Page 34 of The Downside of Love
Playfully I give Stryder a once-over and shake my head. “Probably not.”
“What?” His eyebrows draw together. “Why the hell not? I’m a good time.”
“You might be too much for him.” I smile and turn back around, walking through the gate to the track.
“Too much? Fuck that, we’re going to be best friends by the end of this practice.”
Stopping, I face him, hands on hips. “What did I say about swearing?”
Sheepishly he cringes and asks, “Make sure you swear a lot?”
“Stryder.”
“Okay, I know, no swearing. I’m sorry. I got this. Totally under control. Don’t worry.”
* * *
“Whaaaaaat? Dude, you tossed the shit out of that softball,” Stryder says to Bryan who surprisingly has taken to him easily.
“Stryder,” I snap, for the fifth time during practice. “No swearing.”
“I didn’t,” he replies, looking seriously perplexed.
“Yes, you did.”
“What did I say?” He hands Bryan another softball and steps out of the circle to give him some space. Bryan is at a level where he can’t quite use a real shot put yet, but he’ll get there.
“You said shit,” I whisper.
“Did I? Huh, I didn’t even notice.”
I fold my arms over my chest. “I could tell.”
Wrapping his arm around me, he shakes my shoulders and says, “Come on, you’re not mad. Admit it, it’s fun having me here.”
It’s true. I’ve had fun joking around with Stryder and watching him interact with the athletes, mainly Bryan. At first Bryan was a little standoffish. He didn’t take to Stryder like he immediately took to Colby but then again, when he met Colby, Bryan was in his environment, in his space, and comfortable. He felt safe. Attending practice is already pushing him out of his comfort zone, but with some smooth coaxing, some Credence Clearwater Revival playing from the phone in his pocket, and some ridiculous dance moves, he won Bryan over enough to let him hand him softballs.
It’s a win in my book.
And it was really cute to watch Stryder desperately try to get on Bryan’s good side. After a few failed attempts, I gave Stryder a few pointers. Had him play the music and talk about the Broncos. That loosened Bryan up, and then the dance moves, well, I think that made everyone happy. At one point, practice turned into a dance party, and for the life of me, I couldn’t stop it . . . at least not right away.
Stryder might have sworn a little bit more than he should have, but what was funny was the way he tried to cover it up.
Fuck, I mean fudge. Throw the fudge out of the thing.
That was my favorite. It made me snort, especially when I caught the confused look on the athlete’s face.
“Come on.” Stryder nudges me.
Rolling my eyes and giving in, I say, “Fine, I guess I’m glad I invited you, despite the swearing.”
“I knew it.” Cocky as ever, he gives Bryan another ball just as my mom walks up to us. Practice has ended, athletes are going home, and Bryan is getting a few more tosses in while I wait for everyone to be picked up. I usually don’t have to wait at all.
“Why, hello,” my mom says, looking between me and Stryder, a hint of disapproval in her gaze.
I might have forgotten to tell her Stryder would be here.
“Mrs. Oaks, hi. How are you?” Stryder waves his hand, keeping it at that.
