Read Online Incoming Freshman by Carol Lynne - Free Book Online Page B

to deal with Julian. He won’t be happy you pushed yourself so hard.”
    “I know.”
    “Do you? Because you haven’t seen Julian mad. Believe me, it’s not pretty.”
    “Just get me out of here, and I promise to deal with Julian tomorrow.”
    Once back at the table, Chet opened his wallet and signalled for the waitress. “Can we get these two plates put in to-go containers?”
    After the waitress accepted Chet’s money and took away the plates of food, Chet addressed Julian. “I think Bobby over did it today. I’m going to take him home and ice him down.”
    Julian narrowed his eyes and stared straight at Bobby. “Just sore or something worse?”
    “Just sore, I think,” Bobby said. “I’ll be back in the training room in the morning, don’t worry.”
    “Sorry about dinner,” Bobby told Dane.
    “It’s okay. Will you be home tonight?” Dane asked.
    “No,” Chet answered.
    Bobby elbowed Chet in the ribs. “I can answer a simple question for myself,” he reminded Chet. “I’ll catch up with you sometime tomorrow,” he told Dane.
    Chet took the takeout containers from the waitress and passed her back a tip. “Thanks.”
    “Call me in the morning if you’re too sore to work out,” Julian instructed.
    “I won’t be,” Bobby threw over his shoulder as they left the restaurant.
    “You won’t be sore? Or you’ll work out regardless?” Chet asked, helping Bobby into the SUV.
    “I’ll work out regardless. I’ve got a coach who’ll be on my ass if I’m not in shape for practice on Thursday.”
    “And a boyfriend who’ll make sure you don’t do anything to cause serious damage to yourself.” Chet was pleased with himself after that remark. Yeah, he could do this boyfriend-coach thing after all.
     
    * * * *
     
    Dane agreed to go with Bobby to BK House the following day after his workout. “Looks like you’re still favouring your left leg,” Dane said as he got out of his small silver Mercedes SLK.
    “A little. Julian was pissed because of yesterday, so he got even today.”
    “He worked you that hard even though you were already sore?”
    “No, just the opposite. He made me sit in an ice bath for an hour. I think I’ve lost all feeling from the waist down.” Bobby walked into BK House like Locky had instructed. “You’ve been here before, right?”
    Dane grinned. “I lived here for two years, but found it hard to study.”
    “Too noisy?” Bobby asked, heading towards the common room.
    “No, too many people.” Dane ducked his head. “I told you, I’m not comfortable around people.”
    Bobby wrapped his arm around Dane’s neck and pulled him in to rub the top of his head. “I think you’re great.”
    “I think you’re pretty great, too,” Dane mumbled, pushing Bobby away.
    There were only two people in the large room, one playing pool and the other in front of the large television mounted on the wall.
    “Is that Scatterbug Triple Threat?” Dane asked.
    The guy playing looked up in surprise. “Yeah. It’s not even in the stores yet. Mr Bianchi brought it over earlier. Wanna play?”
    Dane looked at Bobby. “You mind?”
    Bobby shoved Dane towards the couch. “Go play your stupid game, geek boy.”
    “You only say that because you’ve never played.”
    “Neither have you,” Bobby fired back.
    “You’re right, but I’m about to.” Dane jumped onto the couch with more enthusiasm than Bobby had seen from him outside of having his nose buried in that damn book he carried around all the time. Go Dane.
    Bobby decided to introduce himself to the cute blond at the pool table. “Hey,” he greeted. “I’m…”
    “Bobby Ray Sikes,” the guy finished for him. “I’m a big fan.” The kid moved his pool stick to his left hand and stuck out his right. “I’m Chase Hughs, freshman quarterback from Cattle Valley, Wyoming.”
    “Good to meet you.” Bobby was flattered the freshman player knew who he was. “Care to play a game?”
    Chase’s eyes opened wide.