A Different Side (University Park #4) (5 page)

“I’m going to get you. You just wait,” Ashton protested, but laughed as I rubbed his head with my knuckles.

“Yeah, right.” I gave him one more noogie before letting go.

“You played well, son.” Mom smiled. Her eyes darted toward my shoulder and her smile turned to a frown. “Did you get hurt?” She placed a hand on my injured shoulder, noting the stack of icepacks Marcos had wrapped around my arm after a hefty dose of electrical stimulation therapy. That machine was like a miracle drug, nearly vanishing all traces of pain.

“I just strained it. I’ll be fine.” I wrapped my arm around her, showing her I could use it, and squeezed. “You didn’t have to wait for me.”

She patted my chest. “Nonsense. I wanted to congratulate you.” She planted a kiss on my cheek and then wiped her lipstick off with her finger. “I saw that guy approach you as you were walking off the field.” She eyed me suspiciously. “Who was that?”

“A scout for New Orleans.” I winked.

“Really?” Her eyes lit up. Even though we’d been in Fort Worth since I was twelve, relocating here after Hurricane Katrina, her heart would always remain loyal to her hometown.

“Yeah.” I smiled, unable to contain my own excitement. A few scouts had approached me last season and during summer practice. This was my third year playing for PHU and that placed me closer to the pros.

“What did he say?”

“Yeah, what did he say?” My grandmother, Mimi, leaned in, anxious to hear.

I straightened and took a deep breath, still a little awestruck. “That they are impressed with my results and are keeping a close eye on me.”

“Oh, Raven, that’s wonderful!” Mom’s hands flew up in the air.

“God bless.” Mimi covered her mouth and her eyes watered.

Mom hugged me tightly. “I’m so proud of you, son.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I pressed my lips to her forehead, feeling grateful for the support. Mom made every effort to be at every home game. Sun or rain, she was there as long as she didn’t have to work.

“You’re going to make it, Raven. I just know it.” Mimi held her arms open, enveloping me in them. “See what I told you? Working hard and staying out of trouble will get you to your goal.”

“I know,” I agreed. “I’m working hard to stay focused.”

“Good.” She gave me a light pat on my cheek. “Because this is your last chance, boy. No more screw ups, you hear me?”

“Yes, ma’am.” I swallowed hard. Mimi had a strict, old fashion way of discipline. When the university suspended me, she ripped me a new one. She knew how to put the fear of God in anyone. I think she had to learn to be tough. Raising three girls on her own after my granddad died was no easy task, but she did it. Just like my mom.

“Tomorrow I’m cooking a big breakfast before I head back to New Orleans.” She adjusted my PHU ball cap. Next to my mom, she was one of my biggest fans. Donning one of my purple and white jerseys, she was proud to support me. “So you better come to the house.”

I placed my hands on her shoulders. “Don’t worry, I’ll be there. As long as you let me help.”

“Sure, but I control the kitchen.” She smiled and then winked.

With a shrug, I said, “Wouldn’t have it any other way.” I enjoyed cooking with my grandmother. She definitely knew how to cook up a mean Jambalaya. Cajun spice ran thick in her blood and even though I’d never openly admit it, she cooked better than my mom.

I chatted with my family for a while and then invited them to come eat with the team. Shawn, Josh, and a few of the other guys, were meeting at a hamburger joint, along with their family and friends. My stomach rumbled and my muscles twitched, dying for a hefty dose of protein. They came with me and after a hearty cheeseburger and fries, I told them bye and headed back to my apartment. My body was totally spent from the game. Every part of me hurt and my shoulder ached. I opened the freezer, took out a few ice packs, and re-wrapped my shoulder before hitting the bed. I closed my eyes and was out for the count.

∑

Chapter 3

A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes,

smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them
.

~John C. Maxwell

“Dude, you going or what?” My bed shook repeatedly.

“What? Where?” I struggled to open my eyes.

“To the Sigma Chi house.” Josh was standing over my bed, running a comb through his hair. “We’re leaving as soon as Shelby’s ready.”

“I’m almost ready,” she yelled from across the hall.

I sat up and bit down on my lip when a pain shot to my elbow. Damn shoulder was killing me. “I don’t know. I guess.” I unwrapped the tape from my shoulder and removed the room-temp ice packs.

