“Back to work, boys! Evans, suicides, until I see some actual effort!”
I nod, taking off across the field. My lungs are burning, my legs are screaming, and Honey’s broken voice still haunts my thoughts.
By the time Coach blows the final whistle, my body’s running on fumes. I peel off my pads in the locker room while the guys swap their weekend plans and dumb jokes.
I towel off and grab my phone, forcing myself to do the one thing I’ve been avoiding all practice.
I text the devil—I mean Jenni.
Zach:I’ll be there
I hit send before I can change my mind. If helping her throw this party makes Honey feel celebrated, then I’ll grit my teeth and deal with her.
A new message lights up my screen before I can put my phone away.
Tiff:How’s Honey? And don’t lie, because you had your “everything’s fine, totally fine” tone earlier.
Tiff:Also, Ella wanted me to tell you she is all packed for our flight. She’s been telling strangers she’s moving into “Uncle Zach’s mansion,” so… no pressure.
I laugh at her message, excited that she’ll be here for Honey’s birthday too. Hopefully having someone like Tiff around will help Honey open up more.
Zach:Can’t wait, Cuz.
Before putting my phone away, I decide to text Honey since she hasn’t messaged me since I dropped her off on campus. Not that I was expecting much. She told me she was humiliated, so I want to give her time, but equally, I want to help her through it.
Zach:Dinner at mine tonight? Might not be around tomorrow, but I want to see you.
“Zach,” Reese calls from the next bench, shoving his feet into his sneakers. “You coming to class?”
“Eh. I think I’m going to skip,” I say, shoving my phone into my pocket.
“What?” He laughs, shaking his head. “I thought you just said you were going to skip?”
“I am. I’ve gotta wallpaper a playroom.”
“Playroom?” Sebi pipes up. “Um, Zach, is there something you need to share with the room? Are you building a sex dungeon? And if so, can I rent it out?”
“Who would you even use it with?” Reese asks with a curled lip.
That shuts Sebi up.
“It’s an actual playroom. My cousin and her daughter are moving in this weekend.”
Dax’s head pops out from behind his locker door, his hair dripping and his grin feral. “Is she hot?”
I don’t even look up. “She has a four-year-old and absolutely zero interest in you.”
“Kids love me,” Dax says, unbothered.
“That’s because you have the same mental capacity,” Mason deadpans, lacing up his cleats.
“Offensive,” I say mildly. “To my four-year-old second cousin.”
The guys laugh, the tension from practice dissolving for them—if not for me. When my phone buzzes, I fish it out of my pocket to see Honey’s responded.
Honeycomb??:I’d love to, but I don’t think I can. I need to go to the hockey rink tonight. Will explain later.
My thumb hovers over the screen long after the message stops vibrating in my hand.