Damn. I look over at my calendar and remember his family night game is tonight. Austin and I give each other no end of shit, but I love the guy like a brother. I’m the only family he has and I sure as fuck need to make it to his game tonight.

“What time?”

“Game starts at six. After party starts at ten.”

If I have one of the guys close up for me, I’ll make it. I’ll be late, but I have to be there.

“I’ll make the second half. But I’m not going to a fucking college party,” I tell him.

“Fine. Let your dick shrivel up and fall off.” I’d bet money Austin has that smug smirk on his face that makes me wonder what it’d feel like to smack him. “Elizabeth will be in my section, so be nice. Well, as nice as you ever are anyway.”

Elizabeth is Austin’s quasi-girlfriend sort-of boss. He told me about her and their weird ‘sex tutor’ arrangement. He keeps saying it’s just a job, but he’s at least half in love with her already. It’s going to end badly. Love always does.

* * * *

I pull my eyes away from the two chicks grinding against each other in Austin’s living room to grab the beer he holds out. I take a long sip and try to relax. This isn’t my scene. College was never an option for me. Hell, I barely graduated high school. I’m a couple of years older than these kids, but I’ve seen a lot more of the real world than any of them ever will. Except maybe Austin. My best friend’s had his fair share of sucker punches in life. Still, he always fits in. He’s made a fucking art form out of it. Me? I couldn’t care less.

His eyes are locked on the front door, like he can will Elizabeth to appear in front of him. I’ve never seen him like this. He’s fucking gone for this girl.

“What’s up with you two?” I ask, knowing he won’t give me a straight answer.

“Nothing. She’s just a friend.” He shakes his head with a rueful smile and takes a swig of beer.

“You sticking your tongue down your friends’ throats now? Fair warning, I had onions for dinner,” I deadpan.

He picks at the label to his beer bottle and mutters, “Fuck off. It’s complicated.”

“No shit. You need to be careful with that girl.” I don’t think he realizes he’s in love yet.

“Still afraid I’m going to break her? Don’t worry, she’s tougher than she looks.”

I nod. “No doubt. I’m more worried about her breaking you, bro.” I think back to Austin’s football game earlier tonight, when he looked up to see Elizabeth in the stands, decked out in school colors, wearing his jersey and cheering him on. He’s never had that. Support. Family. Love. I’m not sure what he’ll do if he loses it. “I saw the look on your face when you saw her in the stands tonight.”