The Guy on the Left (The Underdogs, #2)(57)

“Nope, she’s…whatever. It doesn’t matter. I could be a fucking saint sporting a halo, and she still wouldn’t have it.”

Kevin takes that moment to add his two cents. “She’s got a rich side piece who wears penny loafers.”

I reach over to where he’s pressing next to me and jab him in the sack. He damn near drops the bar on his chest, but Lance catches it.

“Fuck, man! What the hell…” Kevin sputters, cupping his sack.

I give him a pointed look, “Keep that hot air in your head.”

“Easy, man,” Lance chuckles, positioning himself on his back to start his lift as Kevin hovers over him.

“We aren’t talking about this. I’m over it.” I lift some bells to start my curls.

“Yeah, you’re over it, all right. That’s why you’re swatting away potentials like they’re flies,” Kevin spits sarcastically, turning towards Lance. “He’s not hitting on shit.”

“I’ve had eight years to run that game,” I say honestly. “It’s getting old.”

But there’s more to it. The truth is that I had a glimpse of what I wanted, and that vision is disappearing by the day.

Lance and Kevin share a grin that grates on me.

“I’m not delusional, all right? It’s just time I move on from the one and done game. I’ve got more going on.”

“Yeah, long dark red hair, thick ass, perfect lips, and moody. Can’t say that turns me off. Can I get her number?”

I glare over at Kevin as I speed up my reps.

“You hit me with those bells, dickhead, and you’re getting what you give.”

This makes Lance chuckle. “Ease up, man.”

I look between them both, “If you two are so worried about my dick, feel free to give it a t—”

“Jenner! My office, now,” Coach barks from the door.

Lance and I share a look, and I shrug, tossing my bells on the mat. Kevin whistles Darth Vader’s theme song, and I flip him the bird before making my way to the coach’s office.

“Shut the door.” I do as I’m told but remain standing, a little on edge. He’s a live wire, and in all my years playing with him, I’ve never seen him so strung out during a season. We all want an explanation, but all we can do is stand by as he continues his tirade. Plenty of coaches have bad field-side reps, but ours was never one of them, until this season. His ‘fuck all’ mentality seems to be his new norm, and we’re stuck dealing with it.

“Have a seat,” he says, motioning to the chair opposite his desk. I take a seat as he sorts through a file before snapping it shut. Seeming satisfied, he glances up at me. “I’ve gotten a few calls.”

Instantly, my back straightens. “Yeah?”

“Do you have an agent?”

“No. I’ve looked into it and gotten a few calls, but I’ve been—”

His stare turns arctic. “What? You’ve been what? Is there something more pressing, Jenner?”

“No,” I cup my neck. “I could use some advice.”

“Here’s my advice. Get an agent. And do it soon. There are thousands of athletes who would kill for an invite to the Combine. Do you think you’re special?”

“Hope so.” I want to swallow my fucking tongue after the look the remark gets me.

“You need that invite, Jenner.”

“Understood, sir.”

“And if that happens, you need to be ready. Do yourself a favor, do the research, and return the calls.”

“Will do. Thanks.”

He tips back in his chair, peering at me. “Don’t you want to know who’s interested?”

“Honestly, I’ll take what I can get.”

“Have it your way. We’re done here.”

“Thanks.”

I almost make it to the door, but stop when he speaks up behind me. “Any distraction, whatever it is, let it go. Ball and ball only from here on out until your name’s called. Season’s almost over, but you’re about to enter the hardest four months of your life. No excuses.”





Erin’s Pork Chops and Yummy Rice

Chemist, Oklahoma



Makes 6 servings





1 hour and 30 minutes


1 Stick Margarine or Butter

2 Cans Cream of Chicken Soup

1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup





1 Can cream of Celery


2 ? Cans Water

2 ? Cans Minute Rice

6 Boneless Pork Chops or Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

Melt butter in large baking dish. Mix soups and water together. Stir well. Add rice and stir. Pour ? of soup mixture into pan with butter. Lay pork chops or chicken and cover with the rest of soup mixture.



Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour



*May need up to 15 minutes extra cooking depending on meat.





Clarissa



“Mommy, it’s wiggling!” Dante calls from the bathroom from where he stands on his stool.

“Don’t mess with it! You’ve got to let it happen naturally.”

“It’s hanging! Come see!”