Emma stood up. “You’re such a liar! There’s no way I’d throw up in front of Dooner. You just made that up because you’re jealous that he likes me and not you. As a matter of fact, he called me today to see how I was feeling.” She raised her chin in the air.
My breath caught in my throat. “James called you today?” I whispered.
“Yes. He called while you were in the shower.” She raised her chin another notch.
“Why didn’t you tell me he called?” I accused.
“Because he called to talk to me.”
“Emma, you’re lying,” I spat at her.
“I’m not lying. He did call, and he talked to me.” She narrowed her eyes. “Why would he call you anyway?”
My temperature was rising. I grabbed a fistful of Emma’s hair and yanked her off the front porch fast enough to make her head spin.
“Ouch, Mike,” Emma yelped. “What the hell do you think you’re doing? Let go of me right now or I’ll start screaming.” She tried shaking me off.
“Shut up!” I yelled.
Emma actually listened and stopped struggling. She must have understood that I wasn’t going to stop until I saw this through. I released her. Rubbing her scalp, she followed behind me like a scolded puppy with her head down.
“I’m going to prove to you that you did puke all over me last night.” I pushed open the greenhouse door and marched over to the garbage can where I’d thrown my disgusting T-shirt. I pushed her head down into the garbage so that she could get a good whiff.
“What does that smell like to you?”
She stood up and flipped her straight, black hair over her shoulder. “It smells like garbage. That doesn’t prove anything.” I’d forgotten that Emma could be almost as stubborn as me.
Calmly I put on a pair of gardening gloves that were lying around and reached into the garbage can, pulling out my crusty T-shirt. The puke had dried and it smelled terrible. “Here’s the proof you wanted, Emma.” I waved the dirty shirt inches from her face. “James was holding you up from behind and I was standing in front of you. When you puked, it landed on me. Ring any bells?”
“I had no idea.” She slumped to the ground. Covering her face with her hands, she began to cry.
Suddenly I felt sorry for her. Maybe Emma acted so out of character because she wanted to fit in. She was probably just as scared and unhappy about moving here as I was. I sighed and sat down on the floor facing her. I remained silent for several minutes, unsure of what to say. When she’d calmed, I asked, “Are you okay, Emma?”
Slowly she uncovered her face. Her usually flawless skin was red and blotchy. “No. I can’t believe I humiliated myself like that on the first night. Everyone probably thinks I’m a loser.” Silent tears continued to run down her face. Emma always worried about what everyone else thought. “I’m sure no one wants me on the cheerleading squad now.”
Strangely, I wanted to assuage her fears. “Don’t be so dramatic, Emma. James and I are the only ones who know you got sick. I won’t tell anyone and I’m sure he won’t either.”
“What if he already told all the guys on the football team? Before you know it, the whole school will think I’m a lush. My reputation is ruined.” She sniffed loudly.
I shook my head. “I doubt it. James won’t tell anyone. He’s not the type.” I can’t believe I’m saying that when only a half an hour ago I was ready to think the worst of him. “He wouldn’t be that cruel. He was worried about you, just like I was.”
Emma’s intense blue eyes looked guilty. “Can I tell you something?” she asked and rushed to add, “without you getting mad at me?”
“Yes…” I wondered what Emma was up to now.
“You have to promise not to get mad.”
“I won’t get mad.” My voice rose unintentionally.
“You’re getting mad already.”
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Politely I asked, “What do you want to tell me?”
Emma’s face turned even redder. “James did call this morning. Only you were right, he called to talk to you, not me. I lied. He’s so good-looking and he has such an amazing body,” Emma drooled, “that I wanted him for myself. Sorry. Are you mad?” She ducked her head, covering it with her hands. You’re not going to pull my hair again are you?”
“No.” I chuckled.
“Phew,” she sighed.
“What did he say?” I asked, turning the conversation back to what mattered.
“He asked me to give you a message.”
