Distraction

by McPherson, Angela

  My head snapped up to scan the field. Fifteen was Tristan's number. He had the same position as Bret, but he usually didn't play during the second half. I couldn't answer Eric's question as the players huddled onto the field. My eyes stayed glued to the number fifteen jersey. The team broke and lined up in formation. The ball was snapped again and Jarred ran back.

  His protection fiercely surrounded him. I could only see Tristan, and he was wide open. Finally, Jarred zoned in on him, throwing a high, spiraled pass. The ball flew through the air. Tristan leaped up and caught the ball single-handed. The move was something he was famous for back in high school, even though he caught shit for doing so.

  Iowa's cornerback shifted in his direction. Tristan, being faster, maneuvered his steps with measured precision around them. The crowd stood on their feet cheering Tristan on. Now only five yards away from the end zone, he sprinted faster. Another cornerback caught up and ran into his back, tackling them both to the ground. I couldn't tell if he'd made it over the line.

  "It's a Texas Tech touchdown," came through the speakers.

  "Yes, he did it!" My heart raced with excitement. Tristan scored his first Texas Tech touchdown. I couldn't believe it. The punt team ran onto the field and I held my breath. The field goal was good, giving us the close win of twenty-one to twenty.

  "This is so exciting. I bet Tristan is so hyped right now." I turned, smiling at Eric. He didn't share my excitement.

  "What's wrong? We just won." I arched a brow, waiting for him to explain.

  "Yeah, we won. Let's get out of here before the crowd gets crazy."

  On our way to Eric's car, we had to dodge frenzied fans leaving the stadium. The breeze swept around the open area, making me thankful I'd worn my sweatshirt.

  "Do you think Bret's okay?" I couldn't stand the silence between us.

  "Hope so," Eric replied, refusing to say more.

  "Maybe Alyssa and Tisha know something." I took out my cell and dialed her number. On the phone, Alyssa said that Bret had a sprained ankle, but the doctor's didn't find anything broken–thank goodness. I relayed the news to Eric hoping to lighten the air.

  "So, that's good. Right?"

  "Uh huh," Eric mumbled.

  Okay, he pissed me off. "Are you going to give anything more than a one-word reply the rest of the night?" I stopped walking, waiting for him to answer me. Eric stopped and looked at me with speculation in his eyes.

  "Listen, I know you and Tristan are just friends, but you should've seen your face when he scored." My phone chimed, alerting me that I had a text. I looked at my phone. Of course Tristan had to text me right then.

  Did you see that shit? Coach said I was gonna get in some serious field time while Bret's recovering from the sprained ankle. This is it Spud. See you soon.

  "Who's the text from?" I winced hearing Eric’s accusing tone. When I looked up, I noticed his shoulders were straighter, his jaw tight.

  "Alyssa," I lied. "Listen, we've had this discussion. You said you were fine with me and Tristan being friends, but if this is how you're going to get when I watch Tristan play, then we should probably end this now. I've known him forever. I've been there for him as a friend." I stressed the word. "And I'm here with you, but–"

  Eric stopped me. Cupping my face in his hands, he gently rested a kiss over my lips.

  "I'm sorry for being a jealous jerk," he said, pulling away. Eric hung an arm over my shoulder, squeezing me close to his side. I didn't like how quickly he displaced his trust in me, but in a way, I understood. I let my irritation go and snuggled closer to his side, letting him lead me back to his car. Once inside, we drove back to the after party.

  We could hear the music before we opened the door and when we stepped inside the party was in full swing. Alyssa found me as soon we walked through the door.

  "So about what you said earlier." She arched an eyebrow when I shook my head back at her. "You know, about me liking Bret," she whispered, as if liking him was top secret news.

  I gave a snort, trying to hold back a full-blown laugh. Alyssa glared at me. Eric stood beside me, and she turned her glare to him.

  "Hey, boyfriend." She placed her hands on her hips waiting for his full attention. Satisfied, she carried on. "Do you think you can make yourself busy for like two seconds? I need private girl time with my best friend."

  When Eric didn't move, she shooed him with her hand. "Go get us some drinks or something." She waited but he didn't move. "Shit, she isn't going anywhere."

