Read Online The Playmaker (A Big Play Novel Book 1) by Jordan Ford - Free Book Online Page B

Johnny Knoxville. She doesn’t give a shit what anybody thinks about her. I guess I used to be inclined a little more that way, but it wasn’t getting me what I wanted, so I had to change.
    With a sigh, I stand tall and adjust the bag on my shoulder. A group of giggling girls move past me and I look up to see Layla’s eyes scan my attire. Her eyebrow arches with approval until she gets to my face, and then her expression crumples to one of pity. I can almost hear her thinking, “Oh please, Tori. Do you honestly think you’ll ever fit in?”
    It works like gasoline on my mother’s questioning, and an internal battle rages inside me for the rest of the day. I spot Colt in the corridor around third period. He doesn’t see me, but just a glimpse of him is enough to remind me what’s at stake. Determination smacks down my doubts, and I hold my chin high for the rest of the morning. At lunchtime, I waltz into the cafeteria and notice Amy in our usual spot. She sees me and raises her hand in greeting. I wave my fingers at her and move to take my usual seat, but am stopped by Finn’s deep voice.
    “Hey, Pixie Girl. Want to join?”
    I turn to take in the football table. It’s only half full, but will soon be overflowing with coolness. I notice Layla down one end, surrounded by her cheerleading beauties, and spot Mack halfway up the line, laughing at something Roxy Carmichael is saying. Colt’s not there, and that fact douses my nerves with a fresh wave of overpowering jitters.
    “Um…” This would be the perfect chance to say yes. Colt will turn up sooner or later and maybe if he starts seeing that I can do this on my own, his motivation for helping me will shift from being my savior to noticing how cool I am.
    I spin to look at Amy. Her eyes are narrowed as she watches my little exchange with Finn.
    “Mind if Amy joins us?”
    He looks a little dubious, but then shrugs and nods.
    With a gleeful smile, I wave my hand, beckoning Amy across, but she just gives me a look and shakes her head. Not one of those unenthusiastic shakes that you can turn into a nod, but the emphatic kind that leaves no room for argument.
    “Oh.” I point to my friend and look back at Finn. “I might have to pass this time. Looks like some serious girl talk is required.”
    He glances at Amy and grins. “No worries, shorty. Maybe another time.”
    “Okay.” I shuffle away, humiliation burning so bright I’m sure the blush has reached my thighs. I slump onto the bench seat and frown at my best friend. “Seriously? You’re not even willing to sit with them?”
    She points her fork at me. “Hey, I’ve gone to two games with you already. I’m not giving up my lunchtime, as well.”
    “They’re nice enough people. Come on, help me out.”
    Her expression is pointed and absolute. “If you want to sit with them so bad, go for it. I’m not stopping you.”
    I tip my head with a droll glare. “I’m not leaving you to sit by yourself. I just don’t like that you’re being a killjoy.”
    She smirks at me, then stabs a lettuce leaf with her fork. “I’m not trying to kill any kind of joy. I just don’t want to put myself in the line of fire over there. Those cheerleaders can be vicious. I’m surprised you’re willing to take them on.”
    “I’m not taking them on.” I frown as Amy’s eyebrows pop high.
    “You’re going after one of their guys. There’s bound to be backlash.”
    I swallow, stealing a quick glance over my shoulder. Roxy’s gaze happens to sweep past mine as I look. She does a double take and glares at me. Her smirk is pitiful, just like Layla’s this morning. I swivel back and snatch my yogurt cup off the tray. I wrestle with the lid, trying to ignore the fact that my fingers are shaking.
    “I notice you’re upping the ante on the new clothing line. Very scarlet woman.”
    “It’s not that bad.” I give up on the yogurt and snatch a carrot off Amy’s plate. “Not that I’d admit this to anyone but you,