Page 10 of Rise Above

you watch TV at all anymore?”

“No, not unless it’s football or football playoffs.” Davis shook his head, clearly disappointed in his

friend. “Alright. Well, didn’t Dre and I take you to a Hammers game last night?”

“What does that have to do with this conversation?”

She frowned at her friend. Her mind was clearly trying to sort out the puzzle presented before her. Her mouth popped open as some realization occurred. “Are y’all hockey players?”

Zeke feigned hurt. “I am shocked—absolutely

shocked—that you don’t know me. I might as well be Wayne Gretzsky, lady.”

I rolled my eyes. Gretzsky hadn’t been a goalie, and

Zeke made a bad comparison. But if she didn’t know us, I doubt she’d know any other players outside the GOAT.

“I’m new-ish to Chicago. Hockey isn’t a huge deal

where I’m from. Nice to meet y’all, though.” Aife snuck out from Davis’s arm, quickly shaking all our hands again. “If y’all will excuse me, I gotta work tomorrow.”

All four of us watched her run off. Her accent was

vaguely familiar to me, and I knew it would unnerve me until I figured it out.

29

Rise Above

“Where’d you meet her?” I was surprised the

question left my mouth. My eyes crinkled as I tried to hide my smile.

Davis turned to me with a smile. “She’s in my PhD

program, and we take a class together. Plus, she works with Dre and Nat. Also, she’s been here for like three years, and I have definitely talked about her before.” His smile grew as he mentioned Natalie. “We bonded over soccer when she got here at the start of our program. Why you asking, TJ?”

My face reddened as all eyes turned to me. I never

blushed. “Am I not allowed to be curious?”

“You don’t get curious, though,” Zeke said, “You

ignore… you ignore everything and everyone. It’s like your true talent.”

“Is it because she’s hot?” Jefferson crossed his arms

over his chest. “Or is it more the fact that she didn’t recognize you?”

“You know what? Fuck this. Y’all fucking irritate

me sometimes.” I turned to my car as it hit me where I recognized her accent. She was a Texan, like me.

30

Rise Above

My condo greeted me as I pushed the door open. It