Whispers of Tyler’s name follow me as soon as I step on school grounds, and it doesn’t take me long to find out why.
“He played like s**t at the last scrimmage,” one of the students huddled near the lockers says. “Coach was pissed.”
“I heard college scouts were there,” another whispers, wide-eyed. “He’s definitely getting replaced for sure.”
My heart sinks as I tighten my hands around the strap of my bag and keep walking. Between Maya’s teasing last night and the memory of Tyler’s touch, I barely slept. And now this?
The thought of Tyler getting replaced leaves me feeling unsettled. He’s already spiraling from the pressure of the game; I wonder what losing football will do to him.
And his father… I shudder, pushing the thought of the stoic man out of my mind.
I’m halfway to my locker