  Eric looked down at me and smiled. "You sure you'll be all right if I leave you with her?" He nodded to Alyssa.

  "Yes, but if you stay here any longer I can't promise you won't walk away without any injuries. She can get pretty fierce."

  "I bet I could take her." He looked back at Alyssa, who did not look amused. "Ouch." He rubbed his arm after Alyssa reared back and punched him. "Fine, I'll leave."

  Satisfied, Alyssa turned back to me and glared.

  “Okay, don't kill me," I said. "I think it's great that you like Bret. And I think you could use a little down time."

  "Down time? What in the hell does that mean?" Alyssa pursed her lips, and tapped her foot waiting for me to explain.

  "I mean, I know you're not into the whole boyfriend thing and you like to date. A lot."

  "So, what's the problem with dating?" She frowned.

  "You didn't let me finish. As I was saying, I think this may be good for you. You don't ever let anyone get close because you're afraid of getting hurt. Of all people, you know how much I get that, but try dating and see where things go."

  "Fine, just don't let this get out. I have a reputation to maintain," Alyssa said, then screamed as Bret grabbed her from behind.

  "As long as that reputation stays between us, I don't care what you do." Bret leaned Alyssa back and kissed her dramatically. I left them alone when Alyssa failed her attempt to push him away. Poor Bret, he had no idea what he was getting into.

  "I've been looking for you everywhere. Did you get my message?" Tristan pulled me in for a bear hug. I pushed him back, ignoring the stares from a few people around me.

  "Yeah, I'm proud of you. You did great tonight." I smiled. I just couldn't help the way I got around him. He gave off an energy, and you couldn't help but smile when you were around him.

  "So what are you doing tonight? We always celebrate after a winning game." His smile sent my stomach fluttering, but then Eric walked up beside me and it dropped.

  "Nice game, Daniels." Eric reached out his hand to Tristan. Tristan looked at me then back at Eric's outreached hand. My mouth dried, wondering what Tristan would do. Surprising me, he smiled and shook his hand.

  "Thanks." Tristan cleared his throat, running his fingers through his thick, dark hair. I noticed his biceps flexing, and my breath caught in my suddenly dried throat. "Y'all wanna play a game of pool?"

  I smiled, trying to keep things light. "Sure, lead the way."

  Chapter 15

  Tristan

  Yeah, Elle and Green showed up together tonight. I didn't care...too much. I'd scored my first Texas Tech touchdown. What a great end to a fucked up week. I followed Elle up the stairs to play, but people occupied the table at the moment.

  "You wanna do a shot with me?" I looked at Elle and smiled. She shook her head, but grinned. Her hair fanned around her shoulders.

  "You know how well that turned out last time." She laughed. The sound could rival angels.

  "Don't know what you're talking about." I winked and crossed my arms over my chest. Our freshman year, Elle drove up to watch my game. I scored my first college touchdown that night and later we headed back to my dorm. We got shitfaced, and emptied the full bottle of tequila. The next day we couldn't stand the smell of limes. I'd told her I loved her that night as soft, cat-like snores came out of her opened mouth. She hadn't heard me, and I’ve never repeated those words to her again.

  Snapping me out of the past, Elle caved. "One shot." She held up her index fin
ger and cocked her brow. Challenge accepted.

  "Fine." I turned away before she could reconsider my offer. I took the stairs two at a time and pushed open the kitchen door. A few freshmen were refilling shot glasses. I picked up two and headed back out. Elle stood outside the door talking to Eric. Fuck, I forgot about him. I headed over and held her shot out to her.

  "Don't know what's in it, but it’s not tequila." I did my best to ignore the person standing next to her.

  "Great. I'll hold these while you grab another for Eric." So much for ignoring him.

  "Right. Be back in a second." I rushed back to the kitchen. Before I walked out, I downed a shot for good measure, and then took another shot out.

  "Here's to many more touchdowns." Elle smiled. Her face glowed from the light above her.

  "Here, here." I raised my glass, and not being the dick I wanted to be, I nodded at Green. Together we downed our shots.

  Jarred slapped his hand on my shoulder. "Daniels, get used to the spot light, man." He shook his head. "We're gonna kick ass on the field."

