Sliding the headphones on, I closed my eyes and pictured Bay’s face. I pressed play, and my heart sped up, skipping a beat. Her voice washed over me, relaxing me and wiping away the last lingering flickers of pain. Sleep was a blissful oblivion where her song was only for me.

Tomorrow I’d deal with everything that came with it, but tonight, I’d have my peace with Bay in my head, even if she couldn’t be in my arms.

30

Dare

Knox and I drove to the scrimmage together. He kept a watchful eye on me, like he expected me to pass out at any second. The pain relievers last night had made it so I could sleep.

My side was tender as hell, but I suited up, happy we were only playing touch since it was off season. It was a practice. I’d gone to practice bruised and bleeding before. It was just like any other time. Just practice. A glorified practice where my whole career hinged on the outcome.

The screen lit up on the phone sitting at the top of my duffel bag. Each message pinged onto the screen, rolling in one after another.

Bay: Break a leg out there.

Bay: Not actually. I’ve been around theater people way too much.

Bay: Kick some junior ass at the Bedlam Bowl. I’m working on securing my freedom. The warden hasn’t said when it will be. I’m sure it will be just in time for everything in our senior year to be over.

Bay: Don’t be nervous.

Bay: I hope I didn’t just put that in your head.

Bay: I’m going to stop now.

Bay: You’ve got this.

I laughed, breaking some of the tension burning in my chest. Walking into the locker room, I responded to her text before setting down my bag.

Me: I wish you were here too.

Bennet pulled his shoulder pads over his head. “Someone’s in a good mood.”

I popped open my locker. “What’s not to be in a good mood about?”

Knox shot me a look before dumping his stuff in his locker and grabbing his pads.

Bennet stretched his arm across his chest, pressing his shoulder against the wall. “I’m looking forward to a whole month of only needing to go to the weight room. It’s going to kick my ass when I get to North Carolina, but it’ll be worth it. Not like I’m going to be a starting QB in my freshman year anyway.” He shrugged like it was no big deal, but at least he knew he had a spot on the team.

His head swung in my direction when he switched up the stretch. His grimaced. “Sorry, dude.” He ducked his head and leaned in. “Listen, I know what went down last season and I know you’re keeping it quiet. If someone doesn’t pick you up after this, they’re out of their fucking mind. We’ve got your back out there.”

With a tight nod, I finished putting on the summer pads. Not nearly as bulky, they allowed for even more movement and less sweat-inducing weight.