“No, you know what?” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them. “That’s bullshit. You’ve never even tried to stand up for me. And maybe that’s because you don’t actually like me, but you’re here right now even though the team would fucking destroy you if they knew, and I don’t think that’s for Amber. So, what is it, man? Because I gotta tell you, it does not feel great to have you tell me you’re brave enough to come out to the team as gay but not as a Jack Walsh supporter. That kinda feels like your own brand of misogynistic bullshit right there.”

He opens his mouth and I can see he’s got a heated reply planned, but then he closes it. He blinks. “I … fuck. I don’t know what to say.”

“Say ‘You’re right, Jack.’ Maybe even ‘I’m sorry, Jack.’ I’ll definitely take ‘I should’ve stuck up for you sooner, Jack, but I’ll start right now, because you’ve been working your ass off, and having a scout watch you play may be your one shot at having a future in it after high school and becoming a fucking legend, and I’ll do anything to stop my friends from screwing it up for you.’”

At least he has the decency to look ashamed. But accompanied by his silence, it’s not good enough.

“Thanks for the info. You can leave.” I don’t wait to watch him go, instead heading to the bathroom and turning on the shower high enough to fill the room with steam fast, and to cover the sound of his retreating footsteps and the door shutting behind them.

I had two friends in this entire school—this entire town—and now I’m really and truly alone.

Chapter Ten

-AMBER-

Miguel isn’t answering my texts.

This is the first time I can remember him leaving me on read.

Yeah, sometimes he’s unreachable when he and Malcolm get a little … caught up, and I know never to try him at practice, but otherwise, Miguel is always, always there when I need him.

Except right now.

When he’s leaving me on read.

No one fucking leaves me on read.

“You’re missing the entire movie,” Cara complains, prodding at the goopy pink mask on her face. “If I knew you were gonna text your boyfriend the whole time, I would’ve at least dragged Kelsey here with me.”