Playing For Love Read online

  “Varsity made it 5 years ago,” I explained, more or less reading the info from my phone. “But JV hasn't made it at all. So, if we make it would be the first time for JV and also the first time both teams ever made it together. I guess no school had ever done that actually.”

  “So you could make history?” Corra asked.

  “I mean technically,” I said with a frown. “Or we could lose a bunch between now and then. I mean, we have a whole month of the season left.”

  “Well, I think the nose guards were just what the team needs this year to make it to the end,” Beth grinned.

  “Exactly!” Corra agreed quickly. “I finally convinced my mom I needed to get one. Hopefully, I'll have it decorated for the next game.”

  “We should decorate them together,” Beth suggested. “I don’t want to mess mine up. I’ve had it for a week but don’t know what to put on it.”

  “You guys really both bought them?” I asked kind of shocked.

  “Well, yeah,” Beth said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

  “You would do the same for us,” Corra commented. “So of course we have our own. Now we just need to get to a game. I feel so bad we haven’t been to one yet.”

  “You've gone to all the football games with me, and have helped me a lot with getting Jordan to notice me,” I quickly recapped. “That stuff was way more important!”

  “Okay, but we're totally coming to a game really soon!” Beth smiled, clearly wanting to show support for me on the field as well as off.

  “Deal,” I said with a grin.

  When they finally left a little bit ago, I made sure to get all my stuff ready for the game tomorrow so it'll be ready to go when I wake up. And now that I'm done writing I'm going to get some sleep so hopefully I can keep my team's winning streak alive! No pressure or anything, but if I start messing up, then it'll be at least partly my fault that we don’t make history after such a great start to the season! Good luck to myself on getting that thought out of my head all day tomorrow at the game!

  OCTOBER 4TH-SATURDAY

  So far so good! I went the whole game without dying or messing up too bad!

  Seriously, though, I played almost the whole game, and the other team only scored once. I didn’t get to score this game, but Torri scored twice and Gina scored once. It kept us on the winning streak that varsity continued for the day! There were a lot of people there to support us wearing their nose guards, but not as many as most games since it was over an hour to get to the field where we were playing in Denton.

  After the game, it was fun to ride home with my dad and stop to get lunch together, but it was honestly the ride to the bus in the morning that was my favorite. It was short, but it let me bond with Skyler like I never thought I would. I mean, we've been on the same team for a while now, and I hang out with her since she's dating Ross and everything, but this was totally different.

  “So are you and that Taylor girl still not talking?” Skyler asked while we sat in Starbucks to drink our coffee for a little before heading to school.

  “Yeah,” I said with a sigh. “She keeps glaring at me anytime she sees me.”

  “She’s just mad you won,” Skyler said with a shrug as she took a sip of her coffee.

  “I won?” I asked, very confused.

  “Yeah, you won Jordan.”

  The second her words were out of Skyler's mouth I almost spit my coffee all over her. It was a total shock and I didn't know what to say or do after that, so I just waited until she continued.

  “He spent time at the dance with you instead of her,” Skyler explained with a laugh. Clearly she was enjoying my shocked reaction. I doubt she would have liked it if she'd been showered with my coffee. “The whole reason she was even there was to try to get Jordan’s attention and when he didn’t want to be near her she knew you had won.”

  “What?” I said weakly, still not sure how to take all that she was saying.

  “Oh come on Fiona. It’s obvious you like him,” Skyler set down her coffee and looked me straight in the eyes. “Don’t worry. I don’t think him or Ross know. They're so oblivious to just about everything around them.”

  “But you know.” I had to take a sip of my coffee just to keep my voice from breaking. This wasn't what I expected to chat about over coffee with my brothers girlfriend to start the day.

  “Well, I kind of figured it out thanks to Taylor,” she admitted. “I heard her and her sister talking in the bathroom about how you didn’t deserve to get ‘his’ attention, and there was no way ‘he’ was going to ever like you. When I saw she was hanging all over Jordan, I figured out it was him they were talking about. And then as soon as he went over and was hanging out with you for a while she was super mad and that's when she started talking about you by name. I don’t think a lot of people figured it out, but I was able to put and two together. And now, seeing you and him together it’s clear that you like him.”

  “So you’re really sure Ross doesn't know?” I asked, for some reason the most worried about him finding out.

  “I think you’re okay,” she nodded. “I'd be shocked if some of the other girls on the team haven’t figured it out or anything, but I think to most people it looks like you just hang out with Jordan since he’s friends with Ross. But I know better. The only reason I ever hung out with my brothers friends was if I had crushes on them!”

  “Oh. Do you think I’m crazy for liking him?” I’m not sure why I thought it was a good idea to ask her, but Skyler was suddenly a part of just a small group of people that knew the truth about my feelings for Jordan. And to me, that was a pretty big deal!

  “Not at all!” She grinned. “He’s really cute and totally amazing. And he totally cares about you. I could totally see you two ending up together.”

  “Really?” I couldn’t help but smile at that one.

