The Endgame Is You (Rixon Raiders 4)

“I...”

This so wasn’t how I'd seen the conversation going. I’d wanted to make a friend, to strike up conversation with someone who wouldn’t automatically pigeonhole me as Jason Ford’s girlfriend. But maybe she got it, maybe she understood more than most.

“I promise I’m not usually this weird,” she added as if she could hear my inner turmoil. “I’m just passionate about the things I love, and it just so happens I really love football, almost as much as I love animals.” Her smile grew.

That sealed the deal.

A girl who could love football and animals...

Despite her shaky introduction, Elodie Faltham sounded like my kind of girl.

Felicity

“Holy freaking crap, this is amazing,” Elodie shrieked beside me as the team jogged out onto the field.

Jordan had needed to go home for the weekend, something to do with a family emergency. She kindly offered to donate her ticket to my new friend. I wasn’t sure Elodie warranted friend status yet, but we had hung out a couple of times, and we always sat together in class now. After her initial excitement that I was dating Jason, she reined herself in, and kept our conversation to safer topics like my volunteer work at the shelter and her dream of one day working with big cats in African reservations.

“I mean, I’ve been to all their games, but I’ve never even come close to scoring seats this good. Thank you so much.” She gave me a big grin and I couldn’t help but be infected by her enthusiasm. She reminded me of... well, me back in high school, eager to soak up senior year and all that came with it.

“Oh my god, there he is.” She pointed to Jason and I let out a small chuckle.

“Yep, that’s him.”

“Oh God, I’m doing it again, aren’t I?” Her brows knitted. “I’m sorry, it’s just—”

“It’s okay. Enjoy it.”

The atmosphere in Franklin Field was electric, everyone high on the team’s perfect season so far. If they won tonight, it would leave them with two games to play and the league title in sight.

I knew how much it meant to the team, the fans, and the coaches. But most of all, I knew how much it meant to the guy wearing the red and blue number one jersey.

“If they win this game, the season could be theirs. Only Dartmouth has a shot at taking it from...” She launched into an analysis of the Ivy League, but her words barely registered as I watched Jason command his teammates. They respected him, followed his orders, and paid attention when he talked. It was something to behold.

We were in a better place since the weekend. There were still some things we needed to work through, but something had shifted.

“Felicity?” Elodie nudged me.

“Huh, sorry?”

“I said are you sure about me coming to the party later? I’ve never been to a football party before.”

“It’s just like any other college party really, except with more cheerleaders.”

“Actually,” her cheeks pinked, “I’ve never really been to a college party before.”

“I’ve probably been to less than you can imagine,” I admitted.

“What, no way? Your boyfriend is—”

“I think we’ve established who my boyfriend is.” I gave her an amused smile. “But I haven’t exactly spread my wings since coming to Penn.”

“Well, we can be out of our comfort zone together.” Elodie shot me a conspiratorial wink.

“Aren’t you worried about people finding out about your dad?”

She shrugged. “Honestly, I think I’ve been using him as a reason not to push myself into new social situations.”

“So tonight, we party?” A trickle of excitement zipped through me. I’d always gone to parties with Jason, stood and watched from the sidelines as he and his friends let loose and enjoyed themselves. Jordan had been around this semester, but last year it had mostly been me. So I couldn’t deny it felt nice to finally have someone in my corner.