Right from the Start (bwwm) - 𝙲𝙾𝙼𝙿𝙻𝙴𝚃𝙴

60: apple juice

"Holy shit..."

Marcus's jaw dropped as he, Kat, Dahlia, and Jordan approached the boys' head coach's oceanfront home. As they stepped through the foyer, their awe-struck expressions continued once they were walked out to the backyard.

"Dude... the beach is like a block away-- this is the life I was bred for."

Jordan chuckled as he smacked Marcus's shoulder and slightly gripped them, looking around at all the people at the party.

"Right? And with all the boosters here, I'm definitely gonna make the rounds. Schmooze tie for next season."

Jordan looked back at Dahlia, who seemed to be in her own world as she stared at the pool, which was currently filled with kids.

"We're gonna go say 'hi' to Coach and talk to a couple of people. You two gonna be good?"

Dahlia shook her head, snapping back to reality before she gave Jordan a wobbly smile and nodding.

"Y-y-yeah, we're gonna grab something to drink and maybe some food, yeah, Kat?"

Kat eyed Dahlia suspiciously for a moment before a smile broke out on her face.

"Yeah, I already eyed what looks like a frozen margarita machine."

✨

"What?"

Dahlia huffed, noticing the hard stare Kat was sending her way. The two had just found seats by the pool, and with their food and drinks, sat across from each other on two lounge chairs.

"Better get used to those."

Dahlia's face scrunched in confusion until she looked down at the box of apple juice she was drinking and realized what Kat was talking about.

She shut her eyes and huffed as she shook her head.

"Shut it."

Kat watched as Dahlia set the apple juice next to her feet, focusing on the plate of fruit on her lap.

"And we're still in denial. Lee, it's obvious you haven't told him."

Dahlia looked up at Kat, following her line of sight until her eyes found Jordan, speaking to a group of older men across the lawn. His eyes darted over to her as he said something to make the group around him all begin to laugh.

When Jordan grinned and winked at Dahlia, her head suddenly turned and she was once again focused on her plate. As she turned away from him, she didn't notice the slight frown that found his face-- but Kat did.

"What's stopping you from telling him?"

Dahlia's eyes softened as she looked over at Jordan once again. Seeing him schmoozing with the boosters showed him in his element. She had always known he was charming and would one day be an amazing superstar both on and off the gridiron, and she didn't want to ruin his dreams.

"Kat...a baby-- it would ruin everything we've been working for. It'sjust--it's not supposed to be part of the plan yet."