it’s crazy,” I say, shaking my head. “I don’t even know him…”
Beck leans in, voice low. “Honestly, no one does. He’s friendly enough, but keeps to himself.”
“Total mystery man,” Sarah agrees. “But so talented and focused. You should see him on the pitch—poetry in motion. He’s also quite focused… at the bars and clubs, if you know what I mean. Has a reputation for having a different girl on his arm every day of the week.”
“Not that you can blame him,” says Beck. “The way he looks, he could get any girl he wanted. Even some of the lesbians on the team, myself included, don’t mind staring at his bum.”
I laugh. “Well, I’m sure he’s great and all, and I have seen him in his undies and can confirm he’s… well-shaped in that department. But I’m here for one reason—rugby. I’ll leave the swooning over Killian’s dreamy eyes or chiseled abs… or exquisite tattoos… to you guys.” I quirk a brow. “Wait, how did you guess I was living with him? There must be a ton of team apartments here.”
“Oh, he and the other guys have been going around telling everyone how they have this hot new female roommate. Which is obviously you. You’re the talk of the men’s team, that’s for sure.”
I roll my eyes and shake my head. “Great, just what I always wanted. Burly neanderthals group texting about my tits. It doesn’t help that I had a nip slip in front of two of them the other day.”
We grin, camaraderie warm between us as I tell them the story of Nipplegate. They empathize and share a laugh with me and it helps me to realize it’s really not a big deal, just a good story. With teammates like these, I feel like I could thrive here, on the field and off.
I smile and give them a nod. “Thanks for the heads up about Killian, though. I’ll try not to drool too obviously over the mysterious dreamboat.”
We all laugh again as we head out of the locker room.
“In all seriousness, though,” Sarah says, “living with Killian and the other guys could be good for you. They’re all leaders on their team. Get some extra pitch time, inside tips, maybe even a management role for the men’s team one day if you play your cards right, and if that’s something you want to do.”
She waggles her eyebrows suggestively and I roll my eyes.
“Doubtful. I don’t even know if he likes me yet. I’m not here to cozy up to anyone, remember?”
“Yeah, yeah,” Beck waves her hand. “All business, we know. We can tell that about you already. But never say never!”
I just shake my head with a grin. “You two are incorrigible. Now come on, I’m starving!”
We chat and joke all the way to the dining hall, their infectious enthusiasm making me feel like I’m already part of the team.
With drive, skill and friends like these, even my unruly roommates stand a chance against me for long.