Page 17 of Tight Ends & Tiaras
Since I’m not big on talking about my emotions, the first session was mainly me hemming and hawing as I tried to find the words. But the anxiety I’ve always had around Gabby since our mother died was kicking my ass, so I didn’t think I had a choice in the matter. Not if I wanted to function like a rational human being.
Sienna’s phone buzzes on the coffee table, and Winston’s name pops up for the third time since we’ve been sitting here.
“Please answer that, and put him on speakerphone so we can hear him grovel,” Johnny says gleefully.
Not many of the guys on the team like Winston. He’s an arrogant showoff with a swagger that doesn’t always match up with his skills. I might have more experience with him than most since we went to rival high schools.
On the Broncos, we’ve always been in competition for the same spots, which sucks because after years of being compared to that dick, I’m tired as hell of Cal Winston. At least Sully switched him to wide receiver, and I stuck with tight end. Usually at opposite sides of the field.
Sienna’s eyes go hard, and a second later she slides her finger across the screen.
His voice fills the room. “Sienna, babe. I don’t know what to say except I’m so fucking sorry. That’s never happened before.” I snort, and he must assume Sienna made that sound because he continues. “I swear. It was a one-time thing. You were gonna be gone for so long, and I was bummed out and got drunk. You mean everything to me. Please say something.”
He planned that party several days ago. Probably coordinated his hookups then too. I told her as much this morning.
Her eyes fill with tears, and it makes me want to reach through the phone and kick his pathetic ass.
“What’s there to say, Cal? You were licking my best friend’s pussy and were so engrossed that you didn’t even notice me standing there while two other girls sucked your dick. Yeah, you seemed really ‘bummed out.’ I can see how the thought of being celibate for four days was tough.”
Fuck.
“Destiny talked me into it. She’s been on my ass for ages to hook up with her. You shouldn’t trust her. She’s a snake.”
“Then you two are perfect for one another.” Sienna swipes under her eyes. “Leave me alone, Cal.”
“Wait, don’t hang up. I wanted to tell you they arrested that girl who hit you. I just... I want you to know I had nothing to do with that. I can even forgive you for tossing everything out the window because I feel like shit you got hurt. Are you okay?”
Tears stream down her face—from Winston cheating, her best friend’s betrayal, or getting injured, I’m not sure. It all sucks.
“Forgive me?” She scoffs. “I don’t need your fucking forgiveness. In fact, you can take that forgiveness and shove it up your ass.” She wipes her cheek with the back of her hand. “Thanks for the birthday present that required shaving my head and sutures. I’ll always remember it. But don’t worry.” Her eyes meet mine. “Ben took care of me.”
With that, she hits End and blocks his number.
I freeze for a heartbeat and then let out a laugh. He’s gonna hate me. More. And Sully’s not here to play mediator anymore. For some reason, I can’t bring myself to care that Winston’s jock will be in a twist over this.
Without thinking, I reach over and wrap my arm around her narrow shoulders to give her a hug. I’m not a hugger. Never have been. But something about Sienna has always called to me, and right now, she obviously needs a friend.
She melts against me and cries quietly. She’s sleep-deprived, traumatized, and probably in pain from that nasty gash on her head.
Damn. Holding her like this sets off all my protective instincts for some reason.
“It’s your birthday?” I ask gently.
She nods.
“Poor girl.” I rub her back, determined to make this up to her somehow.
“I’m sorry I dragged you into this, Ben.” She sniffles, her soft voice instantly pulling me back from that edge. “I just... I guess I needed to get back at him, you know? Show him he doesn’t matter. I feel so stupid for trusting him.”
“I get it,” I whisper. “Use me all you want. Winston and I have never been friends and never will be.”
I feel like a dick for not giving her a heads-up about him sooner. But that’s not the kind of thing you just drop on someone, and we’ve never been close like this before. Yes, we conspired to help my sister get back with her boyfriend last winter, and we’ve chatted a few times, but her being with Winston meant me giving her a wide berth. He only asked me to give her a ride because she and I are neighbors.
And I have the distinct feeling he wanted to flaunt that she belonged to him.
The only kink to staying away from her is the promise I made to my sister to keep an eye on Sienna, which is why I didn’t balk at Winston’s request to drive her to the airport.
“I don’t want to cause problems for you on the team.”
