18 – Cynthia
The week after hertest, Samantha doesn’t make it to the football game. We were supposed to ride together, but she stayed home instead. I sat in the stands by myself for half the game and spent the other half at the concession stand. The guys expect us to be there. But tonight, it’s just me.
During my last trip for snacks, I got Knox a Gatorade so he can rehydrate after tonight’s win. It was close and they had to work extra hard for it. I also bought MMs for me. It’s what I’m snacking on while I wait for the guys to come to the locker room. Once they won, I walked straight here to avoid some of the crowd.
I see the silhouette of players heading this way, their profiles backlit by nearby stadium lights. I roll up the top of my candy bag and stuff it in my pocket, watching for Knox. When I see him, I hand him his Gatorade.
“Thanks, babe.” He leans down and gives me a sweaty kiss.
“Good game.”
He chugs a few swallows down and rips his mouth away, sweat dripping down his temples. “Barely. They almost got us.”
Phillip walks up, also sweaty and beat, his eyes searching for his girlfriend.
“Where’s Samantha?”
My eyes dart to Knox and back to Phillip’s. “Um, she didn’t feel great, so she opted to stay home.”
Phillip’s eyes go wide, but he quickly puts a calm mask on his face. “Hey buddy, can you grab my keys and phone for me. I’m just gonna shower at Sam’s.”
“Be right back, babe.” Knox heads into the locker room knowing that Phillip likes to avoid Coach after games. He’s witnessed too many so-called constructive criticisms that made him cringe to understand.
As soon as the door closes, Phillip’s talking a mile a minute. “What’s wrong? Why didn’t she come with you? Did she try to call me?”
“Calm down big brother.” Shit, that was the wrong thing to say to him. “She didn’t want you to play worried. She didn’t want to miss you playing, but wanted your mind on the game so you didn’t get dad all pissed.”
“Coach’s wins do not take priority over my girlfriend,” Phillip bites out. He’s pissed. He starts ripping his jersey and pads off over his head as we stand there. He doesn’t let a lot of people see that particular side of him, but I’ve seen it. I’m one of the few he trusts.
“I’ve seen her worse if that helps. She told me she’d text if it got awful. I didn’t get any texts.” The locker room door opens and Knox steps out. “So yeah, a stomach thing.”
I hate changing the subject to keep Knox in the dark. But it’s Sam’s wishes to have very few people know and I will respect that. I’ve been bestie to her for longer than I’ve been dating Knox. Still, I’m on a tightrope with him these days.
“Here’s your stuff, dude.”
“Thanks.” Phillip hands Knox his shoulder pads in exchange for his keys and phone then throws his jersey back on to drive home. “I’m heading out.”
“What’s that all about?” Knox looks down at me hard and I just shrug and reach for my MMs again.
“Sam texted me, asked for some food.” I lied. Again. But I have to.
“I’m hungry too.” He grunts. He’s always hungry. “I’ll shower quick.”
“I’ll be right here, babe.” Waiting. Alone. But waiting for you.