“I’m a senior…on the football team. I had my eye on you today during lunch.” He said it almost like a question.
My body tensed and a flash of indignation streaked through me. I decided to be bold. “Are you the blonde-haired guy who was checking me out?”
He chuckled. “That’s me. The handsome one.”
So conceited. “Why are you calling?”
“To save you from making a big mistake.”
“What are you talking about?” God, he was irritating.
“Dating Pete O’Reilly.”
My body pulsated with a range of emotions. “What’s wrong with Pete?”
Alec chortled. “He plays soccer for one thing.”
“You think football is better?” What an ignoramus.
“No doubt about it. At least it’s American. And requires strength and skill.”
My foot tapped like a jackhammer. “Have you even been to a soccer game, um, Alec?”
“Nope. Don’t need to.”
Arrogant schmuck. “You might give it a try before passing judgment on it.”
“You might give me the same,” he said.
I was judging him, true, but he dug the hole himself. I took a deep breath, about to respond, but he continued.
“Just give me a chance to talk to you, Anna.” His voice turned soft, throwing me off guard. “I think you’re hella fine, and I’m sure once you get to know me, you’ll see we have potential.”
“Listen, I’m flattered you like me and everything, but I’m with Pete. He’s my boyfriend.”
“Well you’re not married yet, are ya?”
“No.” I laughed despite myself.
“And last time I checked, it’s still a free country, right? So, if it is alright with you, I’m gonna keep on calling until I can set you straight.” His confidence and conceit were mind-blowing.
“It’ll be a waste of your time.” I couldn’t be any clearer.
“It’s my time.”
“I gotta go.”
“Nice talking to you.” He chuckled again before hanging up.
Weird. Who was this guy? I couldn’t summon his image beyond the blinding, platinum hair. Even though his call was unsettling, I admit I liked the attention.
The following morning as I pulled books out of my locker for my first period class, Alec leaned his arm up against the row of gray lockers to my left. I startled.
“Did I scare you?” He grinned, giving me the full effect of his unwavering smile.
“A little.” My breath caught, adrenaline spiking throughout my body like a pinball darting around a machine, dinging bells.
“I’m sorry. I would never want to frighten you.”
I gave him a peripheral glance, arching my eyebrows. “Thanks.” Slow down, heartbeat.
“What class are you off to?”
“Algebra, my least favorite subject.” I slammed my locker shut.
“What? That pretty head of yours doesn’t like to crunch numbers?”
I stared at him, taking him in. He was so aggressive—and abnormally handsome. It made me uncomfortable. “I’m not very good at math. I struggle with it.”
“I know a great tutor.”
“I’ll bet. No thanks.”
“I’ll be here if you change your mind.” He patted the locker and stood up straight. “See you, gorgeous.”
My cheeks burned as I turned and headed to class.
As Katy and I changed for PE, I told her about Alec Mays. Intrigued, she made me promise to go to the football game with her on Friday so she could check him out. We went to our home games anyway, so I agreed. Katy brushed her thick hair, complaining about getting “sweaty and gross” before the activity even started. She was trying to impress a new guy in her next class. Katy crushed on so many guys at one time, I endeavored to keep up.
I didn’t have a chance to tell Michelle about Alec at lunch—Pete and half the soccer team ate with us. Tez had us all in stitches with his antics. He juggled a variety of fruits and asked us to throw in other lunch items, getting up to an impressive seven objects. A crowd gathered, watching as he manipulated fruit, milk cartons and even a hamburger with his soccer-adept forehead, knees and feet before they all crashed down.
I forgot about Alec until I caught him staring from across the courtyard. I averted my eyes, not wanting to acknowledge him or upset Pete. This guy was nothing to worry about. His advances were underhanded and slimeballish. If I continued making my disinterest clear, he would eventually leave me alone.
6
Rivalry
Friday after school, most of the student body stayed to watch the football game against McClymonds, one of our biggest rivals. Katy, Michelle and I sat together, equipped with red and white-streamered spirit sticks to wave in the air. To stave off the October chill, I wore my blue down jacket, Katy’s vest covered her turtleneck, and poor Michelle had paired an ugly green sweater with dorky rainbow suspenders that attached to cream painter pants.
The school marching band played a fight song, and cheerleaders jumped off their blocks, which spelled out GO TEAM! Skyline received the kick-off to start the game. The opposing team’s players were giants, almost dwarfing our guys. The Titans fumbled the ball, and the defense rushed out to replace the offense.
“Which one is he?” Katy asked, impatient to see Alec for herself.
I scanned the sidelines. At the same moment I pointed him out, Alec swiveled around and his eyes caught mine. He grinned and blew me a kiss, causing instant mortification and heat to my cheeks.
“Don’t look now!” I hissed.
“Why?” Katy nudged me with her elbow. “So what if he saw you?”
“I don’t want to encourage him!” I laid my head in my hands, silently berating myself. It figured Alec possessed some internal radar to bust me at the most inopportune time.
“Why not? He’s gorgeous!” Katy patted my thigh. “It’s cool. Mellow out.”
“Where is he? I can’t see him,” Michelle said.
Katy answered. “You see the coach? Look four players to the left.”
Alec had turned back around,