  "Yup." I turned my attention back to Elle. "You up for another victory shot?"

  She shook her head. "Not tonight. I'm supposed to be keeping an eye on the freshmen."

  “All right. You wanna see if the table's open?" Eric wrapped his arm around Elle's waist. My jaw clenched and my fingers twitched, ready to break his digits off one by one.

  "Maybe in a bit. I think Eric and I are going to dance."

  I gave her a tight-lipped smile, which she returned before leaving.

  "Daniels."

  I looked over my shoulder at Bret. He held up two shots while keeping his balance on his crutches. Spraining his ankle tonight gave me the opening I needed to prove myself. Poor bastard. I headed over to him.

  "Don't mind if I do," I said taking the offered shot.

  "I heard you did good tonight." Bret smiled, but I knew he worried about his position. He'd joked about me taking over after our first practice together during the summer.

  I shrugged my shoulder. "Just played the same way I always do...fucking great."

  He smirked.

  “How's the ankle?" I looked down at his ace wrapped ankle. He had to use crutches to keep his weight off his foot.

  "Not too bad. Vodka is kicking in."

  "Speaking of vodka, let's have another shot."

  "Dude, you read my mind."

  I shook my head. "Sit your ass down. I'll be back with another round."

  "Hurry the hell up. I don't wanna lose my buzz."

  I laughed. When I came back, I lost my shot. Alyssa grabbed mine and tossed the liquid back before I could stop her.

  "Thanks, Shrimp."

  She irritated me, but I didn't care. Not tonight. "Because I'm having a good time, I'm gonna let that slide."

  She shrugged her shoulders, not giving a damn.

  "Daniels!"

  Glancing over my shoulder, I noticed a few guys holding up a beer bong.

  "Gotta go," I said, ignoring Alyssa's smartass remark.

  "Daniels, you kicked ass tonight." James and a few other guys agreed.

  "Boys," I shook my head, "I kick ass every night." They laughed. I tried not to let my ego roar, but what the hell. You only live once, right?

  Elle

  The weekend ended with Eric and me becoming more familiar with each other. I needed to slow down, but my mind refused to listen when his hands caressed my skin. The way his lips felt against mine tightened my stomach and the longer we kissed, the more I didn't want to stop.

  Sunday night I dreamt. When I woke up, my entire body felt hot and quaked with desire. Problem was, Eric hadn’t starred in my erotic dreamland…Tristan had. As much as I tried to push him out of my mind, he always seemed to find his way back in. I guess girls needed cold showers, too. After I had one, I dressed and headed to class.

  "Miss Richards, please see me after class," Mr. Edwards said when he handed back my paper from last week.

  I slowly turned my paper over, thinking I failed. Imagine my surprise to see I aced my assignment instead. I wondered if he thought I cheated or something, which was ridiculous. All through class I worried what Mr. Edwards wanted, and when he finally dismissed everyone, my stomach fluttered nervously. On shaky legs, I walked over to his desk.

  "You said you wanted to see me, sir?"

  Mr. Edwards looked up from his desk. His glasses slid down his nose, and he pushed them back up with the tip of his chubby finger.

  "Yes, Miss Richards," he said, and sat back in his chair resting his hands on his round stomach. "I wasn't sure what to think of you in the beginning, but you've proven yourself these past few weeks. I have a proposition for you.

  "I noticed you've volunteered to write articles for the school paper." The chair moaned when he shifted in his seat. "I need someone to fill in for my sports writer. Is that something you'd be interested in?"

  I could've sworn I heard him wrong. "Sorry, I'm not following you?"

  Mr. Edwards pulled his bushy brows together and leaned forward. "I run the student paper and my sports guy is out with a family emergency. After reading your last paper, I thought you might be up for the challenge. Of course, if you'd prefer I find someone else, just say so."

  I responded without thinking. "I'd love to. What sport would I be covering?" To be honest, the sport didn't really matter as long as I could write for the paper.

  "Football. You'd be expected to get the facts straight, a–"

  "I love football. That'd be great."

