Chapter 13

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Running my hand through my hair for the millionth time, I watched my brother. Nerves coursed through me as my leg bounced on the bleachers. He was having a good practice. No rough hits, a few recoveries and even a blocked extra point kick. Today would be the day.

Over the weekend I told Finn I would talk to my brother. Now that it's Thursday, there really was no way to put it off. He had team dinner, and would be stuck on a bus Friday for the away game. After the game will be another field party and I don't think I can handle keeping my hormones in line with Finn so close.

At the thought of him, I instinctively sought out the big white eleven marking his practice jersey. He was down field pushing off the defender ready to intercept Shane's pass. A whistle chirped and the play ended before the ball could be released from Shane's expert hand.

Pushing the sun glasses up to the top of my head, I began my descent to the fence line. The huddle was breaking before I could make it all the way down. Looking up, my brother was jogging over to me.

"What are you still doing here?" Sweat dripped from his forehead as he removed his helmet.

"I was wondering if we could talk for a bit?"

"Is everything okay?"

"Great," my smile was genuine. "I'll meet you by your truck."

With a nod he ran toward his teammates who were waiting. I followed the curve of the fence along the field. Like every other time I hung around after practice, I took my time getting to the other side of the property. Finn and Joseph we're leaving the locker room as I finally reached the school building.

"Lainy," Joseph yelled as he dipped down and threw me over his shoulder.

"Joe, put me down," my free arm reached around to hit his back.

"No way. I do that and some guy might try to talk to you," he spun around and ran a few feet from the locker room door. Finn's lopsided smile and wave told me I was on my own. "Can't afford any more injuries to our team."

"Stop being dramatic." I rolled my eyes. He set me on my feet near the gate separating the parking lot from the official school grounds.

"Go on," he pointed firmly to the lot. The tough guy look suited him. It wasn't him though. He was always the teddy bear that enjoyed making people laugh.

"Meany," I teased sticking my tongue out. He shrugged as if it didn't affect him. "Boring stick in the mud."

"That's uncalled for," he crossed his arms over his chest and pouted.

"Sorry, Joe."

"So," he scratches at his jaw, "I've been wanting to talk to you?"

"About what?"

"A few weeks ago, when we crashed at your place. I heard your conversation with Finn. He seemed pretty harsh and I wanted to make sure you're okay."

"Never better," I smiled and leaned up on the tip of my toes to kiss his cheek.

"Good," he smiled proudly. "Didn't want to have to give him a talking to."

"I think Lucas has everything covered." We both laughed and laughed harder as my brother strolled toward us. It was like he knew his name was mentioned and had to appear. Joseph ruffled my hair before patting my brother on the back and rejoining Finn.

"What was that all about?"

"He wanted to keep me away from the boys," I shrugged as we walked to Lucas' truck. He dropped the tailgate and I jumped up.

"You said you wanted to talk."

"Yeah," I dragged out the word. Five minutes ago this seemed like a great idea. Now, I couldn't even find a starting point. "We agreed to trust one another, right?"

"Yeah," he sighed as he popped his neck.

"There's someone I like, and I'm pretty sure he likes me." He rolled his shoulders now, fighting off the urge to snap. "I would really like the chance to see where things go with him."

"Lainy -"

"Hear me out," I held up my hand to visually cut him off. "He's a good guy, Luke. Smart and caring. And you know I wouldn't let anyone near me if I didn't believe they were truly a good influence. If things don't work, then they don't work and I move on. But, I'm seventeen and I really want to feel like it."

"Basically, you're asking my permission to date a guy, and by extension give this guy permission to date you."

"Without repercussions, or any other form of hostility," I added. He finally looked me. The frown he wore said no, but his soft brown eyes told me he was giving in. "Please, Luke. I'm trying to do this the right way. No sneaking around, or lying."

"Who is he?" I was shaking my head before he could finish the question.

