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Chapter Five, Tan Lines. LITTLE BROTHERS GALORE.
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"SO, YOU'RE SEEING OTHER PEOPLE?" She kept her eyes on the pitch as the question left her mouth, watching as Jamie snuck up behind Bumbercatch, snagged the ball right from under him, and began running towards the net.
Ted chanced a quick glance at her before also looking back to the game. They were incorporating some of Ada's ideas into the team's new drill; having some of the players run a practice match, and having the rest work on core training. The men would later swap places, to ensure that no reserved players wasted their time, and to ensure that the first-teamers didn't lose sight of how foundational the basics were.
He frowned. "He's my son."
"That's what they all say." Ada grunted, still watching as her brother refused to make a single pass.
Beard and Nate exchanged a look, equal parts amused and uncomfortable.
"Are you jealous, Soufflé?"
"Fucking dickhead."
Ted's jaw fell, and he quickly turned to Ada Tartt – only to find she wasn't looking at him, and to discover that her insult was not aimed in his direction.
Ada was watching as Sam waved his arms around, clearly trying to show that he was wide open. The boy was practically begging for the ball. For the opportunity to prove himself to this team, and to his coaches. But Jamie was Jamie, and he was not letting up on his claim.
"Jamie! Jamie! Jamie, I'm open!"
Number nine predictably ignored him, kicking the ball between Isaac's legs in a swift nutmeg. Many tried to trip him, but Jamie was able to expertly leap over every extended foot, never losing possession.
It would have been beyond impressive if he wasn't so cocky about it. And Ada knew that was a hypocritical way of looking at things, especially when her own career had been essence of smugness and greed, but this was different. Her brother had always been the better teammate; it was so odd, seeing him play this way – especially when she had a clearer view from the sidelines rather than the stands.
"Pass the ball, Jamie." Ada muttered under her breath.
The twins hadn't spoken in a week. Hadn't exchanged a single word or a single glance since their argument at the gala; since he wronged Keeley and refused to take accountability for it, and since Ada told him of her own hurt and he refused to acknowledge it.
Their obvious distance made training a little tense, considering the fact that Ada had been present for most sessions since Richmond's loss two Saturdays ago. Ted was sure that they would've won had she attended the game, and Ada Tartt was determined to make it up to him -- to make up for her obvious wrong.
