Page 197 of For the Fans

Variable_vers: The way Backwardz_Cap looks at Not_Your_Baby… my heart can’t cope

Gary425: Couple goals

This team banquet is huge,andextravagant.

It’s being held in one of the convention rooms in the stadium, and the whole place is decked out with lights and opulent decor. Tables are draped in white cloths, with red rose centerpieces sprayed with gold glitter to reflect the BC colors. There’s a dance floor, and a stage set up where the band will play a few songs. Outside of that, a DJ is currently spinning soft music while people file in, dressed in their fanciest attire.

My teammates, staff, some faculty and family members are all here to celebrate the Eagles’s achievements this season. And give us one final night of praise before we leave for California.

A send-off party, before the most important game we’ve ever played.

My dad and Hannah texted that they’ll be here soon. I’m wearing my best Tom Ford suit. My hair is perfectly slicked back the way it needs to be, and there’s a small smile resting on my lips for each and every person who comes up to shake my hand,congratulating me on an incredible season. To wish me luck…not that you need it.

That’s what they all say. And I appreciate it, their votes of confidence. I certainly don’t intend on losing the Rose Bowl, but truthfully, the game is only the second thing on my mind right now.

The first still hasn’t shown up.

Caterers walk around with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and I manage to sneak an Old Fashioned to calm my nerves. Coach is looking the other way tonight about us drinking. As long as we don’t get sloppy and embarrass him, he doesn’t care.

And honestly, I sort of need it right now. Every time a new person walks through the double-doors, my heart hurdles up into my throat.

Calm down. He’ll be here… I’m sure he will.

I’ve just finished chatting with our assistant coach and his wife when Guty strides over, looking verycartel capoin his white suit.

“Yo, did you hear??” he whispers, and my brows knit.

“Hear what?”

He ushers me off to the side, away from anyone who could overhear us. “Avi got suspended.”

Every muscle in my body goes stiff. “What?!”

“Yea… I guess he started an OnlyFans, and somehow the dean found out.”

I’m sure I’ve never been paler. I’m just gawking at him with bulging eyes while my entire life flashes before them.

“If she can prove it was definitely him, and he was doing it on campus, he’s gonna get expelled.” Guty shakes his head.

“R-really…?” It feels like I’m swallowing a mouthful of gravel. I can’t even move. I’m racked with so much fear and unease, my feet are weighted to the floor. “How… Who… Who ratted on him??”

“Get this.” Guty’s eyes flick. “Ash Holloway… is Dean Perkins’snephew.”

My fist curls at my side. “Are you fucking serious??”

He nods. “Yea, bro. I guarantee he has something to do with this.”

“But why would he fuck Avi over??” I shake my head. “It makes no sense.”

Guty shrugs. “I don’t know, maybe he’s butthurt that Avi rejected him or something.”

“But they were… kissing last night.” I gulp over the way the words feel like bile rising in my throat.

“Yea, until you pulled him off.” He grins. “Don’t be surprised if he’s gunning for your ass now too, Nueve.”

This is fucking insane.

I can’t even process it.