As they discuss pivoting strategies and overcoming resistance to change, Noah and I exchange glances. It’s like they’re describing our own situation—and maybe, just maybe, this course will teach us how to pivot the way we both so desperately need.
Chapter 15
Noah
Thesunbeatsdownon my neck as I stare across the empty rugby pitch, my mind full of leadership terminology after the day’s classes. Heat radiates off the grass in shimmery waves, reminding me of my childhood summers with Jayden. We’d play one-on-one rugby for hours, collapsing in exhaustion as the day faded to dusk.
Jayden’s always been wary of strangers. I know why. His stepdad Walt waltzed into Jayden’s life when he was ten, all charismatic smiles and big talk. But behind closed doors, Walt was a mean drunk. I saw the bruises he tried to hide.
So when someone new comes along, Jayden blows hot and cold and occasionally bares his teeth. Like with Dylan. I get that he’s protective of our team, but she seems harmless. Eager to prove herself, yeah, but she’s got no agenda other than playing her best.
So why’s Jayden giving her such a hard time? She’s not like Walt. I mean, have you seen her smile? It lights up her whole face. And she’s got a wicked sense of humor too. Just the other day, I heard her sassing our other teammate, Luke, about his terrible finesse on the pitch. She’s kinda perfect, actually...
Wait, do I have a thing for Dylan? Is that why I jumped to defend her against Jayden?
No way. I barely know her. But I do feel this urge to shield her. To make her feel at home here.
And the kiss we had came out of the blue, but that was just spontaneous. A way to dispel the tension. That’s all there was to it.
At least Jayden’s not trying to treat Dylan like he tends to treat his fangirls, though. Using them and discarding them without a thought before rapidly moving onto the next one. I’ve seen him in action, and it’s both alarming and impressive, the simplicity with which he’s able to pull hot chicks and then treat them like utter shit. No consequences to make him stop, I guess.
My phone buzzes, jolting me from my thoughts.
Jayden:
Why do you have such a boner for Dylan?
I laugh out loud. He can be a real mind reader sometimes. Maybe I do have a little thing for her. But it’s more than that. She deserves a real chance here. And I’m gonna make sure she gets it.
I shake my head and start typing a reply:
Noah:
Dude, I don’t have a ‘boner’ for her. I just think she deserves a fair shot on the team. Put yourself in her tiny ass shoes. She just moved here and is trying to fit in. Cut her some slack.
A few moments later, my phone buzzes again.
Jayden:
Whatever, man, she’s cute and all, and maybe I just haven’t gotten to know her as well as you. I want to like her, but I don’t know if I can trust her. Something about her seems off.
I frown and start typing furiously.
Noah:
You’ve got to give her more of a chance. Help her feel welcome here. It must be lonely and overwhelming being surrounded by a new team of guys. She’s new to the city, too. Just give her a chance. And of course something seems off… anyone would be acting off with a giant man-child like you breathing down her neck and being nice one moment and mean the next. Stop being so moody and get yourself together.
I hit send and wait, wondering how he’ll respond. I get why he’s being prickly, but it’s misplaced, and I just want to help her feel at home here.
My phone buzzes one more time.
Jayden:
Fine, I’ll try to be nicer or whatever. But I’ve got my eye on her.
Noah:
I knew you’d come around. She’s gonna be great for the club and the women’s team. Just watch.