Page 16 of Catch
Kirsten leaned forward. “Speak of the devil.” She waved at a group of guys. “Hey, Grayson.”
A tall, good-looking guy with sandy-blond hair walked over to the table. Based on his build and Hawkeyes shirt, I immediately knew he was the quarterback of their school. He was flanked by oversized guys who were clearly his linebackers.
“What’s going on?” He nodded at everyone, but his eyes landed on Parker. She avoided eye contact. He smiled confidently. “Parker, it’s good to see you out. I didn’t think your parents ever let you do anything.” He pulled up a chair and sat on the end of the table closest to her.
“My best friend came up to visit so we’re all hanging out.” She seemed so nervous around him. Something felt off.
“Get this, Grayson. Sutton is a quarterback, too,” Amanda said.
He busted out laughing and covered his mouth with his fist. The two goons howled. “You? You’re a quarterback?”
“Yeah, so?” I asked. I wanted to verbally drop my résumé in front of him, but something told me he didn’t care.
He crossed his arms. “I’ve never heard about you. Are you new? What school?” One of his buddies punched him.
“This is my third year leading the Oak Grove Pumas.”
More snickers. “Divisions must kill you. I’ve never heard of Oak Grove. I’ve been the quarterback for Hilltop since sophomore year and we’ve gone to state the last two years. We’ll go again this year. There’s no competition.” He waved his hand at me. “No offense.”
I bit my cheek to keep my anger in check. I silently counted to five. “None taken. Maybe I’ll see you this year.” I shrugged and looked around, bored. That made the guys laugh even harder.
“Be nice, jackasses,” Amanda said even though she was laughing, too.
“I heard she’s actually really good,” Emilia said.
I was irritated that Parker was silent while Emilia defended me. I was having a miserable time, but I promised Parker I would try. I knew she was trying to fit in, but at what expense?
“So, there’s a party tonight if you want to come,” Grayson said. He looked at me pointedly. “You can come, too.”
“Gee, thanks. That sounds swell,” I said. I couldn’t hide my sarcasm, nor did I want to. After spending ten minutes with the superstars of the Hawkeye football team, I was done. I needed a change. “I’m going to grab some coffee. Do you want to come with?” I asked Parker.
“What? You can’t do it by yourself?” Grayson pointed to a Starbucks across the food court. “It’s right there.”
“I thought my friend would like some fresh air since you seem hell-bent on breathing in her space.” I stood and waited for Parker to decide.
“Sure. I could use a pick-me-up,” Parker said. We crossed the food court. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why everyone is acting like that,” she said.
I could tell she wanted to touch me, but all eyes were on us. I could feel my anger ramping up. I hoped Parker would come to terms with her sexuality soon. Her parents were homophobic. Her church was homophobic. I felt like I was fighting a losing battle some days. Today was one of those days.
“I know it’s hard for you and I’m really trying, but your friends are different than what I’m used to,” I said.
“I know.” Her shoulders slumped.
I wanted to hug her, but I knew the rules. “I’m sure you will find your people, but I just don’t think they are them. And what’s up with Grayson hitting on you?”
We stepped up to the counter and Parker didn’t answer my question.
“Can I take your order? Oh, hey. Parker, right?” The barista was friendly. There was a rainbow bracelet on her left wrist.
Parker smiled. “Hi, Brianna. Yeah, Parker. This is my friend Sutton from Oak Grove.”
“Hi, Sutton. Welcome to suburban hell. Can I get you something?”
“One coffee with two cane sugars and two creams, and one coffee with hazelnut syrup,” I said.
“Coming right up,” Brianna said.
Parker and I moved to the side. “She’s nice. Why can’t you pick somebody like that to be friends with?”