  “Yeah.” She stood up then, hinting it was time for us to head to school to catch the bus. “I think you might need to do something to catch his attention and make him see how you feel. But I think once he sees that you like him and everything then he is going to make his move before it's too late you. Right now he’s just in the “little sister of my best friend” mode a bit too much to see he needs you to be more.”

  And that was it. We got in the car and the song on the radio was a perfect upbeat and fast wake up song, so we put it on nice and loud and sang along as we drove to catch the bus to the games. In a way, I wanted to ask her more or see if she had any idea on how I could get Jordan to notice me more, but then I realized that I didn’t need to worry about that. I feel like when the time is right I'm going to find the right way to make the progress with him! So, now I'm just hoping that things will click soon and I'll have a chance to make everything abundantly clear to Jordan and he'll finally see how much I like him, and how great the two of us would be together! A long shot, I know, but still worth it!

  OCTOBER 4TH-SATURDAY

  I know I already wrote once today, but I totally needed to write again since tonight was super amazing! First of all, Beth and Corra and I decided we wanted to go see a movie since the weather turned a little rainy and we wanted to do some real “rainy day” activities. So I was talking on the phone to Beth about what was playing and Ross overhead me. He mentioned that him and Skyler were also talking about going to a movie, so he offered to drive us as well since they were already going that way. It was pretty perfect, even if their movie started before ours did. Beth and Corra came over early enough for us to all get ready to go.

  In the end, the movie Ross and Skyler were seeing started over half an hour before ours, so we had a lot of time to hang out. There was literally no one in the theater when we went to sit down, and it meant we got seats at the very top row so we were super excited. The theater started filling up a little bit, but it was clear it wouldn't anywhere near a packed house. And, no one was sitting near us yet, so we were being a little loud and silly and taking photos and stuff. Then, all of a sudden Jordan
walked in, and I think I about fell out of my chair!

  I tried to calm myself down quickly so I didn’t end up on the floor, but it was hard to all of a sudden go from laughing and fooling around to trying to impress him. It was crazy odds that he would even be at the movies, let alone seeing the same film as us, and then he started walking up the steps to sit near us.

  “Hey, Fi!” Jordan called out before picking seats right in front of us for him and his three friends. “Mind if we join you, ladies?”

  “Sure!” I smiled. Not only was Jordan coming to sit with us for a movie, his friends were guys from school that are all on the basketball team. They were all seniors and happened to include Trey Jackson, who Beth happened to mention looked super cute at one point the night of the homecoming dance.

  “Is Ross here too?” Jordan asked, turning in his seat to still chat with us.

  “Yeah, but he’s watching some chick flick with Skyler.”

  The second the words were out of my mouth the guys started hooting and hollering and generally freaking out. It took a little time to get it out of them, but apparently Ross was supposed to come to the movie with them, but then ended up telling them that he wasn't feeling well. Clearly it was a lie since he was feeling well enough to be out with his new girlfriend. While the guys started sending text messages to Ross, with no reply, I sent Beth a message asking her if she was excited Trey was sitting with us. She just sent back some emoji’s in reply.

  “We should get a group selfie and post it online so Ross knows all the fun he's missing!” I announced, hoping it would be a good chance to squish together. You know, me and Jordan. And then also Beth and Trey!

  “Alright, give me your phone,” Jordan smiled, clearly knowing that was going to my next request.

  We all snuggled up together for the photo, and I managed to be more or less right next to Jordan. It was a good shot, but it was hard to get us all in, so in the end we asked a guy sitting a few rows down to get one for us. That one turned out even better since Jordan sat on the top of his seat and even wrapped an arm around my waste for the picture.

  “We still have fifteen minutes until the movie's going to start,” Corra sighed once the photo was over and there wasn't much to entertain us anymore.

  “Popcorn sound really good right about now,” Brian, one of Jordan’s friends announced.

  “Why don’t we get a big one with refills so all of us can share?” Trey offered. I noticed Beth light up at the idea of him counting us a part of his group.

  “I’ll go get it,” Jordan offered, standing up to head to the concession stand.

  “I’ll go too,” I practically shouted stand up as well. “I want to get something to drink anyways.”

  I really only mentioned getting a drink to cover my need to go with Jordan, but as it turned out everyone really liked the idea. After a minute of chatting about it, we decided I'd get a few different drinks and a lot of straws so we could all share. The whole way to the concession stand Jordan and I chatted absentmindedly about Skyler and Ross. It was clear that even though they were teasing Ross about seeing a movie with Skyler tonight, all the guys really liked her. And of course, I agreed! I mean, she was really great about the whole Jordan thing for starters. Ross has dated a few girls before her, but for the first time I feel like he picked someone who doesn’t see me as just some annoying little kid. I think the fact we were teammates first helped a good bit too.

  “Oh well, I guess he’ll just miss out on the fun tonight,” Jordan finally shrugged once we were in the short line for popcorn and snacks. “So, are you excited for the game against North Lake next week?”

  “Now that I can actually run I am,” I explained. “I still feel a little behind after being sick, but at the game this morning I was almost back to my normal self.”

  “You and I should practice together between now and then to make sure you’re totally ready,” Jordan offered.

