The Assistant Coach (BOOK 1: OMEN KING SERIES)

|𝟻𝟹|

Leia Welsh

"It's too cold out here, can we please go home already?" I grumble, shivering as the snowflakes land on my uncovered hair and my thin lilac hoodie does nothing to keep me warm.

Athena rolls her eyes at me, her breath forming clouds in the chilly air. "Come on, it's your birthday, how can you be such a party pooper?"

Birthdays have always been just another day to me, but this one feels especially lonely without Ari by my side. We're not talking right now, and it's killing me. I may not want a big party, but I still want to blow out some damn candles with Ari.

As we trudge through the snow-covered campus, my cheeks flush from the cold and I can't help but feel a pang of sadness in my chest.

I glance over at Athena, her bright blue coat standing out against the white landscape, and I can't help but be grateful for her friendship, even if she is dragging me around in the freezing cold.

"Hello?" I answer the phone call from my phone without checking the Caller I.D.

"Happy Birthday, our sweet girl!" Miranda and Jorge shout excitedly, their voices filled with love and joy, causing me to let out a light laugh at their enthusiasm.

"Who's that?" Athena asks curiously, leaning in to catch a glimpse of the caller on the screen of my phone, her eyes wide with interest.

"Who's that? Is it Ari?" Miranda chimes in, her playful tone making me suppress a groan.

"It's my new friend Athena," I reply, trying to keep the conversation casual, "and Athena, these are my parents," I add, hearing the gasps of surprise from the other end of the line, which only makes me roll my eyes at their dramatic reaction.

I can already picture Jorge teasing me about me calling them my parents later, but I don't mind. As long as they don't bring up Ari, I'm happy to keep the focus on my birthday.

"Oh, hello Ms. and Mr. Welsh," Athena says with an overly nice tone, snatching my phone from me with one hand and putting it on speaker.

We stroll outside of the I.S building, our footsteps loud from the snow.

"It's actually Evers," Jorge's booming voice crackles through the phone, causing Athena to shoot me a look of feigned sympathy. I just smile in response.

"Where is Ari?" Miranda's voice comes through the phone, slightly garbled. Athena glances at me before hitting the mute button.

"What's the play here? What should I tell them?" She whispers, her mouth pouting adorably.

"They can't hear you, why are you whispering?" I ask, her laughter fills the air.

"Just tell them she passed out after our epic birthday bash," I suggest, shrugging nonchalantly. Athena nods and unmutes the phone.

"Ari fell asleep hours after Leia's surprise party," Athena says in a robot-like tone, she's a bad liar, a really bad liar.

I stop listening to their conversation and think about Warren. He's the only one I really want to see right now, how weird is that? And to top it all off, we kissed yet again.

It's like every step forward to get away from him is a step backwards, right into his grasp. Except, I don't want to leave, but I know I'll only get hurt if I stay. It's a never-ending cycle of attraction and confusion.

"That's great, I'm glad Leia has some friends to celebrate with," Miranda says, bringing me back to reality as she laughs through the phone.

I can't help but wonder how she believed Athena with her robot-like tone. Miranda always knows when something's up.