30. VANESSA
VANESSA
The fire Lydia started by posting that bullshit TikTok was quickly put out once Heather posted her video of Lydia confessing to lying about the whole thing. That bitch’s plan to make people hate Paris backfired, and she ended up earning all the hate herself.
However, the next few days aren’t blissful. I’m a stressed-out mess, thanks to waiting for an update on my case against Ryan. The day after I reported that scumbag, Paris and I returned to the station so he could give his statement. I also wanted the cops to know about Philip’s video.
Because Ryan hasn’t been arrested yet, I maintain my decision of keeping my assault a secret from the team. I don’t want any distractions. This is an important game for us. We’re playing our biggest rival, and I feel guilty enough that I’m warming the bench instead of leading them on the field.
Paris’s game started earlier, but I didn’t go. As much as I’d love to support him, my team needs me more than he does.
There are five minutes left on the clock in the second half, and we have yet to score.
We’re tied at nothing-nothing. My replacement is a talented freshman, Ginny Sanders, without much experience.
She hasn’t yet jelled with the team—Sadie already yelled at her a few times for losing the ball to our adversaries while attempting to pass.
Charlotte, our second midfielder, is doing everything she can to compensate.
Despite my promise to Paris to take it easy today, I’m on my feet, shouting encouragements to the team.
The Ravens are on the attack, Ginny has the ball, and Sadie is positioned perfectly to receive the pass and score.
But Ginny touches the ball wrong, sending it directly to the only defensive player between Sadie and the goal.
The defensive player deflects the shot, earning us a corner kick at least.
Sadie’s face is red, and not because she’s been running. She’s ready to go off on the poor girl again, but arguing amongst ourselves won’t help us win the game.
“Sadie!” I shout, trying to draw her attention to me.
She turns in my direction. I signal quickly with my hands, urging her to calm down. In a typical Sadie move, she looks up at the sky and groans, before running toward the goal to get in position.
Joanne, our second striker, doesn’t waste any time and sprints toward the corner to make the kick.
My heart is pounding fast and hard against my ribcage, and I don’t dare breathe.
This our chance to score. Sadie and Charlotte are in position, but Sadie, the tallest, has the better chance of touching the ball.
The whistle blows, and then Joanne fires the ball toward the goal box in a perfect arch.
I hold my breath, gripping my crutches tight.
Several players jump all at once, but it’s Sadie’s blonde head that connects with the ball and sends it straight toward the goal.
The keeper tries to block, stretching her arms to the max to no avail.
The ball touches the net, and a yell rips out of my throat.
It’s swallowed by thousands more from the crowd.
Sadie and Charlotte run to the sideline to celebrate with me, almost knocking me down with their enthusiasm.
The game isn’t over yet, and now the opposing team will be more aggressive than before.
I wish I could run along the sideline to keep up with the players.
It takes a herculean effort to remain in one spot.
My gaze is glued to the field, my attention solely on the game, and for that reason, I don’t notice anyone approach me from behind.
Strong arms snake around my waist and pull me against a solid body, making me yelp.
“How’s it going, kitten?” Paris asks close to my ear.
“Oh my God. You scared me,” I reply through a laugh.
He chuckles. “Didn’t mean to.”
“Did you guys just score?” Danny stops next to me.
“Yeah. Didn’t you see?”
“We literally just stepped onto the field when the crowd went wild,” Paris replies.
“It was awesome. Sadie scored.”
“Ah man. And I missed that?” Danny looks crestfallen.
“I’m sure you can watch the replay,” I say. “How was your game?”
Paris releases me but only to switch positions and stand next to me. He keeps one of his arms wrapped around my waist. “You didn’t keep up with the score?”
My face becomes hotter as shame surges through me. “No. I’m sorry. I’ve been too absorbed in this game.”
The corners of his lips twitch upward. “I know. I was just yanking your chain. We won by a landslide. 27 to 3.”
“That’s awesome.” I rise on my tiptoes and pull his face to mine for a kiss.
Like always, it’s electrifying and makes my entire body tingle with desire. For that reason alone, I ease back quickly. Attacking his mouth while the Ravens are still playing isn’t a good example for the team.
I return my full attention to the girls. As I predicted, the opposing team becomes more aggressive, but our defense holds. I relax only when the referee whistles to signify the end of the game.
Danny runs to Sadie and scoops her into his arms. A lazy smile blossoms on my face. They’re so adorable together.
Paris kisses the side of my forehead. “In a few weeks, that’ll be us celebrating.”
I turn to him, beaming from ear to ear. “I can’t wait.”
It takes a few minutes for our celebration on the field to end.
Per tradition, the MVP of the game—Sadie—gets soaked in what’s left of the icy water.
Because she’s a fiend, she pulls me to her side while the dunking is happening, meaning I get drenched as well.
I’m caught between cursing at her and laughing from the belly up.
During all this, there’s a moment when my gaze connects with Paris, who’s hanging with Danny far from the splash zone. His lips are turned slightly upward, as if he’s trying not to laugh, but his amused eyes give him away.
I break away from the girls and walk over. “What are you smiling at?”
“You.”
“Oh yeah?” I drop the crutches and jump into his arms, getting him wet too.
He picks me up and slants his mouth over mine. His kiss is demanding, hungry, and possessive, making me forget there are thousands of witnesses. A throat clearing nearby interrupts our moment. I pull back but hold Paris’s heated gaze.
“I hope you’re ready to do some explaining,” Heather says.
Wait. My sister came to a Ravens’ game?
I slide off Paris and turn to her. “Wow, you’re here, and I’m not even playing today.”
She smirks. “When I heard Paris was coming, I knew I had to be here.”
Leeriness takes hold. “Why?”
She hikes her thumb and points at spot in the stands. Our parents are there, in their usual seats near the field, but unlike any other day, they aren’t happy. I can see their frowns from where I stand.
“Hell, I didn’t know they were still planning to come despite me being on the bench.”
“Your surprise is amusing. Of course they came. They’re the Ravens’ biggest fans. Duh.”
“I didn’t know,” Paris pipes up. “You could have given me the heads up. I would have refrained from making out with Vanessa in front of them.”
Heather laughs. “Why would I do that? The main reason I came was to watch my folks go apeshit on your asses.”
“I hate you,” I grumble. “Remember, sis. Payback is a bitch.”