Liam grunts as he pulls out of the driveway and heads in the direction ofMo’s. He’s never been one for small talk, and I’m grateful for that as we drive along. We haven’t spent much time together, just the two of us, in months. We’ve both been exceptionally busy, but I know that’s not all of it.
Liam and I have always gotten along. We’re similar, but in a way that complements each other.
We look alike, but we’re not identical.
We’re both athletic, but we’re very different athletes. Liam takes the role of a general heading into battle; I’m more of a cheerleader, constantly pulling my teammates along with me.
Liam’s reserved and shy, and I can be, but I’m often friendlier, more social.
We rarely argue because we each stick to our own paths. We’ve never dated each other’s friends, we’re never in the same classes, and while our friends overlap, our closest ones are distinct from each other. He’s closer with our dad; I’m closer with our mom.
We have an unwritten agreement I broke the very first time I talked to Weston Cole, and one I’ve made a mockery of since he kissed me. There’s no real reason for Glenmont’s rivalry with Alleghany. It’s tradition. A nonsensical, sacred tradition.
It feels delinquent that I’m so blatantly disregarding it.
But it’s nothing compared to the guilt swarming me when it comes to my brother. I can live with being disloyal to Glenmont.
Betraying Liam? That’s a lot harder.
I have to tell Liam about Wes, and I don’t know how to. It was one thing when I didn’t know exactly what Weston Cole and I were. I wasn’t willing to tell Liam about a fling. After my birthday? Well, fling doesn’t really apply. If it ever did. I’m factoring him into my future. He told me he loves me. I handed him my virginity.
I’ve been dreading the game against Alleghany for months. If Alleghany wins tomorrow night, I know Liam is not going to take it well. Learning I love their quarterback and have been seeing him for months? I feel nauseous just imagining his reaction.
“Maeve? Maeve!” I’m so lost in my own thoughts I don’t even realize we’ve stopped in front ofMo’suntil Liam calls my name.
“Thanks for the ride,” I tell him, preparing to climb out.
“You good, Maeve?” Liam asks, looking at me with concern.
“Yeah, I am,” I reply. “Just thinking about my own game.”
We’re playing in the state championship next Friday. Just eight days from now. It’s my final chance to win it. We lost in the final last year, and it was the first time Glenmont ever made it that far. That’s what I should be thinking about. Planning the drills for the morning practices I’ll be running starting Saturday.
Wes is a distraction, but I can’t bring myself to regret a single thing that’s happened between us.
I head insideMo’s. I hardly ever work during the school year, but Clare couldn’t find anyone else to cover her shift tonight. It’s quiet and empty inside, the only customers an elderly couple already close to finishing their meal.
Steve, the cook, gives me a smile from the kitchen as I step behind the counter. “Hey, Maeve.”
“Hi, Steve.”
“Hope you brought some homework or something; looks like it’ll be a slow night,” he tells me.
“I see that.”
I busy myself with scratching out soccer drills to run at morning practice on paper napkins for the next couple hours. The bell above the door tinkles a few minutes before my shift ends, and Matt strolls in.
My stomach sinks in response. I still haven’t said anything to him, and it’s one of the many things gnawing away at my conscience right now.
“Hey, Maeve,” he greets me easily.
“Hi, Matt,” I reply. “My shift’s about to end, but if you know what you want, I can put your order in before I head out.”
“Oh, I’m not here for food,” Matt replies. “I’m here to pick you up.”
“You’re what?” I ask, sure I misheard him. My mom is supposed to get me on her way home from the office.
“Well, me and the guys. We were at your house. Your mom said you needed a ride, and we were headed out anyway.” He gives me a mischievous grin that makes me feel like I’m missing something.