My eyes grew wider in anticipation. I held back from commenting because I didn’t want to get my hopes up.
Emma continued. “He said that he was busy working with his dad today and he wouldn’t be able to get together until after dinner.” My spirits lifted. I hadn’t misjudged James after all. He was different from other boys. He wasn’t blowing me off; something unexpected had come up.
“Did he say anything else?”
“He said he’d call back later.”
Feeling happy for the first time all day I stood up and reached down for Emma’s hand. “Come on. Let’s go get some ice cream. Mom bought a pint of Ben & Jerry’s at the grocery store. It’s our favorite—Coffee Heath Bar Crunch.”
“Okay.” Emma brightened. We looped arms and headed toward the house.
Chapter Eight
Dooner
I was taking a quick water break during the first of two practices on Monday morning. Without pause, Coach shouted the next drill. “Team, huddle up. Let’s run wide out drills. I want all the guys who’re trying out for wide receiver and tight end to get in formation. Also I need our quarterback, Tyler, out here to throw passes. Let’s see who knows how to catch a football.” Coach looked at me, the corners of his mouth turning up ever so slightly. I knew he was counting on me this season to catch whatever Tyler threw at me and run for a touchdown.
I wouldn’t let him down. Last year I set a new school record for the most touchdowns scored by a single player in one season. This year I planned to break my own record.
I lined up with the other players. It was only a conditioning and technique drill, so we weren’t wearing helmets, only light pads and shorts. A couple of drills were run before it was my turn. I stepped up in formation with Casey, Tyler’s sidekick, playing free safety. Tyler threw a leading pass. I reached for the ball and caught it easily. Casey plowed into me and I fell to the ground, with him landing on top. I was used to hard hits, but not by my own teammates. I growled. A hit that hard was no accident. It was no secret that we weren’t pals, but this was low even for them.
I shoved Casey off of me and stood up. “What the hell was that for?” I shouted angrily.
Casey played dumb. “I was showing Coach I meant business.” Coach stood on the sidelines, watching our every move. He didn’t look pleased.
“We’re only running bump and run drills,” I stated, doubting he’d actually forgotten.
Tyler rushed to his buddy’s aid. “Hey man, back off.”
I turned around quickly and faced him. “What’s your problem, Tyler? Why’d you throw me that blind pass? Remember we’re on the same team, jackass. Are you jealous that the scouts are going to be looking at me and not you?” I took a step closer to him. The team had quieted down and I could feel their eyes on us.
“Jealous of you?” Tyler snorted. “Hardly.”
“You’re just making a big girly fuss about nothing.” Casey nodded, agreeing with Tyler.
Normally I kept my temper in check, but today I could feel it building. I was in a bad mood because my dad had been riding my ass for days and I was still pissed about missing my date with Mikayla. Their goading pushed me over the edge. I shoved Tyler with both hands. He stumbled over Casey, who was still on the ground. I watched as Casey and Tyler exchanged a look I recognized. I was prepared when they jumped me at the same time. It was two against one, but the odds didn’t bother me. I’d been outnumbered before. I landed a hard punch to Tyler’s gut while he con
nected with my jaw. My hand was inches from his face when the sound of the whistle brought me back to reality.
Coach was beyond angry. His eyes were pinched and his forehead was deeply creased. I didn’t blame him. He’d just witnessed the team captains fighting each other. Coach had a “zero tolerance” policy for that sort of behavior. I knew the punishment would be harsh. I deserved it for falling into Tyler’s trap. What was worse was knowing I’d let Coach down. He was more like a father to me than my own. I could see the disappointment in his eyes, hiding under the layer of anger. I’d really fucked things up this time.
“Team, line up in the end zone. You can thank your three friends later for this next drill. We’re running suicides,” he yelled into his megaphone.
I heard moans and groans from the rest of the team as we took our positions. This wasn’t going to be easy. “Just so there are no doubts, you’re all running until you puke.”
