Sacking The Player

“Yes, to coming over, no to hanging with Tex.”

“You’re impossible.” I shake my head and shove Tate to the side so I can pay for my food and get some studying in. I stop and look back at Tate for a moment. I forgot to tell him the new dance schedule. “We’ll need to work out a new schedule for dance. I got the star role in the fall recital. I’ll text you my schedule and you can get back to me when you figure out what’s good for you.”

“You got it.” Tate beams up at me. “That’s great. Make sure to let me know when it is, and we’ll all buy tickets, front row,

to watch you.”

“Yeah yeah, anyways, I gotta go. Big exam tomorrow.” I give everyone a wave and head out.

Chapter 13

Tate

W

e climb into Adams’ SUV, everyone is quiet. Our food came quickly and the minute we were done we all left. No one really talked after Amaya was gone. The guys just sat there eating quietly and giving me weird looks.

“So uh, what was all that back there?” Big Tex asks.

“Just staking my claim.”

“Never seen you like that before, man. Fuck, never even heard you say shit like that either. Amaya’s a great girl and all, from what I know from tonight, but you sure? Especially now? You know, she’s wants to go to San Diego to be a ballerina something or other, and you want to go to Miami for the draft.”

“Doesn’t matter, she’s my big bang,” I tell him quietly.

Bucky speaks up from the front. Shithead called shotgun. “The big bag your parents have talked about gives me the creeps. I personally think it’s bullshit.”

“Trust me, it’s not bullshit,” Big Tex says. He doesn’t say anything more, makes me wonder if he’s talking about Amaya’s friend.

The rest of the ride back to campus is quiet and a little awkward. Adams doesn’t get out. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow. Need to get going.” He speeds off before the door even fully closes.

Huh. “Anyone know what’s going on with him lately?” He’s been quieter than normal, and is always gone. Tonight was a rare hangout. Last year, we were always all together, and since this year started, he’s always gone.

“Something to do with a woman probably,” Bucky shares.

“Don’t want to know then.” I hold my hands up. “I think we’ve had enough chick talk for one night.” More like enough chick talk to last a year.

I head over to the gym to burn some of the calories I just inhaled.

**

When I was working out, I got a text from Woodburn, our fraternity president. He wants me to come over and check out the new recruits. Which means there is a huge ass party happening and they are on trial to see how they manage the thing. I don’t want to go to it, but I may as well. What else am I gonna do tonight?

Walking up to the house, I see the party through the window is already somewhat out of control. Thankfully, we got the new windows put into the place so no more broken windows will happen. Soundproof and shatter proof. Which is a plus, since usually the only reason cops get called is because of the noise.

“The King is here!” I hear shouted, and I shake my head. I fist bump a few guys and walk to the kitchen for a beer. That keg shit is for the party, but the shit in the kitchen is for the frat brothers. Popping the cap on my bottle, I take a swig while Woodburn chats about the recruits. This frat used to be known for the worst hazing around, but once Woodburn became president, he put a stop to it. Instead, the recruits earn their place by seeing how they behave and run the parties.

“So, heard you got a girl?” He asks, finishing his beer off.

I grin. “Damn right I do.”

He starts to reply when we’re interrupted by a football groupie. Not unusual, but I’m not interested, and I’m getting fed up with this shit, especially when I have Amaya.

“Been looking all over for you, King,” she purrs.

“That’s nice? I’m busy.” I try to turn back to face Woodburn when she grabs my head and tries to kiss me.

Shoving her off I glare at her. “What the fuck was that? You don’t just go up to someone and try that shit out. Fucking crazy, chick, you need to get your head examined.”