Giving a thumb’s up to Leah, she shouts that she will see me in the morning.
Walking back to the dorm I grab my phone, I can’t wait to tell Kohl. We text each other all the time while he’s at his away games. I’m so excited I got this job, not only will it keep me busy over break but the added money to my pocket is a great thing. My sour mood lightens while I type out a text.
T: I got a job.
K: A job? Why aren’t you on your way home?
I forgot I never told him I was staying on campus for the break.
T: I’m not going home. I got a job at The Brew Station. I start tomorrow.
My phone rings, Kohl’s name lights up my screen, “Hello.”
“Why aren’t you going home and why did you get a job?” he clips.
“Hello to you too, Kohl,” I sass. “I don’t want to go home. Wren got shitty with me because I’m not going home with him and I need money. My boss’s name is Archer. How cool is that? It’s the name of my favorite Mia Sheridan character. I think it’s a good omen,” I ramble.
“I’m sorry, Tennie Girl, I’m having a shit day,” he pauses. “Hello. Now, tell me why you’re not going home and why Archer Boyd gave you a job?” he cheers.
“You know Archer?”
“Yeah, he was in some of my classes. Still waiting to know why you’re not going home and what do you mean Wren got shitty with you?”
“I don’t have anything to go home to. I needed some money so I applied for a job and I got it. Wren is all piss hurt because I don’t want to come home with him for break like we always have in the past. He said some hateful things, I said some mean things and we went our separate ways. Why are you having a shitty day?” I ask.
The thought of Kohl with a blonde at a party is gnawing at my insides. I want to ask him but I know I don’t have a reason to. The longer we talk, the longer it stews in my brain.
* * *
Kohl
“Black,” Coach yells, “Remove your head from your ass. You’re playing like shit. Get your head back in the game or I’ll put someone else in your starting spot.”
Fuck, that game sucked. My head was back on campus wondering what Ten was doing.
Wondering if she was headed home, worried about her seeing her mom and how she would be treated by her Dad. Trying to figure out how I’m going to go three weeks without seeing her. My chest getting tighter and tighter the more I thought about it.
Now the coach is busting my ass for my shitty playing, this day needs to end. We’re headed back to campus and then home for a break.
Relationships complicate things, the focus I need on the court is with the bewitching girl back on campus. Fuck em’ and leave em’ was a hell of a lot easier than biding my time as a friend until I can make my move. Wondering if I will ever be able to call her mine is driving me batshit crazy.
“Where’s your mind at, Black? Back on campus with the fatty? She’s not such a fatty anymore, she’s getting some killer curves on her plump body. Maybe I could get her to send me a new picture. What do you think, Black? Should I chat up Tensanne again?” Chase ponders standing by my locker, his mouth tipped up with a cocky grin.
Jumping off the bench, I slam him to the lockers with a forearm to the throat, “Stay the fuck away from Tensanne, Masters,” I hiss through gritted teeth. The thought of him anywhere near her makes my blood boil.
Jackson and Brendon pull us apart, “Stop this shit, you two. No pussy is worth this, Kohl. We’re your brothers, your teammates,” Brendon says holding me back by my elbows.
“She’s not just pussy, Brendon. Watch your words,” I grit.
“He ain’t even rolling it in flour to find the wet spot on that fat ass. I guarantee he hasn’t hit that yet. Her knees are super glued together,” Chase roars from behind Jackson.
“Enough, Masters. Back the fuck off or I’ll tell Coach you’re the one who sent the picture around,” Jackson yells, probably the most words I have ever heard him say.
“You’re taking his side, Raines? What the hell?” Chase spews checking over his shoulder to make sure no one else heard what Jackson said.
“I’m taking the side of our team. You both need to forget Tensanne Craig and get your heads in the only place the matters. The game,” Jackson booms releasing Chase.
Pushing off Brenden, I grab my shit and head out to the bus. Once we leave we’re done with this stretch of games. We get to return home for the rest of break.
The ride back to campus is six hours. Kicking back in my seat I see a text from Ten saying something about getting a job. There is now way I’m going to forget about her she’s embedded to far inside now.
Why isn’t she on her way home? Why the fuck did she get a job? I talk to her every day, why the fuck don’t I know what’s going on.
Realizing texting isn’t giving me enough information, I dial her number. Her happy voice lightens my mood a little but I still bite her head off when she answers.
We’ve gotten close over the past month. Spending three or four days a week together. Any nights I’m not away for games, she’s with me in the fitness center. Any free time during the days we spend in the library studying. Masters was right about one thing, she is rocking some killer curves now.
Over the past month, I have watched her body transform. She was wonderful the way she was; but now, now she is smokin’ hot. Sadly, most of her weight loss came off