Coach blew his whistle, signaling the first round. We sprinted to the 10-yard line, touched the line with our hand, and then raced back to the goal line. “Hustle,” Coach shouted angrily. Without pause, he blew his whistle again. This time we ran to the 20-yard line and back. We continued running, adding ten yards each time. By the time we completed one full round of suicides, most of the team wasn’t looking good. They were slowing down and everyone was sweaty and winded. I was to blame. I shouldn’t have let Tyler get to me.
Coach blew his whistle again. The team moaned even louder. I had to try to make this right. The guys had suffered enough due to my stupidity. “Coach, I’ll stay and run as long as you want me to. Let the other guys go. It’s not their fault.”
“Not a chance, Dooner. You guys win as a team, you lose as a team, and you pay for each other’s mistakes as a team,” Coach bellowed. He waved his arm at me. “Now, get back out there.”
We were sluggishly making our way back from the 50-yard line, when I looked back and saw Tank lagging far behind. He was clutching his side and looked like he was about to throw up. His face was the strangest shade of purplish-red I’d ever seen, reminding me of a plate full of overcooked beets.
“Dooner, Tyler, and Casey, stay,” Coach announced. I felt relieved, and wondered if he’d seen the look on Tank’s face too. “The rest of you can go. Practice is over. But I must warn you, just because this morning was unnecessarily rough, I won’t be taking it easy on you this afternoon. You better go home and rest up. You’re to be back here at three o’clock sharp and not one minute later. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, sir,” the team responded. I could hear in their voices how angry they all were at the three of us.
“Now get on outta here, before I change my mind.” He waved his hand, dismissing them.
The team slumped off the field. No one bothered to turn around to see what further punishment Coach had planned. I didn’t blame them.
Coach had us line up on the end zone again. We continued with the suicide drills. I hated every second of it, but there was no way I was going down before Tyler or Casey. I’d rather drop dead than give either of them the satisfaction of beating me. Probably realizing no one was going to give up any time soon, he finally shouted, “Alright boys, bring it in.”
The three of us could barely stand. Coach gave us a disgusted look. The physical punishment was over, but I sensed the worst was yet to come. I braced myself for bad news. “Do you know what it means to be part of this team?”
“Yes,” we answered, our voices filled with shame.
“As it stands right now, the three of you are benched for our first game.” My mouth hung open and I heard Tyler gasp. Coach ignored our distress and continued. “You should consider yourselves lucky that I’m not throwing your stupid asses off this team. You know that I have a zero tolerance policy for fighting.”
“We’re sorry,” we mumbled in unison. I wanted to plead our case and convince him to reverse his decision, but I knew he wouldn’t. Tyler and Casey also remained silent. We’d have to prove ourselves.
“What the hell were you three thinking? You’re supposed to be my dream team!” He lamented. “Go. I’m sick of looking at you.” He turned and walked slowly toward the school.
I watched his retreating figure, trying to muster the strength to move. I felt frozen in place. The news was even worse than I’d imagined. Tyler and Casey also seemed to be in shock.
“I can’t believe we’re going to miss the biggest game of the season.” I slumped my shoulders.
“It fucking sucks,” Tyler agreed. I wanted to say that it was his fault we were in this predicament, but I bit my tongue.
“You can say that again,” said Casey.
“I have a lot riding on that game,” stated Tyler emphatically. He wasn’t the only one. The scouts would be there. The scholarship was my one chance to get out of this town.
Determinedly I said, “We’ll have to make sure that we change Coach’s mind.”
We walked silently to the locker room, each lost in our own thoughts.
I took a quick shower and left. I kept my eyes focused on the ground. I didn’t need any more trouble. I was almost to the door when someone burst out of the main office and collided with me. I didn’t even have to look up to know who it was. My body registered her soft curves and lavender scent. We’d only met two days ago, but it seemed like I’d known her forever. When our bodies touched, electrical currents shot through me.
“Hey, Mikayla.” Taking in her beauty and charm, I instantly regretted my decision not to call her back.
