Spiked

“Valid concern?” I asked, unsure if I wanted a real answer.

Jenna considered this for a moment, squinting as she thought it over. “Valid concern,” she finally admitted. I felt tears welling up in my eyes again, and Jenna grabbed hold of my hand. “But, that’s just a concern. It doesn’t mean it’s a prophecy or anything.”

“I’m not interested in being just another fucktoy. I’ve never been,” I said shakily.

“Well, you’re not, no matter what happens. He’s in a legit relationship with you, Sasha. A serious relationship.”

“I guess.”

Jenna pursed her lips. “Okay, okay— it is pretty bullshit that he didn’t argue with his parents about parking you here in the playground. But obviously, you’re going to take the gold room.”

“No, it’s yours. They want you to sleep in it.”

“They want a lot of things they can’t have,” Jenna said. “Though also don’t tell them that, okay?”

“I won’t. But seriously, I don’t want to take your room.”

“Fine. Then we’ll share this one. In protest,” Jenna said smartly, rising. She pulled me along with her. “There’s bunk beds. It’ll be a sleepover. We’ll get some of those adult coloring books and everything.”

I laughed and sniffled. “Seriously?”

“Well, no, because I think those adult coloring books are on backorder forever. But we’ll bring those growlers up here and get drunk while Jacob has that stupid doctor’s appointment, okay?”

“Okay,” I said, wiping at my eyes with the bottom of my palm. “Thanks, Jenna.”

“No problem,” Jenna said. “Besides, you seem lonely.”

“I sort of am,” I said, shaking my head. “It’s sort of been all Jacob all the time. I hardly know anyone else at the school.”

“Well, you know me, which means you know the entire women’s soccer team. And we’re the best ones to know,” Jenna said proudly. “Come on. Put some makeup on to mask your crying eyes and then let’s go downstairs and eat our feelings via fried foods and barbecue, okay?”

I nodded. “That sounds great.”

20

I survived dinner— just knowing that Jenna was on my side did wonders, and thankfully, Jacob’s injury dominated the conversation.

“I just want to make sure I don’t push it too soon,” Jacob said, shaking his head.

“Definitely not, Jenna agreed. “Re-injure it and it’ll be worse. It’ll take even longer to heal, and it’ll be way weaker.”

Mr. Everett nodded. “But you’ll bounce back from it even if that happens, Jacob. You’ve always been devoted to your training.”

“Yeah, of course,” Jacob said. “It’s fine, mostly. I don’t have many problems with it anymore.”

“Don’t you worry, Jacob,” Ms. Everett said, helping herself to some more fried okra from the Styrofoam container. “You’ll get through it. You always do.”

“I know, I know,” Jacob said, though he looked wary. “I’m just wondering if I should be careful. Maybe take some more time off.”

Mr. And Ms. Everett looked like they’d been slapped. They met one another’s eyes; Mr. Everett cleared his throat.

“Son, if you don’t play, then Adams will. He’s breathing down your neck, you know that,” Mr. Everett said, dropping his fork. I couldn’t tell if this was a pep talk or a berating. “I’ve heard the rumors. They’re saying if you’re out for Clemson, they’ll just give him the rest of the season. NFL is gonna think you’re injured even if you aren’t, if they don’t see you playing.”

“Yeah. I know,” Jacob said, and I saw something in him crumble. Until this moment, I hadn’t thought he had any doubts about playing in Clemson— but now, as I watched his eyes drop to his food, I realized how wrong I was. It was obvious: He’d wanted his parents to suggest he not play, or in the very least, discuss it with him. He’d wanted them to weigh the pros and cons.

“Jacob,” Ms. Everett said kindly, and my heart lifted— perhaps she was going to bring some reason to this discussion. “If it’s bad, obviously, don’t play. But you know how these schools are these days, especially with football. They’re being really cautious. No one knows your body better than you. If you think you can play, you should. Don’t let a little muscle tension ruin your career.”

“Yeah,” Jacob said. “Of course.”

“Besides, we’re coming to the Clemson game! We’ve got to see our boy slaughter some tigers before he graduates,” Mr. Everett said, slapping Jacob affectionately on the arm.

“Oh!” Jacob said, eyes widening. “I didn’t know you were coming to that game. You said you wouldn’t be free till Auburn.”

Ms. Everett gave Jacob a “you’re being crazy” look, and said, “That was before it became your triumphant return to the field, silly.”

Jacob glanced at me. “I gave my Friends and Family Tickets to Sasha already, is the thing. She’s never seen me play before.”

Ms. Everett’s jaw dropped. “Ah. Oh. Hm. You’ve never seen him play before, Sasha?”

“No,” I said nervously. “Not in person, anyway.”

“Maybe one of you could take the second ticket— Sasha, were you going to invite anyone?” Jacob asked.