“Fuck that, you need to go,” I stressed when I saw the hangdog expression on his face.
I finally got him to agree. And now we’re here. The moment he walked through the door, Diego snagged him up and they’re neck deep in conversation. I let him go, knowing he’s also stressed about the game tomorrow.
I’ll probably only play the second half, if I get any field time at all. Meaning I’m a little nervous about tomorrow’s game, but not as much as Eli is. What’s funny is I didn’t pre-party like I originally planned. I pulled out the weed and the baggie of pills earlier, when I was still in my room. I even took a couple of pills out and held them in the palm of my hand.
Then I tossed them back into the bag and shoved it, along with the weed, into my bedside table drawer, irritated with myself. No alcohol is currently coursing through my veins either. I realized I’m tired of doing the same ol’ thing, day in and day out.
For the first time in a long while, I’m stone-cold sober.
Look at me. Acting like a grownup and shit.
I make my way to where Ellie is, only realizing at the last second that she’s with a guy. Who’s currently looking at her as if she created the moon and the stars just for him.
Considering what she’s wearing, and how gorgeous she looks, I can’t blame the dude.
“Hey.” I stop directly in between them, looking from her face to his. I thrust my hand toward him. “Jackson.”
“Carson,” he says, giving me a quick shake. “Nice to meet you.”
“How do you know Ellie?” I ask with a frown.
She sends me a look. One that says, get the hell out of here.
I return my own look, and it says, not a chance, babe.
I need to know who this guy is. Size him up. Is she interested in him? I hope to hell not. I don’t have a claim on her but damn…
Can she move on from me that fast?
Check your ego, Rivers. It’s a little out of control.
“We have two classes together,” Ellie answers for him, her gaze cold. “What do you want, Jackson?”
“Whoa, so unfriendly.” I send a cajoling smile in Carson’s direction and he smiles back, appearing confused. Poor dude. He has no clue. “Just wanted to say hi. You’re looking extra—good tonight.”
Her cheeks turn pink. “Thanks,” she bites out.
“You do something different to your hair?”
She immediately touches it. “I got it cut.”
“I like it, El. You’re looking fine, for sure.” I nod and smile, like I’m an easily agreeable, straight-up homie.
I’m not though. I can tell she wants to get rid of me, and I know why. She’s probably interested in this dude. I can tell he’s definitely interested in her, by the way he’s looking at her right fucking now.
I don’t like it. Not one bit. I bet she only just met this guy, and I can’t help feeling overprotective of her.
“Your friends are outside,” she tells me.
“Really?” I glance around, spotting almost every single one of them. “Yeah, I don’t think so.”
“Maybe you should go find them.” She tilts her head to the side.
“Unfortunately, they’re all engaged in other conversation. Tony’s currently lip-locked with Hayden. Caleb is getting his ass handed to him by Baylee. Diego and Eli are talking about tomorrow’s game. Jocelyn is with Gracie and some giant blond guy with a huge Adam’s apple. And…I think that’s everyone.”
Ellie scowls at me. Carson is completely unfazed. Just keeps sipping from his can of beer, never taking his gaze off of her.
Probably can’t believe this fine ass chick is talking to him tonight. I understand where he’s coming from. He seems young—probably only a year younger than me, but sometimes I feel like I’ve aged about ten years in the last twelve months—and kind of dorky looking. Pale. Like he doesn’t get much sun because he’s inside all the time. I bet he’s a smart motherfucker who’s majoring in business and is really good with numbers.