Chapter 21
Archer
Today’s pre-game practice was not so great. Apparently, we stayed out way too late last night because Ty, Deej, Cameron and I are sloppy. And Coach has no qualms about calling us out on it either.
And since none of us could deny we were sloppy at practice we all stayed late to run extra drills to make up for it. Now we’re in with the athletic trainers getting stretched out and prepared for tomorrow’s game.
“Mack loves Elle and her friend Sadie.” Deej says as he gets stretched out next to Ty and I.
“He said, and I quote ‘If we ever have kids, I absolutely want those girls to be the female influence they would need.’ I don’t know what that says about the sisters we have, but it’s clear that Mack prefers Elle and Sadie.
” Deej grins. “Although, I don’t know how I feel about that Phoenix guy if I’m being honest. His wife was great, personable and sweet, but I don’t know, that guy just sort of rubbed me the wrong way I guess. ”
“I’m sure he was just starstruck or something. He seemed cool enough when we went back to Archer’s place. Although he was kind of pompous about my reading preferences. Oh!” Ty cuts himself off. “We, meaning; Archer, me, Cameron, Sadie, Ellie and Stephanie are starting a book club! You should join!”
“Are these going to be real meetings or like a virtual thing?” Deej asks.
“I’m thinking in person. We can rotate hosting; the girls might not be able to — because and I’m not trying to be a dick here.” Ty says as he eyes me. “I don’t think the girls’ places can fit several large football players inside them.”
I nod along because he’s right, Ellie’s place is fine when it’s just the two of us and occasionally Sadie after Mexican and margaritas but the comparison of sardines in a can comes to mind when I try to picture the rest of the guys in her place.
And from what Ellie has told me, Sadie has a roommate so that would be an additional person at her place.
“No, I think that’s a fair assessment.” I say.
“I don’t know what Steph’s living situation is, but I do know that Ellie’s place is too small for all of us to meet there, and I think Sadie has a roommate.
I have no problem hosting though. I could host every meeting since I live the most central to everyone. ”
“In that case, I would love to join. I’ll ask Mack. I’m sure he will too, he loves to socialize.” Deej says as he texts who I am assuming is Mack. “I love this idea, why haven’t we done this sooner?”
“Well, we tried that D&D group last season.” I remind everyone, “But Benji was an awful DM and couldn’t keep the story straight and then Devon requested to be traded so he could be closer to his family and then it just sort of fell apart.”
“Book club seems much more manageable!” Ty bobs his head enthusiastically. Always the optimist.
“Well you tell me when, where and what book, and I will bring the wine.” Deej reads from his phone. “Sounds to me like Mack is in.”
“Hell yeah!” Ty cheers.
I smile. Book club does seem much more manageable, not to mention Ellie loves to read and seems to be more than willing to hang out with my friends.
Cassie loved to hang out with them when we could be seen but never wanted to do so away from the public eye.
She claimed private time was for us and at the beginning it was for us.
But as time went on, private time never seemed to be about us.
It sort of evolved into additional work time for both of us.
Thinking back about Cassie and mine’s relationship brings me back to something I’ve been needing to check off my to do list.
“Hey Deej, is your sister still a realtor?”