Stolen Jerseys / ✓

3.08: chapter thirty-seven

S C O T T

I stared at Elle in complete shock, jaw slack. She stared back at me, green eyes wide, and I just couldn't say anything. I didn't mean to say that - it had slipped out. But something as big as that couldn't just slip out so easily, and now I didn't know what to do. (Not that it wasn't true, but still).

I opened my mouth to say something, but I just didn't know what to say. I cleared my throat awkwardly, and twisted my fingers together. I took a deep breath, but was cut off by someone's shoes slapping against the pavement. It was only a few seconds later when Connor appeared, throwing one arm around my shoulder.

"Dude!" Connor said, squeezing my shoulder. I blinked and laughed awkwardly, turning to face him. Connor was grinning widely, "We're going out for celebratory dinner, you ready?"

"I think Scott and I are gonna go back to my house," Elle said. I turned and stared at her, dumbfounded, and she just quirked one eyebrow at me.

"Definitely," I agreed, ducking under Connor's arms, "but have fun, buddy."

Connor grinned, brown eyes twinkling in amusement. For a second I wondered if he heard what I said (he hadn't been that far away, but I didn't think I said it that loudly, either), but then Con spoke again, and I knew that I was in the clear. For now, because, no matter what, Connor always managed to somehow find everything out.

"Can I borrow your jersey?" Connor asked, eyes going wide in hope, "Jay said you get a discount if you're a player. Plus, I look pretty fucking good in that jersey."

"It says Wilson on the back, dickhead."

"I can be a Wilson for tonight!" Connor cried, shaking his hands wildly in front of my face, "Scott, are you really gonna deprive me of my one simple request? Deny your best friend the chance to wear a professional jersey?"

I rolled my eyes and reluctantly took off my jacket, stripping off my jersey afterwards. I knew if I didn't give it to him, Connor would just spend the next couple of weeks complaining about it. Plus, I was going to Elle's house, and I just kind of told her I loved her, and I didn't want to go in my sweaty jersey.

Connor pulled my baggy jersey over his head and grinned up at me. I couldn't help but grin back at him, and couldn't help but notice the wide grin on Elle's face. She seemed totally relaxed, which I couldn't really understand. I knew she heard me say what I did.

"Thanks, Scotty!" Connor called, sprinting towards Kelly. He scooped Kelly up and turned to me, flashing a thumbs-up, "Love you, dude!"

I laughed and went to turn back to Elle, only to have Jay's voice cut me off. I sighed, cursed under my breath, and turned back, shooting Jay an expectant look. Jay and Edi both held their hands up, eyebrows raised. They didn't have to say anything - I understood their question.

"I'm going to Elle's instead!" I shouted, tugging my jacket tighter around me.

Jay grinned wickedly and wiggled his eyebrows, "Ah! Celebratory sex - "

Edi busted out in laughter and grabbed Jay's head, easily pulling him into a headlock. Jay shouted and tried to pull out of his grip, and Edi just rolled his eyes, letting him go and jokingly kneeing him in the stomach. I snorted and Edi waved happily to me, before waking to the car. (Jay stumbled after him, and I didn't bother waiting to shout, "drama queen!" after him).

After everyone got into Con's car, I shoved my hands in my pockets and turned to Elle. Despite how awkward and unsure I felt, she was smiling and looked totally at ease. I blew out a breath and waited to see if Elle was going to say anything to break the silence.