Meant To Be (The Callahans #4) - Monica Murphy Page 0,63

my head.

“This suspension could last longer. You might even get kicked off the team. I’d hate to lose you. You’re one of the strongest bases we have, and it’s only your first year. You’re a natural, just like your sister.” I glance up just in time to see the disappointment written all over my coach’s face. “I’d hate to see you go.”

“I’m so sorry,” I say, my voice cracking.

“Can you apologize to Cami? See if that’ll get her to ease up?” Brandy asks gently.

“Absolutely not.” She pretty much asked for me to punch her.

A ragged sigh leaves her. “Being stubborn is what got you into trouble in the first place.” Brandy shakes her head, and my heart sinks. “I’m going to have to ask you to leave. You’re done for the day. Most likely for the week. Gather up your things and expect to see Mrs. Adney during first period tomorrow.”

“Okay.” I nod once and stalk over to where my backpack and Hydro Flask sit on the ground, scooping them both up and walking away as fast as I can. I hear Cami start to call my name. Brandy immediately tells her to stop.

But she doesn’t tell me to stop. She lets me go. I suppose she has to. After all, I just punched Cami in the face.

Holy shit, I actually punched Cami Lockhart in the face!

I wander through campus, making my way to the school parking lot. Clouds are rolling in, and when I glance up at the sky, I see they’re gathered to the north, dark and ominous looking. It’ll probably rain.

The weather reflects my mood. I’m mad. At both Cami and myself. More myself, because I couldn’t control my emotions, and she totally baited me. Did she expect me to hit her? Probably not. But did she say that knowing how upset it would make me?

Most definitely.

I stomp my way toward my car, grateful no one is around to ask questions. Everyone’s either gone for the day or at practice for whatever sport they participate in. Once I toss my backpack behind the passenger seat, I start the engine and tear out of there, enjoying the squeal of my tires when I turn out of the parking lot and onto the road.

It’s when I’m driving past the town limits sign, heading south, that I semi-realize where I’m going. Definitely not home. I don’t bother calling or texting Ellie to see what she’s up to. She’s currently at work. I suppose I could’ve stopped by the Juicery and bought a smoothie, but again, Ellie would’ve wanted answers as to why I was there.

And I don’t feel like dealing with that. With her. With everyone.

Except for one person.

Instead, I drive with purpose down the highway, like I’m trying to outrun the thunderous clouds chasing after me. They keep pace with my speeding car, almost like they really are following me, and by the time I turn into the school parking lot, fat drops of rain splatter on my windshield.

I drive slow through the lot, until I’m close to the stadium, and pull into an empty spot that’s right next to Eli’s gleaming red Charger. I shut off the engine and squint into the distance, spotting the football team out on the field, still practicing. Screw it, I think as I climb out of the car, grabbing the extra hoodie I keep in my trunk and slipping it on before I make my way over to the stands.

As I approach the field, I spot Eli first. He’s getting ready to throw the ball, his arm cocked and poised, the ball gripped in his hand. He’s wearing a black T-shirt and athletic shorts, and he’s got this wide, stretchy headband in his hair that all the boys love to wear. I can see why, since it keeps their hair out of their face, and honestly, he should look ridiculous, but guess what?

He doesn’t. He looks frickin’ fine as hell. My heart lurches when I take him in, and I stumble a little bit. Almost trip and fall.

Talk about making an entrance.

I discreetly settle in on the bottom bench of the stands, yanking my hood up to cover my head when I feel the rain start to actually fall. I will sit out here for the next two hours watching him if that’s what it takes to talk to him. To have him put his arms around me and tell me everything’s going to be all right.

I need that right now. I