False Start - Jessica Ruddick Page 0,34

last year. For starters, we had no running game. All of our running backs were rookies, and so were half of both our offensive and defensive lines. The offensive line in particular had struggled to get it together. They’d barely protected Wyatt, forcing him to scramble. We were probably lucky we hadn’t lost by more. Hell, we were probably lucky our players hadn’t gotten injured. The Miami linemen were beasts.

Still, after winning the national championship last year, a loss so early in the season was tough to take. At least I’d played well. So had Wyatt and Jake, but we were about the only ones. We weren’t destined for a national championship this season, but with any luck, the three of us were destined for the draft. Eyes on the prize.

I skipped most of my classes for the first part of the week. That probably was not my best decision, but the travel to Miami had kicked my ass, not to mention the game itself.

I logged into my course websites and groaned when I saw that the sociology professor had assigned another written assignment. I should have dropped that class when I’d had the chance, but now it was too late. It was my own damn fault. I knew I was no good at this shit, but I hadn’t wanted to look bad in front of Zi—shit—Becca. She was still pissed at me. She hadn’t said as much, but she’d kept her distance for almost two weeks, which spoke volumes. Her absence weighed on me, but I was letting her have space.

Most of what Rachel had said the other day was bullshit. The main piece of bullshit was the part about Becca and me dating. When the right guy came along for her, he would be the luckiest bastard alive. But that guy wasn’t me, and until he came along, I would continue scaring away the losers.

I had considered some things Rachel had said, though. I’d known that Becca didn’t particularly like being called Zizzo, but I’d ignored it. Now, I was trying to stop. Also, I’d decided I needed to be a little more subtle when I was looking out for her. I would have to figure out how to protect her without letting her know I was doing it. I had no idea how the hell I was going to manage that. Not looking out for her wasn’t an option.

I couldn’t tell her either of those things, though, and not because she wasn’t talking to me. Instead, I would have to show her by acting on them. Not that any of it mattered if she kept avoiding me, which was some horseshit.

For the first time, I was actually a little grateful to have a difficult assignment, because as pissed as Becca was, she wouldn’t leave me hanging. I sent her a text.

Carson: Got another written assignment for soc ed.

I stared at the phone, waiting for a response. The seconds ticked by. In the past, she’d responded right away. She was probably just busy, yet I couldn’t help but wonder if she was punishing me. Becca didn’t normally play games like that.

Becca: Send it when you’re done, and I’ll proof it.

Damn. I was hoping she would say that she would be right over like she used to. It was past time for things to get back to normal.

Fuck it. Eating crow wasn’t normally my MO, but I was willing to take one for the team.

Carson: Can you come over later? I’ll make you dinner.

When she didn’t respond right away, I sweetened the deal. I could get by in the kitchen, but I wasn’t the best cook.

Carson: Or I’ll take you out to dinner. Your choice.

Since I’d gotten behind with schoolwork this week, I didn’t really have time to hang out, but Becca was more important than my grades. Besides, all I needed to do was maintain the minimum GPA to keep my eligibility. I wasn’t a genius, but I wasn’t a complete moron either.

My phone rang, and I saw that it was Stacey. Definitely not a welcome call, but she was easier to deal with than my mother.

“Hello?” I answered.

“Carson?”

“Yeah?”

“Hold, please.”

Shit. I knew what that meant—my mother would be on the line in a few seconds. I shouldn’t have answered.

A click sounded as my mother came on the line. “Carson, I have your RSVP for Chelsea’s engagement party here.”

Hi, Mom, how are you? Yeah, I’m fine too. Thanks for asking.

I didn’t think I’d ever said anything remotely close to