Ethan wiped the sweat from his face with the bottom of his jersey as the final buzzer sounded. They won, but it didn’t feel like it. He’d missed two easy shots in the fourth quarter. Coach was going to ride his ass again.
In the locker room, the guys were loud, slapping shoulders and talking about the party later. Jake sat on the bench across from him, quiet. They hadn’t said more than ten words to each other since the driveway talk.
Ethan grabbed his bag and waited until most of the team cleared out. “Jake. Hold up.”
Jake zipped his bag slowly. “What?”
“Can we talk? For real.”
Jake looked at him, eyes flat. “You sure you want to do this now?”
“Yeah.”
They walked out behind the athletic building where it was quieter. The evening air felt cool on Ethan’s skin.
Jake crossed his arms.
