Lost Now, Found Later

Chapter 16 - Ethan's POV

"Carter, get in there! BLOCK HIM" Coach yells out from the bleachers as we run through our plays. When does this fucking end? I think, silently groaning to myself. I was fighting the urge to just ditch morning practice and join Rachel. I did not trust that Luca guy and never will. I need to find her quickly. A loud screeching whistle snaps me out of my thoughts and I turn to see Coach call us. We huddle around him and he goes on to give us advice on our plays, considering our next game was in a week.

I tap my foot impatiently, eyeing the clock on the wall and hoping Coach would end his speech soon. Arjun, standing next to me, notice this and nudges my shoulder. I look at him confused and he shifts his gaze towards my shoes, hinting at me to stop my tapping. I ignore him as I let out a soft sigh, crossing my arms.

"That's all I got for ya boys. You trained well and got some work done. Show it in the game" he finally concludes and dismisses us. I love Coach like a father but right now I had other priorities. I literally sprint to the locker room and take the second quickest shower of my life. I come out with my body still dripping wet, not bothering to dry myself as I hurriedly stuff my shorts and shoes into my bag.

"Dude slow down man. Where you running off to?" Mason asks in surprise, chuckling at my behavior as he proceeds to block the entrance.

"None of your fucking business. Now move" I grit out, my patience running thin. He raises his eyebrow challengingly. I roll my eyes at his act and shove him lightly but the asshole overreacts and falls to the ground.

"Not cool man" he yells out while I head towards the exit and push the doors open. I knew Rachel said they were somewhere near the building so I look around to see if they were there. I spot a small, petite frame sitting on a desk and bench next to a slightly bigger guy. My jaw tightens at the sight as I make my way towards them.

"Hey love" I shout, catching their attention, causing them to look up from whatever they were looking at on the laptop. The guy looks at me with a puzzled, clueless look while Rachel's surprised look forms into a soft smile. Internally smiling at her reaction to my presence, I take a seat across from them when I notice Rachel's tote bag next to me. Did she first sit across from him? The thought brings a satisfaction inside me but I conceal it with indifference.

"Ethan hi! How was practice?" Rachel asks, looking at me with adorable eyes. "Not too bad. We're prepping for next week's game. To which you're coming" I say, basically not giving room for negotiation. Knowing that she won't win an argument against me, she lets out a sigh and playfully rolls her eyes.

"Fine. Only because it was fun last time" she grumbles, hiding a smile. "Oh by the way, Ethan, this is Luca, my friend from Engineering. Luca, Ethan. My fri-"

"Best friend. Nice to meet you man" I cut her off as she introduces us and I hold my hand out. He gives it a slight shake with a friendly smile on his face.

"Same to you. Sorry if I'm interrupting. I just had a quick question about homework" he states, genuinely feeling sorry.

"No no. It's no problem. I'm happy to help" Rachel reassures him and proceeds to focus on the laptop. What is he planning? I wonder as I watch him, my suspicions increasing. I take out my phone and pretend to scroll through Instagram but secretly listen to what they were talking about, occasionally stealing a glance.

After a while, a notification alarm sounds from Luca's phone, catching his attention. He lets out a gasp and begins to pack his things, much to my delight.

"Oh my god. I was supposed to meet my boyfriend 10 minutes ago near Starbucks. I wish I could stay but I really have to go. Thank you for your help though" he rushes out, looking at Rachel guiltily.