DEAD INSIDE

(29)

The Black Devils had won the game easily and we'd been astonished by the enthusiasm of the huge crowd that had come to watch them.

Gregory had been uncatchable by the other team's defenders and he'd scored four downs. He wasn't too difficult to recognize being the tallest and broadest-shouldered player in both teams.

To see Vanessa's obvious love and pride for her brother had reminded me of the unusually close relationship Samuel and I had had.

I missed him every day, but those moments when his absence was highlighted were the most painful.

Nobody had commented our presence at the game or our new friendship with Vanessa, which I was glad of. After Gregory's sister had told us how her former so-called besties hadn't hesitated to turn their back on her, I'd been wary of going to the game. Not because I was worried about them making comments about the girls and me, no. What I didn't want was for Vanessa to get bullied when we weren't there.

"Greg wants us to join the team for the celebratory barbecue at Nielson Hooks'." Vanessa said after looking at her phone.

"Nielson Hooks?" Deedee asked the question I'd been wondering myself.

"The Quarterback..." Marla answered absent-mindedly.

I grimaced at the prospect of spending time with an entire football team. Mel and Marla's equally grim faces told me that they shared my worry, while Deedee looked downright scared.

I jumped when a shadow fell upon me. I turned around and let out a relieved sigh when I came face to face with a very amused-looking Gregory. However, his smile soon disappeared and his jaw dropped slightly when he took in my outfit.

"You look..." He started but closed his mouth and shook his head several times.

"Hmm... Paddington?" I muttered, feeling the heat coming up in my cheeks.

"Yeah?" He cleared his throat.

"Take a couple of steps back and look around you..." I instructed. He chuckled but complied and once he was done, his polar bear mask was back in place and I resumed breathing normally.

"Want to get some food with me and the team?" He asked, sounding almost bored now.

I glanced at my friends who were looking at me open-mouthed.

What now? I wondered but Gregory was still waiting for my answer and I lifted my head so our gazes met.

"Mind if we meet you later instead?" I asked. "We'd planned to have some girly time at Fat Harry's..."

"You sure it's a good idea?" He groaned.

"What do you mean?" I was confused.

"I'd feel better if I could keep an eye on you..." He murmured and Deedee, I thought, muffled a gasp. The side glance he sent her way told me he was embarrassed so I chose to ignore the strange feeling inside me.

"He wouldn't attack me while I'm with the girls, let alone in a public place..." I blurted out.

"I'd rather you don't take the chance..." He was back to groaning.

"How about we have a take away Fat Harry's at yours instead?" I suggested, my eyes everywhere but on him.

"Hilton..." One of the Black Devils coaches appeared behind him so he turned around to face him. "A scout from Clemson's here to talk to you..."

"Clemson?!" Vanessa squealed behind me.

Clemson University must have a good football program for her to sound so excited for her brother.