by L A Cotton
“Is Lo in town?” I changed the subject. I couldn’t imagine him leaving her in Wicked Bay. The two of them were couple goals. High school sweethearts who had stood the test of time, and four years at college.
“No, it’s girls’ weekend. She and my mom and sisters are busy wedding planning.”
“Oh shit, that’s right. It’s soon?”
“Christmas. We’re spending the holidays in Lake Tahoe.”
“Marriage, that’s a big step, man,” I said.
“Not when you find the right girl.” Maverick’s whole face lit up, twisting something deep inside me.
I thought I’d found the right girl once. We were only young—too fucking young to be dreaming of forever—but it hadn’t stopped me imagining a life with Calli.
“Have you been to see him?” Maverick asked me and I froze.
“Hey, relax.” He eyed my hand, the one white knuckling my beer. “For what it’s worth, I don’t think I’d be able to do it either. But your parents really want—”
“Seriously?” I balked. “You came here to do their bidding?”
“It’s not like that and you know it.” His smile thinned. “But I know something about family, Zach. And despite how much we think we don’t need them or how much they hurt us, you don’t want to grow old with any regrets, man.”
I sighed.
“You know, I used to be a lot like you. Angry at the world and everyone around me.”
“I’m not angry.”
He cut me with a knowing look. “I get it, I do. It’s hard to carry the weight of people’s expectations. Sometimes you have to cut free. Sometimes you have to put yourself first. All I’m saying is, make sure it’s what you really want. You’re here now. The way I see it, you can spend the next two years living in Declan’s shadow, or you can prove to everyone that you deserve to be here. That you have as much to offer. You’re not him, Zach. And that’s okay.”
I felt sucker punched.
It was like he’d looked into my soul and plucked out every insecurity I had and laid them out before me.
I flagged down the bartender and ordered something stronger. “You in?” I asked him.
“I’ll drink with you, Messiah,” Maverick teased. “But only if you promise to think about what I just said.”
Think about it?
I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
The bartender slid our glasses over the bar. “To a new season.” Maverick lifted his glass and tipped it toward mine.
“A new season,” I said.
“You can honor Declan without trying to be him, Zach.”
“You don’t know what it’s like... I came here and they just accepted me.” It had been weird as fuck. Still was.
“Because they’re good guys. A strong team. And because your name means something to them. They respect you.”
My lips pursed. That was the thing though. I didn’t want their blind respect. I wanted to earn it. To feel worthy of it.
“Callum isn’t coming?” Maverick changed the subject, and I was glad of the reprieve. I hadn’t anticipated tonight turning into a counseling session, but I couldn’t deny I felt a little bit lighter than I had walking through the door.
“He’s not in a good place.”
“Understandable. He’s also been fielding my calls.” He threw me a bemused smirk.
“You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?”
“Nope. Just promise me you won’t do it again.”
“Why do I get the feeling you’re about to become a serious pain in my ass?”
Laughter rumbled in Maverick’s chest as his eyes danced with amusement. “Because you’re right. I don’t want you to go out there and play for Declan or your family or the college. I want you to go out there and play for yourself.”
“What happened to there’s no I in team?” My brow quirked up.
“Sarcastic fucker,” he murmured, taking a sip of his whiskey. “So tell me, what else is new on campus? Any girls caught your eye yet?”
I almost choked on my beer.
Maverick clapped me on the back, chuckling. “I sense a story there.”
“Not going there,” I said. “Not a chance.”
“That bad?” He smirked. “Well, whoever she is, she sounds like someone I’d like to meet if she’s giving Zach Messiah a challenge.”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”
“Remember, I used to be you… And let me tell you, if she’s under your skin, chances are she’s not getting out anytime soon.”
“Helpful, really fucking helpful.” I rolled my eyes, pretending his words didn’t affect me.
“Can’t stop thinking about her? Trying to tell yourself you hate her? Treating her like she’s nothing to you? Ring any bells?” His brows waggled. “Because I’ve been there... and look where it got me. I’m getting married in less than three months. Fuck, I’m getting married.” He drained his drink.
“Hey,” I flagged down the bartender. “I think you’re going to need to keep those drinks coming.”
Something told me it was going to be a long night.
Things started to get messy. The crowd in The Pivot grew, everyone wanting to hang out with Scorpion royalty. After our little heart to heart, Maverick left me alone with my drink to stew on his words. He was a class act, moving from group to group, spending time with the freshman players, making everyone feel included and important.
He was a true leader.
One of the best the Scorpions had ever seen.
“So are we going to pretend you’re not standing over here mooning over Callum’s sis—”
“Don’t, Brad,” I barked. Liquor coursed through my veins and I felt more than a little buzzed. The last thing I needed was to get into it with one of my teammates about Calli.
“You can talk to me about her, you know? I mean, it isn’t like I have no experience in the field of wanting to bone one of your teammate’s sisters or anything.”
“I said leave it.”
“Okay, my bad. But seriously, do you really think Joel will cut off my dick if he finds out about me and Josie?”
“Dude,” I clapped him on the shoulder, “I think he’ll take your balls too.”
