Page 56 of Out of Bounds
“We can’t have you sitting out the entire season at home, can we?” Daddy asks.
“We’re taking you to the game, Annie, and Betty is going to watch Nelson at Pace’s house, so you can stay over and be there for college tomorrow,” Sas adds.
“What? Have y’all concocted this plan without me?” I scowl at them all, including Betty as she heads our way, though there’s undeniably a part of me that’s giddy.
I think it’s the surprise, or the excitement of getting back to the Alamo to watch my team, but it might also be that Pace is in on this. Hewantsme to be at the game. Hewantsme to stay over, again.
Not as anything more than friends, I know that. Even as every part of my anatomy enjoyed being snuggled against him for the rodeo in the week, feeling caught, like I’m not falling anymore when I’m around him, that I’m safe because he’s got me, I was thoroughly friend zoned by him.
Plus, I got all my college work done this week thanks to my mid-week living arrangements, and saw more of Nelson, watched him take his first steps. I was cooked for and didn’t have to wipe up endless crumbs. This weekend on the ranch has felt almost as nice as it used to when Mama was here. I could enjoy it because I wasn’t exhausted and chasing my tail.
Still, I tell the three conspirators on my porch, “That’s the worst idea y’all have ever had. Of all the games you think I should go to, you choose this one, against the Archers? Can you imagine the attention this could cause if the press realize I’m sitting in the stands?” I throw my hands up. “They’ll say I’m pining after him. They’ll say?—”
Sas places her hands on my shoulders. “Annie, stop. This is the perfect game for you to go to and stand tall. You’ve done nothing wrong and you shouldn’t be forced into hiding because Auston’s an idiot.”
“I’m not hiding, I’m?—”
“Hiding,” Daddy says. “And Quinns don’t hide. We stand up and face our fears. Especially when they’re as weak as that piece of sh?—”
“Daddy!”
He holds up a hand in apology to Nelson. “I’ll drive the truck and Nelson. Betty’s gonna drive herself. You can follow in the Audi.”
“Come again?”
“Oh, yes, that’s the final part of the plan. Pace said you’ve got to drive into the city,” Sas tells me. “Ifyou’re up to it, but he believes you are.”
“Are you seriously willing to sit in a car with me because Tanner tells you it’s a good idea?” I drop my hands to my waist.
“I’ve known him his whole career. I trust him. I trustyou, Annie. You’ve got this.”
I drag in a breath, searching all the expectant faces focused on me.
“I’m wearing a hat. And shades. And, Sas, you can sneak me in with one of those lanyards you wear. I am absolutelynotgoing through the friends and family entrance.”
“Deal.” She smiles. “Can we be excited now?”
I am excited. I’m also nervous as hell. I’m going to see my brother and Auston on the same field again. Last time, the Bears’ defense were hitting Auston at every opportunity. The team had my brother’s back. They had mine. And this season is being pitched as the battle for the divisional playoff rematch, on top of all the other noise.
24
PACE – MID-OCTOBER
St Louis Archers at San Antonio Bears
I. Am. So. Fucking. Conflicted.
Fuckingchargedfor this game.
I’m fired up against the whole Archers team because I get that injuries happen buttheyare the reason Tommy will never play again.
But it’s not only that. Not by a mile.
Every chance I get, I’m looking to the box where Annie will hopefully be sitting with Sas and her dad, desperate to see my…friendat my game, wearing a Bears’ jersey. Hating on the dick who’s been warming up on the same field as me. Wanting to rip his goddamn head off for everything he’s done and continues to do to Annie. The lies in the past, this week to the press saying he and Annie are working things out. His complete lack of fucking effort when he has everything that I’m terrified to admit to myself that I mightwant.
Standing next to me, in the middle of our pregame huddle, Quinn is a reminder of just one of the reasons Ican’tchase anything with Annie.
“Listen up,” I say.
