Football can be a girls sport.

Chapter 26

The next day at lunch, me and Imre sat at our usual table with Lizzy and Bella. Then Prudence came and sat down on the other side of them. I wondered where Curtis was.

My question was answered as he came up behind her, wrapped his hand around her waist, and sat down.

Then, unexpected but welcomed, came other hand. Around my  waist. Jeff sat down beside me. 

"You look nice today," he commented. I was wearing a bright red cami with ripped blue jeans, a black belt, white vans, and silver hoops.

"Thanks," I leaned into him. I caught Curtis glaring at Jeff, but I ignored him and finished my lunch.

________

I was walking towards the women's locker room when a warm hand clasp my left bicep.

"Whattt," I spun around to face my captor to realize I was no more than 3 inches away from Jeff's face.

"Ohmygod I'm so sorry," I said as I stumbled backward. 

He laughed and shook his head, "I didn't mind." I rolled my eyes before he continued, "I just wanted to check on you before practice and make sure you are good to go 100%." He wrapped his hand around his neck, looking down, as if he didn't like showing that he cared.

I huffed, "Yes, Jeff, I am amazing, as always of course." I couldn't resist looking at his arm muscles protruding from the short sleeve of his shirt. I did lift with him, but I guess I never realized how dedicated he was, because it showed.

"Well then, I'll see you in a few!" he smiled and brought his arm down, definitely knowing I was looking. Oops. 

"Yup, see ya!" I cut off and fast walked to the locker room to get away from the tension. 

________

Once we were all on the field, coach put us to work right away. He looked at me once before we started and I nodded, letting him know I was ready to bring it.

By the end we were all dripping in sweat and exhausted, but we had to make up for yesterday so he called for the same drill. I ran my routes perfectly and caught every single pass. Easy.

But every time, I would look to Curtis for some kind of acknowledgement, but he seemed distant and as if we didn't just spend 6 hours together the night before.

I shook it off and put my frustration into the game.

________

At the end of practice in the huddle, coach started prepping us for the next few weeks. "Every game counts, and we need to be at our best every weekend so they can't find any of our weaknesses on film."

I was ecstatic. There had been rumors that this was finally going to be our season, and I hope desperately that they are right. 

"Got it?" Coach looked around to each of us.

"Got it coach!" We chorused followed by cheers of excitement. 

There was no more room for errors. I had to bring it.