“Nice try, whoever you are,” I mutter before blocking the number.
Then I open Zach’s messages, ready to send him one. Too bad I’m distracted by his last message.
Zach:I’m sorry about last night, Honeycomb. I love you, whatever you decide to do, but don’t take this internship on if it’s to protect Tiff and Ella. Only do it if it’s something you want to do.
I bite my bottom lip, wondering when he’s going to figure out that protecting them is something I want to do. It’s not like I have any other plans, so I might as well make myself useful.
Honey:I spoke to my dad and it's done. I’m working for him and the lawsuit’s being dropped.
Zach:I’m proud of you for making the decision, Honeycomb. You are truly the most amazing and selfless person I’ve ever met. With every fiber of my being, I hope you didn’t accept it just for Tiff and Ella, but thank you for helping them.
I smile at his response, because of course he’d be supportive. That’s just who he is. He’ll always make space for me, even when I can’t figure out where I belong.
Honey:It’s nothing. Can I come over tonight? Need to talk to you about something.
Zach:You don’t have to ask anymore. You have a key, and this is your home too. You can walk in whenever you want.
I finally take my things and head back to my dorm so I can get some clothes. Maybe I can't stop people from watching, or from trying to tear us apart, but I can choose not to let them win, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
For better or worse, I've made my choice today. I'm taking control of my own story—with my father, with my future, and with whoever is trying to come between Zach and me.
St. Michael’s. St. Michael’s. St. Michael’s. St. Michael’s.
The chant vibrates through me as I run onto the field with the team. The moment I clear the tunnel, the volume explodes, and a cameraman rushes to my side, plastering my face across the jumbotron.
As if the stadium needed more of me.
I don’t acknowledge the camera or the crowd, always reminded of Coach Summers’ voice in my head.“Notoriety will ruin you if you let it.”
I’m not here for the glory. I’m here for what matters.
I’m here to win.
Forthem.
Honey… Tiff… Ella… My family.
I never crack or waver when it comes to the people I love. I just deliver, because that's what they need me to do. I’m the guy who stays when the rest run. I’m the guy who looks pressure in the eye and smiles, because I was fucking made for this.
“Evans,” Coach Summers calls, motioning me over before I can join the others for warmups. I jog to the sideline, already knowing what's coming.
“You've been watching the film I sent?” he asks, his voice gruff.
“Yes, sir. Every night this week.”
He nods, eyes scanning the field. “Good. Those option reads were sloppy last game. Covey's defensive coordinator is going to be looking for that tell with your left foot. We can't afford those mistakes tonight.”
“Won't happen again, sir.”
“And remember—” he claps my shoulder, his voice dropping so only I can hear, “—you're not just throwing to Reese out there. Spread the ball, keep them guessing.”
I tip my chin in acknowledgement. “Got it.”
I head to the field for warmups, knowing he’s right. I've been too predictable lately, and it’s time to change things up.
Reese jogs up beside me, knocking me on the side to get my attention. “Is Honey coming tonight?” he asks, looking down.
“Yeah.”