Play The Part (Player Next Door Book 3)

58 | Play The Players

Ah, a nostalgic title

Chapter 58: Play The Players

*Luke's POV*

The carnage continued onstage. I couldn't look anymore.

Millie was not scoring any points, and the rest of those guys were acting like they were solving world peace. I've never seen a guy flick a pen like it was a mic drop before.

This is what happens when nerds get too much attention.

Puffed up tiny chests and oversized hair.

Chad leaned over and muttered, "I thought Millie was good at math?"

I was arms crossed, watching the stage like it was a bad tv show.

I didn't bother to respond.

"Otherwise, why are we here?" Chad continued, checking the time on his rolex, "I was promised cheerleaders but I guess that's also a lie."

I glanced over at Austin who was heckling the announcer and throwing popcorn on stage.

This has to end.

I looked around the audience. It was dark with the most blinding white light shining on the stage and hard to tell who else was here.

Then I spotted the other math crews sitting in the front, on the other side of the auditorium. I looked for suspender boy.

Someone tapped my shoulder, "Hi Luke, are you looking for someone? I can help."

I looked back at the random person I have never met before in my life, "I'm good."

I got out of my chair and walked towards suspender boy, who was leaning forward on his chair, elbows on his knees and hands clenched like he was praying.

"You're going to need more than a prayer," I said, tapping his hands out of the way so I could sit next to him.

"Woah Luke Dawson, what are you doing here?" Joe seemed shocked at my presence.

I pointed at Millie on stage, "My girlfriend."

"Yeeees," Joe sighed, recognizing the problem.

"Now I'm not one of you math geniuses, but even I can tell this is not going well."

Joe smacked his forehead, "We're getting crushed."

"Call a time out."

"What?" he asked, his head still buried in his hand.

"Call a time out," I repeated.

"You can't just call a time out. This isn't basketball."

"Why not?" I asked the captain of this incredibly painful competition.

"What would I even do with a timeout? Replace Millie?"

"Replace the other guy."

Joe stared at me like I was stupid.

"Luke," he spelled it out for me like I was a fifth grader, "Millie is the problem. The other guy is doing well. I paired her with one of my best guys."

I sighed and looked up at my girlfriend on the stage, nervously biting her bottom lip.

"You're a captain, right?" I leaned forward and pressed with the plan, "Play the personalities more than the game."

"I know you win state championships, Luke. I know you're a good captain and I know she's your girlfriend, but my hands are tied," Joe said, "And I also don't understand what you're saying."