“You really aggravated your shoulder today, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, but the good news is the X-ray didn’t show anything was broken, just a muscle strain.” Josh watched as I rotated my arm in circles, trying to work out the pain. It didn’t help. With every rotation, my shoulder made a slight popping sound.

Not good.

“You’re lucky.”

“You got that right. It’s too early in the season for me to be seriously hurt.”

“Damn right.” Josh was more than a teammate; he was a good friend. Always being there for me and watching after me — making sure I didn’t do anything stupid again. “So, do you want us to wait for you?”

Shaking my head, I said, “No. Go ahead. I’ll take my car.” Josh and Shelby were usually all over each other after a few drinks and typically headed out early. Catching a ride home wouldn’t be a problem, but I preferred to have my car. Besides, my Challenger was a chick-magnet. Most of the time, they wanted more than a passenger-side ride, and I gladly gave them what they really wanted.

He inclined his head. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah, man. You guys go ahead.”

Shelby appeared in the doorway, wearing a short skirt. Josh hated when she wore clothes that barely covered her ass. Maybe it was because she had a habit of getting drunk and he always ended up arguing with guys when they hit on her. I guess I couldn’t blame those guys. Shelby was tight. Like Victoria Secret model tight. If she weren’t with Josh, I’d do her. No questions asked. But she belonged to him and they were good for each other.

Josh turned to Shelby. “You ready, sweets?”

She tossed her long curls over her shoulder and ran her hand along his arm. “I’m always ready for you.”

“And you look gorgeous.” He eyed her for a moment. “We better go before I carry you to the bedroom.”

Shelby giggled and Josh nuzzled her neck. I rolled my eyes and turned away. They were two sick lovebirds.

“See you later, man.” Josh shuffled her out of my room.

“Bye, Raven.” Shelby waved as they disappeared down the hall.

“See ya.”

Lying back on the bed, I contemplated whether I should go. I had only been to a few parties this semester, trying to walk that straight line. It was hard as hell and I didn’t want to take a chance. I was skating on thin ice. One more screw up, and I could get kicked off the team — just like my friend, Jared. That guy was lucky not to be in prison.

I decided to stay in and grabbed the latest issue of
The Superior Spider-Man
from my nightstand. I should’ve been reading stuff for class instead of comics, but I wasn’t in the mood. I’d do it tomorrow after I got back from breakfast at my mom’s. My meeting with Lexi wasn’t until Tuesday and I had two days to get prepared. What was she doing tonight? Was she at the party? Just as I finished reading, my phone buzzed. I tossed the comic aside when Shawn’s name flashed on the screen.

Shawn: Where the hell are you?

Me: At the apartment.

Shawn: What? You need to get over here now!

Me: I think I’m going to hang here and just call it a night.

Shawn: I need you, man. I can’t handle all these women on my own.

I laughed and shook my head. Shawn definitely had a confidence issue when it came to women. He could attract them, but didn’t know what to do afterwards. It was like he was scared to take them to bed — claiming he didn’t want to dishonor them. I reassured him they would honor him if he pleasured them like they wanted.

Me: I thought you said you wanted me to throw them your way?

Shawn: I did, but shit, I got four girls all over me right now.

Me: I call bullshit.

I waited a few minutes and then a picture of Shawn surrounded by four very beautiful women appeared below his text.

He wasn’t lying. The scene looked sweeter than the candy aisle.

Me: OTW.

I put on a short-sleeve polo shirt, jeans, and sprayed on some cologne. Looking in the mirror, I realized I had a bad case of bedhead. I headed to the bathroom, leaned over the sink, and wet my hair. After a quick towel dry, I slapped some gel on the strands — glad I didn’t require much with my new cut. I gave myself one more once over.
Screw it
. This was as good as it was going to get.

Grabbing my keys, I headed out the door. The party was on the other side of campus and it only took a few minutes to get there. I pulled up to the Sigma Chi house and a couple of freshmen were working the parking. A short, young guy directed me to a spot on the front lawn.
Sweet.
This was even better than last time. Another perk for being the university’s quarterback.

“Keep an eye on her,” I told him as I got out of the car.

