Playing to Win

Payton nodded. “That’s kind of why I said it. I’ve been talking to some guys. We all like Carbine and I told them about working with you.” His eyes lit for the first time since we started talking. “We were saying how cool it would be to start playing together.”

“Dude, that’s your answer.” I hoped he could see it as plain as I could. Ultimately, he had to choose.

“It sucks, man. Toby’s been my best friend since kindergarten.”

I almost asked him if the guy’s name was really Toby, but then I decided I didn’t really want to know. I wanted to tell that punk to leave Payton alone, but he Payton had to fight his own battles.

“I know, but people change. Just because he was a good friend before doesn’t mean he still is. You can care about him and wish he’d do the right thing, but if he doesn’t, that’s on him. You can’t let him drag you down with him.”

Payton hung his head, but he nodded.

“Hey,” I said and waited until he looked up. “Listen, you can call me. If you need help or you make a bad choice or whatever. You can call me. I’ll be there.” The kid had two older brothers but they’d moved out. He had Jordan, too, but sisters were different. If Payton needed me, I’d do what I could to help him.

“Thanks, man.” Payton held out his fist.

I tapped it and turned back to my guitar. “Let’s go over that last part again. I think you’ve almost got it.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Jordan

I hated myself for the resentment I felt every time I saw Asher’s name and not mine on the list on Dad’s door. I pushed the feelings down and tried to act like I didn’t care. At the end of every game, Asher waited for me outside the locker room with this anxious expression that only made me feel smaller.

I played in every game. I had an amazing boyfriend. What more could I ask for?

“Jordan!” my mom called up the stairs. “Asher’s here.”

Time to put on my happy face. We were going to the concert in the park tonight. Asher and the guys had been practicing and warming up for the last couple of hours at Jarom’s house, but now he needed to head over to the park. He’d insisted on giving me a ride so we could leave together at the end. Natalie and Kelly planned to meet us there and keep me company while the guys played.

I took one last look at myself in the mirror. Asher claimed to love my style, but I didn’t miss how all the girls at school looked at him and then looked at me. I knew they wondered why he wanted to be with a girl like me and sometimes, so did I. But I refused to change. Any guy who liked me would have to like, or at least accept, all of me. I couldn’t lose myself to please some boy. I wouldn’t.

So, I ran down the stairs wearing a loose pair of overalls with a long-sleeved graphic tee-shirt underneath, hot pink Chucks, and a backwards baseball cap I found in Bobby’s room after he moved out. I only ever wore mascara and I’d pulled my hair into a low ponytail.

“There you are. Asher’s had to make small talk with your dad,” Mom teased with a wink at Asher.

“I’m always up to talk hockey, Mrs. Parks,” Asher replied.

I shook my head. Suck up.

“You guys have fun.” Dad stood up from where he’d been sitting on the back of the couch. “Kelly and Natalie are meeting you there?”

“Yeah, so I don’t have to be by myself when Mr. Rock Star here is on stage.” I rubbed Asher shoulder.

He rolled his eyes before addressing my dad. “We shouldn’t be too late. I think the guys want to get something to eat after our set. But we should be done by nine, so, not late.”

“Just be home by midnight,” Dad said.

“Have fun. And good luck, Asher. Maybe I can talk Coach into going to the park a little later to hear you guys.”

Asher’s ears turned red. “Oh, well. Yeah, that would be cool.”

Mom grinned and I grabbed Asher’s hand. Definitely time to leave.

“See you guys later,” I called over my shoulder as I pushed Asher out the door.

“Your dad’s going to go to the concert,” Asher muttered on the way to his car.

“Don’t be dramatic.” We got into the car and Asher hurried to back out of the driveway.