Elliot
A shift happened this morning.
I can feel it in the air as we get ready for our pick-up soccer game, shyly smiling at each other and joking all the way to my car.
I sneak a few covert glances at her over the hood of my car when she climbs in, her long hair pulled into a ponytail, her goofy grin confusing the shit out of me.
We listen to music on our way to the park, windows down all the way, cool breeze blowing Anabelle’s ponytail into long wisps around her face. Every now and again she looks over and smiles, biting down on her bottom lip before turning back toward the window.
What was that look? Is she flirting? Just being nice?
Jesus, I can’t tell.
I need a fucking manual.
On the field, we choose teams. There are twenty-five of us today, so it’s a near even split to make two teams. I end up on one, Anabelle on the other, and we take our warm-up laps together once she ties her cleats.
She’s so fucking cute.
So pretty.
Her black soccer shorts are thin, the socks she has pulled up her calves a bright neon pink and peppered with black dots. Her gray t-shirt says Sweating like a Sinner in Church and she has a yellow apron over it, her sports bra straps playing peekaboo with the collar.
Sue me for noticing.
Side by side, we jog around the field, Anabelle’s ponytail swaying the entire way. It’s jaunty and cute, and I’m excited to play against her today.
It’s her first game with our group, and I can tell she’s nervous because she hasn’t stopped chattering the entire three laps we’ve made.
“What if I accidentally take you out while I’m using my sweet, sweet moves on you?”
“What kind of moves? This is regulation, you know, not gorilla-style.”
She turns, jogging backward. “I don’t know. First I’d come at you like this”—she swerves—“then I’d fake you out like this.”
Anabelle does a few toe taps, mimicking some of the fast footwork we use during games, breasts bouncing beneath her shirt.
I avert my eyes. “You shouldn’t be giving me all your best plays.”
“You ain’t seen nothing yet.”
“Put your money where your mouth is Donnelly. The game hasn’t even started yet—isn’t it too early for trash talk?”
Her laugh rings out. “It’s never too early for a little trash talk, St. Charles.”
We run the lines of the field once more before the ref—who’s just another player volunteering to sit one out—blows a whistle. Anabelle is at midfield where she feels most comfortable, while I play sweeper near the opposite goal.
Whistle blows.
Feet move.
Forty-five minutes later, the first half is over, a new one beginning. We don’t take long breaks or stop for time-outs because no one wants the game to take all night.
It’s fast-paced and fun, with lots of bantering.
I can hear Anabelle laughing at Devin, two sets of eyes angling my way during a penalty kick. My roommate hits my friend on the shoulder while they stand together, forming a wall to block their goal.
It doesn’t work and my team scores.
Everyone scrambles to get back in position.
The ground is uneven in the park, the soccer field a hazard to run on, so when Anabelle trips in a divot and falls backward, I’m not surprised. I’m close enough to offer my hand and help her to her feet.
Our palms slide together, fusing.
I tug.
She stands. Swipes the grass off her rear, long legs marred with grass stains. Blushes.
“Thanks.”
“No problem.”
“Wait.” Her fingers reach out, plucking at my hair. “You have a piece of grass stuck right…here.”
“Thanks.”
She smiles. “No problem.”
I watch as she jogs away, eyes fastened on that ass. The long, colt-like legs striding back to her side of the field.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
Fucking Devin.
I turn and shoot him an irritated scowl. “Aren’t you supposed to be on the other side of the field?”
“I took Brandon’s spot, he had to cut out early for a study group.” My teammate laughs. “Getting chummy with your roommate already, I see? Peel your eyes off her for one damn second, would ya?”
“Shut up.”
His laugh is loud and annoying as hell. “I knew you fucking liked her! You can lie to yourself, but you can’t lie to me.”
“I said, shut. Up.”
“It is too damn cute, that’s all I’m saying.” He falls into line beside me, way too far back to be in his correct position. “Like little puppy dogs!”
Curious, I can’t help asking, “What were the two of you laughing about during the penalty shot?”
My knees are bent, eyes still trained on the ball being kicked around.
“You, obviously.”
“Jesus, Devin, would you cut the crap? What did you say?”
He lets out a loud laugh. “I asked if you were being a kind and courteous roommate.”
“You fucking liar.”
“Yeah, I’m lying.” He sniffles, wiping his nose on the sleeve of his shirt. “I asked her if she found you attractive, if she liked you as more than a friend.”
“What the actual fuck! Why would you do that?”
“Because I was curious and I knew you wouldn’t have the balls. Don’t fucking lie and say your dick doesn’t tingle thinking about her. She’s hot.”
She is hot, especially in those short soccer shorts, with those flirty pink socks pulled up to her knees.
“Well, what did she say, asshole?” He’s driving me insane.
“What do you think she said?”
I want to strangle him so hard right now. “God I hate you.”
“Do you? Do you though? Or do you wish your balls were as big as mine?” He grabs his dick through his shorts, laughing.
“Just fucking tell me what she said.”
“Nah.” He ignores me, watching the players move around the field. “I don’t think I will.”
Fantastic.
I don’t know what’s happening to me; I have Anabelle on the brain 24-7.
We’re playing with fire, and we both know it.