Whispered Promises

Chapter 14 - Extra Time, Extra Tension

Alex POV

This week has been hell. Between school and all the extra training, I've barely had time to do anything else. And honestly, all those extra hours feel like a waste—one step forward, two steps back. I was so done that I even skipped Josy's big party last night. Me, skipping a party? That says a lot.

I guess I'll hear all about it today at practice. Josy and the cheerleaders train at the same time as we do, so there's no avoiding it.

After changing into my gear, I notice Josy still isn't here. Maybe she's already outside. I throw on the rest of my stuff and head to the field. Still no sign of her. Not that surprising—I'm usually one of the first to show up. I start stretching, trying to get my mind off everything.

"You know you don't get extra points for being too early," Coach Brian says as he approaches me.

"Doesn't hurt to try, right?" I wink at him.

He chuckles. "Have you and Levi been getting in those extra sessions?"

"Yeah, three times this week," I reply, a bit tired.

"Awesome. Keep that up, and we'll be a great team soon." He seems optimistic, but I keep my thoughts to myself. If he only knew how rough it's been with Levi, he might not sound so confident. But he'll see soon enough.

As the rest of the team starts arriving, even Jackson shows up early. That's a surprise—punctuality isn't exactly his thing.

"Jackson, good to see you're trying to be better," Coach says, pleasantly surprised. "You're even five minutes early! Hope that lasts for the rest of the season."

"Of course, Coach!" Jackson winks.

Coach narrows his eyes playfully. "You're not the reason Josy's late, are you?"

Jackson shrugs. "No idea where she is. I dropped her off at her place last night after the party."

"How'd it go?" I ask, even though I don't expect much detail from him.

"Good, I guess." Classic Jackson, keeping it vague.

Then, his eyes light up, and he starts jogging away. I turn around to see what caught his attention, and of course, it's Josy finally arriving at practice. Jackson beats me to her, pulling off his helmet and leaning down to kiss her.

I pause for a second—still not entirely used to this whole fake-dating thing they've got going on. But I guess they're committed to the act.

"Hey! There you are," I call out as I walk over. "I was expecting a long voice message from last night's party, but nothing. Thought Jackson might've killed you." I point at him, grinning.

Josy blushes. "Yeah, sorry, I kinda forgot."

"You forgot to give me the scoop on a party? Who are you, and what have you done with the real Josy?" I tease her.

She giggles. "I know, right? But I got busy. I had to drop Marques off this morning and came straight here. I'll be free tonight though, so maybe I'll come over and give you every detail."

"A short summary will be enough, thanks," I laugh. "But sure, come by."

Coach Brian interrupts us. "Enough distraction, Miss Josephine. Wrong field."

"Sorry, Coach. I'm already gone." She gives him a playful smile and hurries off.

Coach turns to me, his tone serious. "Alex, you and Levi have an extra session after practice. Don't leave when the others do."

Great. Just what I need—more time with Levi. I thought I'd have time for the gym and homework after this, but now I'm stuck here longer. Still, I nod and try to keep my frustration in check. Coach acknowledges it and walks over to Levi. I let out a sigh and rolled my eyes. "Doesn't sound that motivated" I squinted my eyes at Jackson. Is he serious right now? "No, why? I am delighted to spend some extra hours with the biggest jerk in the universe I know just to make zero progress because this idiot doesn't want to learn"