JAX (The Beckett Boys #2) - Olivia Chase Page 0,125
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.”
Chapter 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.
“Oh, uh, no one in mind,” I said politely, while in my head I was screaming dear God please do not force me to sit next to your mother for an entire football game please please please—
“Now wait a minute, though, have you just never been to a Harton game then?” Mr. Everett asked, squinting at me.
“I’m a freshman, actually, so no. Never had the chance,” I said, shrugging cheerfully.
“Oh!” Mr. Everett said, and perked up a little. He grinned, looking pleased with himself. “Then, Jacob, I don’t much think it matters— she can go watch you play the next game. Auburn! She can have our tickets to the Auburn game, since we’re taking hers for Clemson. I think we even have some vouches for nachos,” he added, giving me a meaningful look.
My mouth dropped. Since we’re taking hers? It was a statement, not a question. I looked over at Jacob, who was focused on adding more barbecue sauce to his dinner— very focused on it, in a way that made me certain he was just avoiding my eyes. Jenna was watching the entire conversation happen like it was a tennis match, so I looked to her for some sort of comfort. For someone else in the room to acknowledge, even if it was just through some eye contact, that this was some straight up bullshit.