“You got it.” He shot me a thumb up. The ground vibrated from the bass of the music. Plastic cups littered the yard along with empty liquor and beer bottles. A guy ran past me and then hurled on the front lawn. This party was in full swing.

The front door was open and the smell of beer and sweat wafted through the air. “Raven, glad you made it.” Quinton, the tight end, who was also the president of Sigma Chi, clasped hands with me. He’d been begging me to pledge since my freshman year, but frats really weren’t my thing. I did like to take advantage of the parties, though.

“Thanks for the invite.” I patted him on the arm while shaking his hand.

“Hey, it’s not a party without you here.” He gestured with his hand, spilling some of his beer in the process. “The Raven’s in the house!” he bellowed and everyone turned toward me and cheered.

I gave a slight wave, followed by a few nods. It didn’t take long for the females to conjure around us.

“By the way, you played a good game today.” I made sure to let him know I appreciated his hard work.

“Nah, man. I screwed up on that last play. I should have been there for you.” He shook his head in shame.

“Don’t worry about it.” I placed a hand on his shoulder. “We played as a team and that’s why we won.”

“Hell yeah we did!” He took a gulp and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Need a drink?”

I stuffed my keys in my pocket. “Sure, I’ll take a beer.” I reminded myself to take it easy. Getting drunk would be a bad idea, especially since we were in the middle of the season. The last thing I needed was to get in trouble and have to sit out — or worse, get suspended.
Been there, done that.

“James, pour me one for Raven.” Quinton held his cup in the air so he could see.

“You’ve got it!” James hollered from across the room.

A few girls waved to me as I looked for Shawn. Not wanting to be rude, I waved back. I didn’t know them, but it didn’t matter. Every girl was dying to know me.

“Great game.” Several guys congratulated me as they shuffled by.

“Thanks.” I nodded in satisfaction. This season was proving to be a winning one. We just needed to keep the momentum. As long as I kept my head straight, I’d be able to lead the team to the bowl. I high-fived a few other guys as Quinton handed me a beer.

“Appreciate it.” I took the red, plastic cup from him.

“Sure.” He took a drink. “Me casa es su casa.” He held his cup up to mine and I tipped the rim to his. “Anything you need, it’s yours. Just let me know.”

“Thanks, man,” I acknowledged, and took a gulp of the cold, frothy amber.

“Hey, who said to bring—” He darted in the opposite direction when two guys stumbled in, carrying a keg of beer.

I continued searching the crowd, and found myself looking for Lexi. Was she here? I had never seen her at a Sigma Chi party before. She didn’t seem like the frat party type, but then again, the quiet ones were usually the freaky ones. Speaking of freaky — there was a girl with long, red and black wavy hair licking her lips as she kept her gaze locked on mine. She looked wickedly hot with her short black pleather dress. Tiny chains hung from her waist, and I wondered what she could do with them. Sinful thoughts consumed me. I totally forgot about looking for Lexi.

Hands dragged across my chest as I snaked through the crowd, making it hard to get through. “Hi, Raven…Hey, Raven…Remember me, Raven? I’ve been calling you, Raven. Where’ve you been, Raven?” I ignored the voices coming at me from both sides. Shawn wasn’t lying when he said there were a crap load of girls here. I’d have a bad case of whiplash by the time I got to the kitchen.

I stopped in front of the girl with the red and black hair, curious to know a little more about her. “Hey. What’s your name?”

The girl rolled her eyes and then huffed. “You know my name, Raven.”

My head jutted back. “Macy? Is that you?” With her crazy hair color and extra thick, black eyeliner it was hard to recognize her. “Sorry, I-I didn’t recognize you. You look different. Are those contacts you have on?” I drew my face closer to hers, noting the change from blue to black.

“Different is good, isn’t it?” She dipped her finger in her drink and then stuck it in her mouth. She sucked on it for a moment, and I was totally enthralled with the way her lips encased her flesh.

Shit.

I shifted, trying to keep calm, but my dick had a mind of its own. Macy didn’t make it easy for me either. “Yeah, I guess.”

“You don’t like it?” She ran a black, pointed fingernail down the center of my chest and then shoved her hand down my pants.