City of Champions: Jalen Hurts

12

"Dang." Reese said, glancing away from the road to look at Layla. "So, you guys aren't gonna date?"

Layla shook her head. "No. Honestly, we just don't have anything in common. I don't know if it's weird to hear this as his sister."

Reese shook her head. "No, babe. You're good. I'm a best friend and a sister so I'm not gonna pick sides. I love you both the same."

"I'm your best friend?" Layla teased. "I thought Jalen was."

"I don't know what the hell Jalen is."

As the two women pulled into the hair shop, Layla furrowed her eyebrows. "Is he still worried about the Nolan thing?"

"I guess."

"But it's not up to Nolan or Jalen who you want to be with." Layla raised a good point. "Jalen's not allowed to make that choice for you."

"Well. He's trying to. Not gonna beg him either." The soccer goalie located her wallet with a sigh. "Let's just not talk about boys today. I spent my whole time in South Carolina thinking of that man."

"Cool with me." Layla ran her fingers through her brown hair. "What hairstyle are thinking about getting?"

Reese smiled. "I wanna do a silk press. What about you?"

They crossed the lot to the salon as they indulged in nonsensical chatter. "I'm going full blonde."

"Dawg. You're gonna look so good."

"Girl, you too."

Being a Georgia Bulldog, Reese was no stranger to having to hang out with a shit ton of people. Whether it was tennis, football games, or any other school event, Reese was always forced to be around someone that wasn't her friend.

Being around Layla took some getting used to. Layla was nice and everything that Reese wanted in a friend but Reese wasn't used to being around females. So while it was a breath of fresh air, it was an adjustment but Reese loved her all the same.

Layla and Jordan weren't gonna be anything. He was focused on himself whereas she wanted something he couldn't give to her right now. Reese unbiasedly understood both sides of things.

"Can we help you ladies today?"

"We have an appointment for 2 people." Reese explained politely. "I scheduled it for 11."

The receptionist scanned the computer for a minute before speaking up. "Is it under Davis? Reese Davis?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Alrighty." The energetic woman behind the large desk signed the soccer players in before leading them to the chairs. "Just let me know what you all are looking for and I'll get you set up with a stylist."

Reese had her first commercial coming out with Under Armour in a few weeks and was shooting for it tomorrow. She wanted to look nothing short of flawless so she'd been eating extra healthy. Well, she'd been more healthy than she already did if that was remotely possible.

She hadn't made herself sick in a while, fearing what Jalen would do or say if she did. Reese wished she'd just kept her emotions and thoughts to herself that night but she didn't. Now, Jalen was constantly monitoring what she ate and she didn't blame him for it.

What many people didn't realize was: Reese's attitude didn't exist before middle school. Despite her being spoiled and borderline entitled, Reese was the most kind and generous soul that you'd ever meet. The circumstances are what made her attitude towards life messed up.

When she was younger, she'd crumble on demand. She'd cry way too easily and let everything get to her. Over the years, Reese hardened herself to the point where she was nearly unreachable. Going through what she had, took something human out of her.