“James, I’m glad I ran into you.”
“You are?” I said, my voice full of surprise. “I thought you’d be mad at me for not taking you on that hike like I promised. I had to help my dad change a tractor tire.” I heard how lame that sounded as soon as the words were out of my mouth.
“That’s okay, it’s no big deal.” She shrugged.
I wondered at her nonchalant attitude. Most girls would be fuming mad. She must not be interested. I was about to try to convince her to give me a second chance when a woman with wavy brown hair and brown eyes exited the main office.
Mikayla grabbed her arm. “Mom, I want to introduce you to a friend of mine. This is James. James, this is my mom.” I was thrilled to hear her call me a friend.
“Hi. Mrs.—” I put my hand out.
“Mrs. Mooney,”
“Call me Dooner. Everyone does.” We politely shook hands.
Mikayla rolled her eyes. “Mom, James offered to give me a ride home.” She emphasized the word James. “Is that okay? I figured you wouldn’t mind since you have a meeting this afternoon.” She flashed me a devilish grin.
I wasn’t really sure what was going on, but I didn’t care. It looked like I was getting a second chance without even having to ask. I played along. “I don’t mind dropping Mikayla off.” I stressed her name. “It’s on my way.”
“Sure, that’s fine.” Mrs. Mooney chuckled, apparently finding amusement in our playful banter. “I’ll see you later at home.”
Once we were out of earshot, I turned to Mikayla and asked, “Do you really want a ride home, or was that some sort of cover-up for your mom’s benefit?” I looked back over my shoulder and saw that she’d already disappeared down the long hall. “Either way it’s cool.”
“I really want a ride home.” She followed me out to Old Faithful. I opened the passenger door for her and she hopped in. I enjoyed what she was wearing today—faded jean shorts and a fitted red T-shirt with black Converse sneakers. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, curls escaping everywhere.
I walked around the truck and climbed into the driver’s seat. I started the engine and headed in the direction of her grandfather’s farm. The radio was on; I played with the dials, searching for a song.
Mikayla was the first to speak. “When you drop me off, do you have a sec’?”
“Yeah, I have a two hour break before I have to be back at practice.” Maybe my day wasn’t going to be so bad after all.
&
nbsp; “Perfect.” She didn’t say anything else, but left me wondering what she had in mind. She leaned her head back and relaxed as the wind from the open window blew her hair all around. I wasn’t prepared for how happy it made me feel to see her riding in my truck. I could get used to having her next to me.
I waited until we were parked in her driveway to apologize. I cleared my throat. “I’m sorry about yesterday. Thanks for giving me a second chance. What can I do to make it up to you?”
“You just did by giving me a ride home. We can call it even.” She smiled. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.” She quickly jumped down from the truck and walked toward the house.
Without even being invited, I followed her.
She stopped on the front porch and turned around to face me, “Wait here. And I mean it.” She pointed her finger at my chest.
“Where are you going?” I asked, but she didn’t respond.
She disappeared into the house, returning a minute later. “Here’s your shirt. I washed it for you.” She held it out to me.
I was taken aback. This was not what I had expected. “I said you could keep it.” I pushed it back at her.
“You said a lot of things.” She sounded both angry and hurt.
Finally I understood why she had me drive her home. She wasn’t giving me a second chance; she was paying me back for standing her up. She led me here on false pretenses only to let me down. “So you are mad about yesterday.” She didn’t say anything but the angry look on her face said it all. “I really was helping my dad change a tractor tire. I called. Didn’t Emma tell you?”
“Yeah and she also said that you’d call back.”
“I took a shower and then crashed.” I didn’t tell her that until I ran into her today I’d decided she’d be better off without me. “Changing a tractor tire isn’t as easy as it sounds.” I took a deep breath. Lowering my voice and changing my tone, I added, “I’m sorry I didn’t call. Can you give me another chance?”
“No.” She turned to disappear back into the house.
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