I narrow my eyes, studying her. She doesn’t even flinch.
“Really?” I lift my drink and take a slow sip. “Then why were you so intent on that football memorabilia last week?”
The table goes quiet, and I can feel Honey stiffen beside me. She might not know what I’m talking about, but she knows I only drop the friendly quarterback mask when I’m ready to burn something to the ground.
“Last week?” Honey’s back straightens as she turns her attention to me.
I place my glass on the table and gesture to Jenni. “You want to explain?”
Jenni swallows and hesitates. “I ran into Zach a few days ago.”
“Ran into him where?” Honey presses.
“Near his place.”
Dax takes in a sharp breath and scratches the back of his neck. “This is awkward.”
“How did you know where he lives? I thought you didn’t know who he was?”
Jenni’s face drains. “I didn’t. It’s not as bad as it sounds.” She rushes on. “I was walking by, saw the footballs on the porch and remembered you telling me about them. That’s when I realized it was Zach’s place. I tried to text you, but it didn’t go through, so I went up, picked up a ball to look at it.” She raises her palm in my direction. “Then Zach was just there, and I panicked so I asked him to sign the ball.”
She looks down, clearly embarrassed, but I’m not buying it. Judging by the look on my teammates’ faces, they think I’m being an asshole for bringing it up. I don’t care. The only thing I care about is Honey and if someone is trying to use her.
I watch Honey’s face as she processes that. Confusion first. Then discomfort.
My jaw tightens.
“But then why’d you give me your number?”
Honey’s head snaps back to Jenni. “You gave him your number?”
Jenni’s face is crimson now, her eyes watering. “Yeah, I gave it to him, but only because you mentioned you’d changed yours recently. I wasn’t sure if you had it anymore and I was hoping he could pass it along.”
I arch a brow, lean back and watch every tiny reaction from her. “Mhm. Didn’t you say‘Keep it. Just in case you need it.’”
“Yes.For Honey.” She closes her eyes and covers her face for a second. “I’m sorry. I didn’t explain myself better. I was flustered and embarrassed. A lot like I am right now.”
“Bull. Shit.” The words slip out before I can stop them.
“Zach!” Honey’s tone slices through my anger, and she whacks me on the chest. “Stop it,” she mutters under her breath, and I take in my girlfriend, realizing her cheeks are just as red as Jenni’s.
The table is silent now. Even Sebi’s mid-bite, leaving his pizza hanging in limbo, his eyes wide as if he’s watching a car crash in slow motion.
And that’s when I realize I’ve gone too far.
I didn’t just push it. I shoved the topic in front of everyone. That’s not who I am, and I hate myself for it. I hate that I’ve putherin this position, and that I let Jenni bait me into showing my fangs when Honey needed my trust.
“I’m gonna grab a drink,” I mutter, sliding out of the booth from my side. “Anyone want anything?” I ask, refusing to make eye contact.
Silence.
Yup. I’ve fucked up big time.
I walk away and head toward the bar. I signal for another non-alcoholic beer from the bartender with my jaw clenched so hard, I can hear my teeth grinding.
“Smooth, Evans,” Reese drawls as he saddles up beside me. “Real fucking smooth.”
“She’s lying,” I growl, barely keeping my voice in check. “And Honey’s just eating that shit up because she’s the first person who’s being nice to her here.”