Chapter 24
Trinity
I recognized the willowy blonde gliding in our direction from last week.
She was gorgeous. Tall, thin, perfect skin, wearing a dress that was more for sporting a martini than a microphone.
I stood there in Nike joggers with a white polo that had Cougars across my chest like an eighth-grade tomboy who was on the verge of finding her feminine side.
“Another win. You are doing wonders with those guys.” She beamed as she reached us.
“They have the talent.” He shifted the credit to the players easily.
I’d learned the last couple of weeks that humility was one of his qualities I found to be surprising.
“Yes, but it takes leadership to win games,” she added before she flicked her hair over her shoulder.
“I don’t have any comments tonight,” Preston said as he shoved his hands in his pockets.
He was tense, and if I wasn’t mistaken, irritated.
She waved a hand. “I already spoke with Shaw. I just wanted to say hi.”
I still stood there, feeling awkward and insignificant. I attempted to leave when she finally flickered her eyes to me.
“I don’t think we’ve met.”
“This is Trinity. She’s shadowing Julia,” Preston cut in.
She offered her hand. “I’m sure you’re an asset to the team. I’m Sierra.”
I gripped her palm, giving her bony hand a shake. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.” She flipped her hair again. “I was surprised corporate wanted me out here for this game, but I wouldn’t say no to getting to spend some time with this one.” She nudged Preston’s shoulder. “Preston and I go way back.” She glanced at him. “We know each other well.”
Like I couldn’t freaking tell.
Preston coughed, clearing his throat as he removed his hands from his pockets.
“Well, I’ll let you two catch up.” I smiled. “See you tomorrow.”
I could feel Preston’s eyes burn along my back as I turned and started for the tunnel.
The guys had begged me to join when they celebrated tonight, and I was glad that I already declined. I didn’t feel like celebrating. My comfort would be in my room, writing an essay about the infrastructure of the rotator cuff, pretending I wasn’t completely jealous over Preston Rusk.
An hour later, my phone buzzed on the nightstand next to my bed. I had all eight pillows wedged behind me, propping me up so I could see my laptop.
I reached across, swiping the screen, expecting it to be Landry, when my stomach dipped.
Preston: Heard you weren’t celebrating tonight. Thought you’d be here.
Trinity: Not tonight. I’m surprised you’re not “catching up” with the supermodel.
Preston: I haven’t “caught up” with Sierra in a very long time.
Trinity: Whatever you say.
The bubbles appeared, then disappeared. I bit my lip, wondering if the flippant response was what triggered the silence.
Fifteen minutes later, my phone buzzed again.
Preston: When there’s a knock at your door, answer it.
I frowned down at the phone, just as a knock sounded across the room. Slipping from the bed, I padded across the carpet, my heart thumping as I flipped the latch, then slowly pulled open the door. I smelled it before I saw it. A teenage boy stood at the door, a pizza box in his hand.
“Trinity Maxwell?” he asked.
I nodded. “That’s me.”
“Here you go.” He shoved the box in my direction. “It’s already been paid for. Have a good night.”
Stepping back into my room, I let the door shut as the smell of pepperoni pizza wafted through the air. I placed the box on the desk, smiling to myself as I picked up my phone.
Trinity: Weirdest thing just happened. Some kid dropped off a pizza at my door. Said it was paid for.
Preston: You can just say thank you.
Trinity: You didn’t have to do that.
My heart fluttered as I recalled our phone conversation. He remembered that pizza was my favorite.
Preston: You didn’t eat dinner and I was told you were working on a paper. You need fuel.
Trinity: Careful, Coach. You sound worried about me.
Preston: Would it be a crime if I were?
Trinity: According to Canyon University, yes.
Preston: And according to you?
These lines just kept blurring.
Trinity: Thank you for the pizza. Good night.
Preston: You’re welcome. Don’t work too hard.
After that conversation, I couldn’t even focus to finish my paper. So I enjoyed my pizza, then let the exhaustion take over, hoping I didn’t dream of the man I shouldn’t want.