𝚃𝚘𝚛𝚗- ᑕ0ᗰᑭᒪᗴ丅ᗴ

ch 18: nate

After making a complete ass out of myself in front of Sunny, I decided to just focus on football, and it was starting to pay off.

After coming off the bench during the second half of the past few games, I was getting called into Coach's office.

As I walked past Adam, he gave me his usual eyeroll and glare, even though I'd barely been able to look at Sunny without wanting to die from embarrassment these last two weeks.

I ignored him as I made my way to the door of Coach's office, knocking before he yelled for me to come in.

"You-- uh... you wanted to see me, Coach?"

"Have a seat, O'Connell."

As I took a seat, I wiped my palms against my legs, hoping to rid myself of the anxiety I was feeling as Coach began speaking.

"Our toughest two games of the season are coming up, and I want you starting."

"Wait... seriously?"

I couldn't believe it. Adam was a great quarterback and I figured I'd finally get my chance to start next year after he had graduated; I had no idea I'd be starting this soon.

"Dead serious, O'Connell. And depending on how well you do... let's just say, we might have some changes coming for the rest of this season."

The implication that I could potentially be starting for this season had me feeling on top of the world as Coach dismissed me.

I kept the news to myself and a few minutes later, Coach came out and announced that I'd be starting in the next game.

Adam, whose face had been red since the news, slammed his locker shut and stormed out of the locker room the moment Coach dismissed us.

I had the same, jovial smile on my face until I got to the parking and into my Mom's car, whose question immediately threw me for a loop.

"Why don't we have Sunny over for dinner this weekend? I feel like I haven't seen her in a while and I miss my babygirl."

So do I, Ma.

"Oh... I don't know, Ma."

"Well, why not, Nate? She hasn't been over in a while--"

I needed her to stop talking, but I couldn't admit that I'd opened my mouth and friend-zoned myself so hard that Sunny didn't even wanna come over anymore.

But I knew I had to give her some type of explanation.

"Well, Mom... you were the one who said we couldn't have sleepovers anymore."

I could see the slight look of guilt wash over her face for a second before she looked over at me.

"What? That's why?! I never meant to make her think she wasn't welcomed."

"I know, Mom, but--"

"No buts, Nathan. You tell Sunny to come over this weekend for dinner. You let her know she's always welcome."

I gave my mom a fake smile before looking out of the window, biting my lip anxiously.

How could I not see that blowing up in my face?!

🖤