  Before I could even respond, it was our turn to order. We picked three different kinds of pop, got a large popcorn, and then some candy too. I tried to pull out some of the money I'd brought with me, but Jordan insisted on paying for it all.

  “I’ll get the other guys to pitch in a little, but it’s our treat,” he said with a smile before helping me pick up all of our snacks.

  We didn’t bring up soccer again on the way back to the theater since we were kind of rushing when we saw it was almost time for the movie to start. I knew there'd be a lot of previews, but those are my favorite part! I like to watch them and decide what movies I'll be seeing next. Sometimes I even keep my phone open so I can make a list of them and the date they come out so I'll be ready.

  As soon as we got into the theater it was clear that our two rows of friends had become one. Everyone was sitting in the top row now, chatting and laughing like we all showed up to the theater together. Brian and Scott were all the way at the far end of our seats, with Trey sitting between them and Beth. Corra was on the end, so I took a seat next to her and started passing out the food. I expected Jordan to move and sit next to Brian, but instead he took the seat next to me! The whole time we passed out snacks I expected him to finally get up and move, but he just propped his feet up on the seat in front of him and got comfortable.

  When the previews started, I was glad I had something to focus on other than Jordan sitting next to me. We were watching an action movie so all the previews were similar, meaning there were only two I really wanted to see. I leaned over and told Corra each time, and even though I didn’t think I said it that loud, Jordan agreed with me on both of them. The second one he even said we should all go see together! I just nodded in agreement since the movie was finally starting.

  The movie was really great, and I have to say I liked it even more than I thought I was going to! And on top of that I shared the armrest with Jordan so we were kind of touching our arms together a lot! At first when he put his arm next to mine I jerked mine away. But then, I decided to put my arm back really casually and he didn’t move. It was really cool to just sit there, my arm right up against his like it was no big deal or anything.

  There were also a few times in the movie where we would laugh at something at the same time, or make comments about what was going on, but, for the most part, we were just all really into the movie. And when the movie ended all seven of us were chatting and talking about our favorite moments as we walked out of the theater. I was talking to both Scott and Jordan and also kind of Corra at the same time, all of us talking over each other at the same time in excitement from the movie. We were so caught up in it all we almost walked right past Ross and Skyler, who were waiting for us in the lobby.

  “Looks like you're feeling better,” Trey joked as soon as he saw Ross.

  It was obvious to me Ross felt bad he'd been caught in his lie, but at the same time he must really like Skyler if he was willing to lie just to hang out with her. While the guys continued to mess with Ross, I turned to Skyler and asked her about the movie they'd seen. It was more of a girly movie, but one I was thinking about trying to see as well so I wanted to hear how it was. I tend to like really contrasting movies but was glad I ended up picking the same was as Jordan today.

  “Okay, we need to get home, it’s late,” Ross finally said to me after he was clearly sick of listening to his friends pick on him for hanging out with his new girlfriend over them. I said a quick goodbye to everyone and was about to turn and go when Jordan said my name, getting my attention immediately.

  “I’ll text you about tomorrow, okay?”

  I could feel my face warming up immediately when he said it, but just nodded then waved as he turned and walked toward where Trey’s car was parked.

  “What’s tomorrow?” Ross asked pulling his keys out of his pocket.

  “He said he'd help me practice soccer.” I tried to say this casually, but it was hard to do since Corra and Beth were staring at me with their mouths hanging open. I quickly whispered “I’ll tell you at my house,” to my friends so
they wouldn't hound me on the ride back with my brother in the car.

  Thankfully it worked, and as soon as we got home and raced to my room I had to spill everything! It really wasn't all that much to tell since it was just basically the fact that he said he might help me practice soccer. But, they were super excited and went on and on about it until Corra brought up Trey. Then it was Beth’s turn to blush and freak out. Apparently her and Trey chatted some during the movie and he touched her arm when he said goodbye to her as we were all leaving. Now, I know that might not sound like a big deal to some people, but I've seen a lot of girlie movies and read a lot of magazines. When a guy goes out of his way to touch you like that and really draw your attention when he is talking to you, it means he likes you! Or at least cares about you.

  Bringing up Trey meant that for the whole rest of the night until we went to bed, we talked about him! We looked him up on Facebook and nagged Beth until she sent him a friend request. Then, we looked at photos of him in our old yearbooks and laughed when Beth all but swooned at a photo of him playing basketball where his arms looked super muscular in his jersey. It was just what I needed to get my mind off of waiting for Jordan to text me. We’re getting ready for bed now and my phone is still showing no text messages. I’m trying not to be too bummed, though. I mean, I still have all morning tomorrow for him to text me.

  OCTOBER 5TH-SUNDAY

  When I woke up this morning and got moving finally, I started working on homework. I got most of it done when Jordan started to text me, making the rest of the time with my book in front of me basically a joke. How could I honestly concentrate when Jordan and I were planning on meeting up to practice together? We spend a little bit of time going back on forth on the details right away. My house was an option, but I didn’t want Ross to get in the way of my time with Jordan. His house was an option, but his backyard isn't that big. In the end we decided we would head to the school.