The Game You Play (Rixon Raiders 2)

Then she was gone.

It fucking stung to see her walk away, but I knew it was better this way. Better she thought I was just a cold-hearted bastard who had used her in a game of push and pull. Cat and mouse. But the truth was, I wasn’t so sure anymore. And although I’d never do it, for the first time in my life, I wanted to chase the girl.

Life wasn’t a fairytale though. The only happy ending I needed was the one where I won State, went off to college, and made my dream of going pro a reality.

“Okay, ladies, gather in.” Coach beckoned us over. “Two games to go before the play-offs.” The guys began cheering but I barely managed a grumble.

“Okay, okay, you’re excited, I get it. You’ve earned it. But we need to keep our heads. Tomorrow is Seniors Night, which means best behavior. There’ll be the formal walk out at the game and then the presentations at the party afterward. Mrs. Hasson is cooking up something special for the occasion so I want to see you all in your best clothes. Grady,” he looked at the guy across from me, “that means you too, Son. If I see you in so much as a pair of sweats or a jersey, I’ll break out my old dinner jackets. Consider yourself warned.”

A few of us snickered while Grady flipped me off behind his helmet.

“Any questions?”

“No, Sir.”

“Good. Don’t forget we have Miss Raine’s unveiling too. I want you to remember to show her some respect. She’s worked tirelessly on this project and I think I speak for the whole team when I say I’m excited to see what’s she’s created.”

My eyes went to Cam who had a goofy grin painted on his face. He was so gone over my step-sister it left a sour taste on my tongue.

“It’s just nearest and dearest Friday. Right, Coach?” I don’t know why I asked the question, and I instantly wanted to take it back when all eyes landed on me. Asher was smirking but Cam looked worried. I hadn’t told them about earlier with Felicity, but they knew something had happened because I’d been a dick during practice, taking my frustrations out on my teammates.

“Something you want to tell us, Jase?” Coach asked with a hint of amusement.

“Nah,” I kept my voice even. “Just wanted to make sure we weren’t inviting the entire cl

ass.”

“Rest assured it’ll be intimate, Son. The team, close family… girlfriends,” he scoffed at that, “and the cheer squad.”

A rumble of appreciation echoed around the field.

“Best behavior, remember?” Coach shot us a bemused look. “Okay, get out of here. Jase, a word please.”

I hung around, waiting, while my teammates headed for the showers. “What’s up, Coach?”

“All set for tomorrow?”

“Sure thing.” I ran a hand over my damp hair and down the back of my neck.

“I just wanted you to be aware. Principal Finnigan has asked your father to give a speech at the presentation.”

My spine stiffened. “I see.”

“Now, I know the two of you haven’t always seen eye to eye, but he’s your father Jason, and the town consider him to be—”

“A local hero.” As if I needed any more of a reminder.

“It’s out of my hands but I wanted to give you a heads up.”

“Thanks,” I grumbled.

“Piece of advice, Son. It’s important to know where you came from, but you don’t have to let it define you. You’ve earned this, Jason, and when we’re crowned State champs, you can rest easy knowing you made it happen. Not your father or his legacy. Football might be in your blood, but you have a rare gift that’s all yours, Son. Own it.”

“Thanks, Coach.” I barely got the words out over the lump in my throat.

He gave me a small nod. “Now get in there with the rest of them.”

As I walked off field, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to be normal. To walk out tomorrow with my family, a girlfriend maybe. People who loved me unconditionally, not because of who I was and where I was going, but for the person behind the jersey.