"Agree first." His forehead crinkled as his eyes began to harden. "Open season on the guys is over, big brother. Either you agree, and we ease into the details or you deny it and it'll get buried faster then the Library of Alexandria."

"Your nerd is showing," he pokes my cheek. When I didn't react he groaned again and rubbed his face with his hands. "How long do I have to think about it?"

"End of the school day tomorrow." He nodded a few times before sliding off the tailgate. I followed his lead. Once my feet were back on solid ground, I hugged him. "Thank you, Luke."

"I didn't agree to anything," he hugged me gently.

"You're thinking about it. That in itself deserves a hug."

"Alright, alright," he pushed me away. "Do you have a ride home?"

"Yeah, I'll call Heather. I'm sure she's still lurking around Shane." My brother chuckled as he shook his head. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and lead me back toward the school. Sure enough, Heather was near the usual suspects.

"There you are! Am I still giving you a ride home," my friend asked as she weaseled her way between Lucas and I. She made a shooing motion with her hand causing my brother to throw up his hands walk off toward the entrance of the building. Shane and Joseph followed while Finn lingered back. I gave him a smile, assuring him all was well. Returning the gesture he jogged to catch up to the others.

**~~**

Driving back into town after the game, I was on cloud nine. It was a complete shut out. Finn had two touchdowns. Lucas had three recoveries and four sacks. Shane even snuck the ball to the endzone. After yesterday's good mood and today's victory, Lucas should be flying as high as me. I didn't bother going home and went straight to the school to meet the guys.

Parents and students littered the parking lot as the bus rolled in. I was sitting on my brother's tailgate waiting for the masses to part as the players exited the bus. Cheers erupted as each member stepped off and into the crowd. Shane was first, his hands raised over his head like a boxer receiving his championship belt. He cleared the way for Finn, then Keegan followed by Lucas and Joseph. I jumped off the tailgate and approached them.

"Congratulations," I smiled at them. Shane wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close.

"I would personally like to thank the fans and their obsessive dedication," he spoke properly. We stumbled forward as someone shoved him from behind.

"Hands off," Lucas grumbled as he passed.

"You can't ruin this moment for me, man," Shane grinned at my brother's back.

"Party time," Joseph sing-songed as he filled in the empty space beside me. I whooped and my brother turned to face me.

"Nah-uh. You're going home."

"Are you kidding," Keegan asked, slowing as he passed by us. "She drove an hour to watch you, then an hour home to greet you. Now she can't celebrate with us?"

"Please, Luke," I clasped my hands under my chin. Pouting with big eyes, I knew he wouldn't say no. Shane removed his arm from me and mirrored my face. By the time Joseph joined in, Lucas was muttering an approval and throwing his bag in the bed of his truck.

Our cars were like its own parade as students left the lot and headed out to the country. Shane's Jeep lead the pack. I was behind Lucas and in front of Finn. The path was well worn, and I was thankful. My little car would probably have gotten stuck at some point. We parked and each got out. Lucas strolled over with his hands in his pockets.

"I know I didn't give you an answer yet," he admitted leaning against my car.

"Notice I didn't try to get one out of you."

"Yeah," he smiled weakly, "I want to meet him first."

"Luke," I sighed.

"How can I sign off on this if I don't know who it is?"

"I told you, it's all or nothing." My arms crossed loosely as I kicked at a rock.

"Fine. You have my permission."

"And..."

"There will be no repercussions," he looked at me, "While you two are dating."

"I can work with that."

"Now, who is the deadman." There was tease to his voice as the corner of his mouth turned up. I walked toward the party and could hear him trailing after me. I had to talk to Finn before we told Lucas. Even when we did tell him, I would like it to be just the three of us.

Shane was dancing with some girls near the fire. Joseph and Finn were near the coolers. When they saw us, they each grabbed another drink and joined us at Lucas' truck. Finn handed me the unopened bottle as Joseph passed my brother the other one.

"So, little Lester," Joseph held out his hand, "Want to dance?"

"Yes, please," I grinned before setting my drink on the tailgate.

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