“Fuck,” he breathed.
“Yeah, fuck.”
“But what if I can’t switch off how I feel? I know things didn’t go right with Reese, but I really feel like Jos could be the one.”
“The one?” I jerked back. “Just how drunk are you?”
“I’ve had a few.”
My eyes narrowed. “Don’t let Joel hear you talking like that.”
“The rule is stupid though, right?”
I shrugged. “It keeps things drama free I guess.”
Just then Callum appeared, parting the crowd like Moses.
“Well, shit,” Brad whistled through his teeth, “he actually came.”
“I guess Maverick finally got through to him.” I watched the two of them guy hug. Maverick leaned in, whispering something to Callum and he nodded, letting out a strained breath.
“He’s like the Scorpion whisperer or some shit.” Brad sounded kind of awed.
“Scorpion whisperer?” I snorted. “You’re a fucking idiot.”
“Who’s an idiot?” Saul joined us.
“Brad, he’s got a man crush on Prince.”
“Who doesn’t have a man crush on Prince, the guy’s practically a god.”
I smothered a groan. They all had fucking stars in their eyes. But I guess that was the difference between them and me. They lived, breathed, and bled basketball. I on the other hand, didn’t. It had become an outlet for all my anger and frustration, sure. But it would still never mean the same thing it meant to these guys. They had hopes of the NBA, of fame and fortune and going all the way to the top.
Most of them wouldn’t ever get there, but they wanted it all the same.
I just wanted to survive college.
Didn’t I?
“It’s a good thing Callum came,” Saul said. “He’s still a senior player. He should be here, especially for the freshman.”
Brad nodded. “Yo, Callum, come take a shooter with us, man.”
Maverick guided him over to us. “Did somebody say shooters?”
“Hell yeah.” Saul fixed his eyes on Callum. “It’s good to see you here, man.”
“Yeah, well someone was like a dog with a bone.” His hard gaze flicked to Maverick, who smirked.
“He wouldn’t want you to be sulking in your room.”
“I’m not—yeah,” he ran a hand through his hair, “you’re right. Go on then, line them up.”
“That’s what I’m talking about.” Saul flagged down the bartender and ordered a tray of shooters, handing them out to everyone. “I just want to say,” he cleared his throat, “it’s a real fucking honor, Maverick.”
“Oh, Jesus,” I grumbled beneath my breath.
“Just how drunk is he?” Maverick whispered out the side of his mouth.
“Drunk enough that he might get down and start kissing your feet.” Brad snickered.
“Okay, okay, Sa—”
“Saul.” He flashed Maverick a goofy grin.
“Saul. Why don’t you let me take it from here?” Maverick faced us, lifting his glass in the air. “This team has had it rough over the last eighteen months, but the harder the fight, the sweeter the victory. This season is yours. You just have to want it. You have to leave all the other shit at the door and when you step out onto that court, you have to believe it can happen.”
Everyone stopped to listen to Maverick’s pep talk. He hadn’t gone pro—his accident had prevented that—but he’d had it. He’d had what it took to go all the way. So he knew what the game meant to everyone here. Knew what it meant to the college and the town. People didn’t want the Scorpions to play well and score points and do their best... they wanted us to win. They wanted us to go all the way.
As captain and point guard it was a huge fucking burden to carry.
He raised his glass high in the air. “For Declan.”
“Declan.” His name reverberated inside me like a dull ache I couldn’t get rid of. I sucked in a sharp breath.
So much for playing for myself.
Maverick met my narrowed gaze and gave me a small nod. His eyes shone with sympathy. There was an apology in there somewhere, but I knew he was only doing his part.
I downed my shooter, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand before grabbing another one.
“Is that a good idea?” Brad asked me and I waved him off.
“Probably not.”
But I couldn’t find it in me to care.
“What the fuck did you say?”
“Uh oh,” Brad whistled from beside me, nudging my shoulder. It was getting late and I was about ready to call it a night.
I turned around, to see what all the commotion was, narrowing my eyes when I saw Callum and Saul squaring off with one another.
“Easy, boys,” Maverick approached them. “Why doesn’t everyone just take a breath?”
“It was a joke. I was joking.”
“You’re a fucking moron,” Callum spat, swaying gently on his feet. He was toasted. We all were. “She’s my sister, you asshole. You think I want to hear you talking about her like that?”
My spine snapped straight as I edged closer to where they were standing.
“I didn’t think you’d care.” Saul’s brows pinched. “You didn’t even tell us about her. How the fuck was I supposed to know you’d go all caveman just because she’s hot as sin.”
Red hot jealousy exploded in my veins. He was talking about Calli.
My Calli.
“What did you just say?” I ground out.
“Zach?” Saul blinked. “What are you—”
“Fuck off, Messiah,” Callum glared at me, his eyes glassy from all the liquor. “This isn’t your fight. She’s my sister. I should be the one to—”
“You’re drunk,” I hissed, feeling anger lick up my spine. “You should go home before you say or do something you’ll regret. Somebody get him out of here.”
“Come on, Callum.” A couple of the senior players started to pull him away, but he shirked out of their hold.
