Page 34 of Playing to Win
I guess this isn’t too unusual, but I swear there’s something different in the way they look at me. A gleam in their eyes that’s extra sharp. Like they know something I don’t.
Huh.
Minutes later, I’m striding into class and settling into my usual desk, whipping out my phone when I hear the text notification sound. It’s from one of the guys on my team.
Evan:Did you see this?
There’s a link to a video and I hit it, wincing when I hear the song about hot guys making girls feel a certain way, and it’s one short video shot after another of us flexing our muscles for the camera. I check the caption:Football team who dis? Recognize anyone? Name the player in the comments!
The caption is accompanied by the giant eyes looking to the side emoji.
I smile, glad they took my suggestion.
Me:We look good.
Evan:Not the usual content the team shares, that’s for sure.
Me:Maybe that’s a good thing?
Evan:Maybe.It already has over a thousand likes.
I check the stats. Well, damn. Evan’s right.
Me:Damn.
Evan:I know. Impressive.
I scroll through the football team’s account, checking the stats of past posts. They have okay likes but very few comments, and not a single post or video has over a thousand likes. Just the latest one.
Looks like the ladies knew what they were doing when they posted this.
“Hey, Ace.” I turn to find the girl who sits to the right of my desk is smiling at me. “Are you in that video?”
“Guess you’ll have to find out.” I flash her a grin.
“Oh, is there going to be a reveal?” The girl’s eyes go wide.
“Pretty sure that’s the plan.” I have no idea if that’s what they wanted to do, but I’m suggesting it the next time they join us for practice.
Hopefully that’s soon. I get a little thrill out of knowing Ruby is watching me out on the field. It’s like I can feel her hot gaze on me, tracking my every movement, and I end up putting my all into my game play. Some might call that showing off and they’re probably right but ultimately, it’s got me playing better and that’s kind of cool.
No, it’s actuallyreallycool. When she’s watching me, I want to impress her. But does she notice?
That remains to be seen.
Ruby Maguire is not one to gush on and on about me, and I wonder if that’s because she grew up with a father who played professional football? Or does her attitude have to do with her still feeling wronged by me over the New Year’s Eve party?
Not sure. But I’m thinking even if I hadn’t wronged her that night, she’d still treat me like I’m not that big of a deal. She’s been surrounded by football players her entire life. Her whole family is made up of professionals. Like, legit.
Herentirefamily.
What’s that like? I can’t imagine. To be raised amongst such greatness. I bet it can be intimidating, but Knox always seemed to handle it with ease, though I’m guessing that’s because he doesn’t know any other way. Cam’s an uptight motherfucker most of the time, but I’m thinking if him and Blair go the distance, he’ll end up being a part of that family football legacy by marriage.
It's kind of wild to think about. To be linked, related to the Maguire and Callahan dynasty. And I’m not even touching on all the players included in that dynasty. Can’t forget Asher Davis or Eli Bennett either.
Damn. That’s a lot of football greatness.
I shake my head, impressed. Wonder if I could ever get on Ruby Red’s good side and someday meet her family? Not sure what I would do if I was confronted with all of that football talent in one room, but I do know one thing.
