Three's a crowd

38

Blonde hair and blue eyes were standing right in front of me as I found my bearings.
"Jesus Britt!" Brett gasped before taking in my disheveled appearance. "Crap, are you okay?"

I shook my head 'no' as he steadied me, putting his hands on my waist before pulling me into a hug. He held me for a few moments before opening the passenger door and helping me inside. I didn't have the energy to ask him where he was taking me, but I knew Brett wouldn't hurt me. He was Riley's best friend and like a brother to me.

He climbed in beside me and started the outrageously priced lime green Camaro. I was slightly relieved when he didn't say anything as he drove the car away from the school, away from Kyle and towards his house.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to kidnap you. We were having an after practice get together at my house and I figured you probably wanted Riley." He said with a hint of protectiveness.

"Thanks." I muttered wrapping my arms around my body.

"Don't mention it. Just know that Riley isn't the only person that cares. The whole team loves you like a sister. You always have us, no matter what!" He put a comforting hand on my shoulder as he pulled into his driveway.

"Oh and Britt" He called as I got out of the car. "I know we're not exactly close, but if you do ever need someone to talk to, I'm here." he offered.

"Thanks Brett, I'll keep that in mind." I replied before I walked behind him into his house.

It didn't take long for the team to notice I was there as they all cracked their jokes the way they usually did. It was almost a breath of fresh air as I laughed and let all the stress of the situation with Kyle leave my body.

It was so easy here with the football team. Who would have thought that a house full of hormonal teenage boys would be one of the places where I relaxed and actually enjoyed myself. In fact I was so busy enjoying myself that I hadn't noticed when Riley walked in and stood behind me.

"Alright guys, eyes off my girl." He said as I turned to face him as if on instinct.

"Hey!" I smiled up at him.

"Hey, not that I'm not happy to see you, I just thought you said Kyle was giving you a ride?"

"Yeah, something came up. Brett gave me a ride and said you were here."

His brow furrowed before he let out a deep breath and replaced his look of concern with a smile. "Well, we are just about to eat, so why don't you sit and kick some ass on Mario kart and I'll bring you a plate. Steven has been dying to have his butt kicked since the last time you wiped the floor with him."

"Dude I already told you I was distracted!" Steven protested.

"Sure, If you say so!" I teased. "If you're so sure, you won't object to a rematch!"

"Oh you are so on!" He grinned, wrapping his arm around my shoulder and walking me into Brett's living room to the couches.

I don't know what was better, feeling as if all of my problems had vanished, or beating Steven at Mario Kart six times in a row. It was realistically a combination of both and I had honestly lost track of the time as round after round he lost and re-challenged me to a re-match.

After the sixth loss he finally gave in, pulling me into his side and giving me a nuggie.

"Alright Britt, I guess you're the coolest girl I've ever met." He smiled.
"And?" I raised my eyebrows.
"And you're the best at Mario Kart!" He admitted, defeated.

"Britt you ready?" Riley asked and I turned out of Stevens side arm.
"Yeah, let's go!" I smiled up at him, molding myself to his side.

"Alright boys, I guess we will see you at school!" Riley announced as we walked to the door.