“Who made you the fucking boss, huh?” He stepped into me, jabbing his finger at my chest. “You wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for Declan’s accident. You think you’re so fucking slick walking around campus like—”
“Callum,” someone barked, but I cut them off.
“No, let’s hear what he has to say, since he obviously has such a problem with me. Go on then, James, I’m waiting. Tell me how it is?”
“Zach, man,” Brad inched closer. “This isn’t helping.”
But I couldn’t stop myself. Rage vibrated beneath my skin, desperate for a way out.
“Brad’s right, Zach,” that was Maverick, “walk away.”
“Yeah, whatever.” I spun around ready to get the fuck out of there when Callum’s voice gave me pause.
“It goes for you too, Messiah. Stay the fuck away from my sister. She’s too good for you, she always was.”
Without thinking I turned around and threw my fist straight into his face. Callum saw it coming and ducked out of the way, my knuckles clipping his cheek instead of his jaw.
“Fuck,” he grunted, righting himself and throwing himself at me, his fist mashing straight into my eye. Pain exploded along my cheekbone as I blinked, trying to shake off the stars in my vision. He started to come at me again, but a couple of players grabbed him, hauling him just out of reach.
I straightened myself, my eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. The air shifted around us, cracking with tension as we stared at one another.
“Okay.” A heavy hand landed on my shoulder. “That’s enough for tonight. Messiah, you’re with me, let’s go.” Maverick shoved me hard, and I stumbled toward the door, cutting through the crowd like butter. Pain radiated across my knuckles, but it wasn’t enough.
“Here,” Maverick thrust a bottle of water at me, “drink it.”
I stared at it as if it was poison.
“You’re going to need it.”
What the fuck?
My brows furrowed.
“You think I’m taking you home to sleep it off?” His lips curved into a smug smile. “Oh, hell no, we’re going to the court.”
“It’s almost ten thirty on a Friday night and I’m pretty sure he broke my eye socket.”
He leaned in, inspecting what I imagined was an ugly fucking bruise. “I’ve seen worse. And I’m Maverick Prince. If I want to use the court, who’s going to stop me?”
“Are you always this fucking irritating?” I grumbled, ripping the cap off the water and chugging it down.
“Let’s go,” he said, ignoring me. “I’m going to put you through your paces and then you’re going to tell me what the fuck that was all about.”
“I used to like you,” I murmured, falling into step beside him. Because what other choice did I have?
It was Maverick Prince.
Besides, I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep until I’d burned off some of the tension swimming inside me.
And Prince was one of the best.
Calli
“Oh my god, she did not.” I could barely contain my laughter as Xavier embarrassed Josie with story after story of her as a freckle-faced teenager.
“She did. Caught her brother balls deep in some girl but didn’t realize until it was too late.”
“Xav!” Josie slapped his arm, burying her face in her hands. “I thought they were swimming.”
“And got into the pool with them.”
“I was twelve!” Josie’s cheeks burned a deep shade of red. “I’m not sure I like you anymore.” She stuck her tongue out at Xavier, who I’d come to realize was actually a big teddy bear, especially where Josie was concerned.
“Hit me with another.” She wafted her empty beer at him.
“I’
m cutting you off at six.”
“Eight and I’ll switch to water.”
“Seven and you’ve got yourself a deal. Calli?”
“Oh no, I’m good. I’ve still got half of this one left.
“Suit yourself.” He winked before disappearing down the bar.
“I was wrong about him,” I said.
“Told ya. Xavier is good people.” Comfortable silence settled between us as we sat at the end of the bar. There was no live music tonight, but the place was brimming with biker types. Josie seemed completely at ease around them though. I still felt a little out of my depth, but I was glad I had decided to come with her. Not that she’d given me much choice.
Josie’s cell vibrated and she snatched it up, scanning the message.
“Let me guess, starts with Br ends with Ad.” I said, eyeing the slight curve to her mouth.
“They’re at The Pivot. Maverick Prince and some of the old players are there.”
“Great.” I picked at the label on my beer bottle.
“So you won’t be coming to the exhibition game with me?”
“Seriously?” My brows went up. “No, I won’t be coming.”
“Because you hate basketball.”
“Among other things.” Mainly being the fact that Joel had ignored me all week, my brother wished I didn’t exist, and I was trying to avoid being within breathing distance of Zach.
“Guess I’ll have to go all alone then.” She pouted.
“Won’t your parents be there?”
“Yes, and I’ll be avoiding them at all costs. They’re so embarrassing.”
“It’s nice that they want to be there to support Joel and the team.”
“Shit, sorry, Calli,” her expression fell, “I’m such an insensitive bitch at times.”
“It’s fine. But as someone who doesn’t have that anymore, don’t be too hard on them.”
“You’re right. In fact, I bet they’d love to meet you. We could all go to the game together and get dinner afterwards.”
“I’m not sure Joel would appreciate that.”
“Joel smole.” Josie waved me off. “You’re my friend, Calli. And if I want you there, then it has absolutely nothing to do with Joel or the fact he got his feelings hurt.”