  "Great, we'll start you off with an interview. If I like what you get, then we'll go from there. You can start with the new kid, Tristan Daniels. His transfer from UT to Tech, he came out of nowhere, and now everyone’s hungry for his story. This is a big assignment."

  "Uh, no problem," I said, already knowing Tristan's story.

  "Good, get started. I want a full interview on my desk by the end of next week."

  "Yes, sir."

  I didn't hang around, afraid he'd recant his offer, but also afraid I'd let him. Tristan and I hadn't spent much time alone with one another. I wanted this chance, and prayed I wouldn't allow myself to get lost in my feelings for him while doing so.

  When my other classes were over, I headed to the library instead of going home for lunch. On my way, I called Eric to ask if he wanted meet up.

  I set my bag at a table near the back, dug out my notebook, and began writing. Eric found me not long after I started writing questions to ask Tristan.

  "So what's the big news?" Eric pulled out a chair across from me.

  I rushed through most of the details but left out whom I was interviewing. I wasn't ready to fill in that last bit of information.

  "Isn't that great?"

  "Cool, who does he want you to interview?"

  I shifted in my seat nervously. "He wants me to interview Tristan. Since I know everything there is to know, I figured I could do most of the assignment without him." I watched his expression, wondering if he was upset.

  "That gives you the inside edge." He smiled.

  "So you're okay with me interviewing him? I mean, I haven't talked to Tristan yet so I could adlib if I needed to." I hadn't realized I was holding my breath until he said not to worry. "Thanks," I replied.

  "I've got to get to class, but I'll talk to you later."

  "Okay, sounds good."

  Eric left and I sent Tristan my good news in a text. I really wanted to tell Tristan first, but I wanted this thing with Eric to work.

  My phone chimed and I opened Tristan's text. That's great. Let me know when and where. I'm all yours.

  "You seem happy." A girl's voice came over my shoulder. Of all people, I hadn't expected to find Kellie. Might as well skip the formalities.

  "What do you want, Kellie?"

  "I know you like Tristan," she started, "and it's pathetic. I mean the way you look at him when you think nobody's watching. It's a good thing Tristan is so nice." The bitch pulled out a chair besid
e me, crossing her legs when she sat down.

  "He feels sorry for you because he knows about your little crush on him." Kellie leaned in closer. Her perfume wasn't the only thing making me sick. I kept my expression neutral.

  "We've laughed at the display, but he doesn't want to hurt your feelings. He said your sister being," she paused, and sighed dramatically, "well, you know, all into..." She covered her mouth as if she'd said too much.

  I grabbed my things. "Kellie, you know what? You're pathetic." I turned her words back at her. "Attempting to ruin my friendship with Tristan to ease your insecurities is sad."

  I leaned over, coming close to her face. "Sweetie, you don't scare me, and if you think this thing between you and Tristan will last, you're delusional. I haven't interfered because I love watching stupid bitches like you fall on your face." I stood and walked the hell away.

  I didn't go to my next class. Instead, I went home to clear my head, though doing so didn't help. Kellie's words kept streaming through my mind like poison. They had apparently talked about me, just how much I didn't know. The way she spoke, teasingly evading what she really knew, stung.

  I trusted Tristan as much, if not more, than Alyssa at times. We've confided in each other since we were kids. All the nights he stayed up late with me on the phone so I could drown out the fighting down the hall or vice versa. When my sister took a turn for the worse, Tristan had been there.

  Maybe I'd been a fool thinking he cared, even as a friend. I didn't want to believe that, but my brain and my heart weren't seeing eye to eye on the issue.

  A text came across my phone. I have some free time. You wanna meet?

  It was now or never. Sure, I'm at my house. Can you come now? Everyone is gone so we have the house to ourselves.

  On my way. He sent back.

  I came up with different ways to bring up what Kellie had said, but as soon as Tristan came over, my mind drew a blank.

  “Hey, I'm starving. You got anything I can eat?" He turned back around when he reached the kitchen. "And none of that diet shit girls like to eat." He winked.

  "Look around. Get whatever you want." I quietly watched him. When he finished, he balanced two sandwiches in one hand, held a glass of milk in the other, and sported that grin I loved as he sauntered in my direction. The man had skills; I’d give him that.