Page 39 of The Game You Play (Rixon Raiders 2)

“Why is everyone staring at us?” Mya asked.

“Because you just caught the eye of a Raider.” My stomach knotted at the words, which was weird because if Asher turned his attention to the new girl, at least it meant he wouldn’t be looking at me anymore.

Didn’t it?

“So not interested.” Mya loaded her tray with lunch items.

“Boyfriend?” I raised a brow.

“Ex-boyfriend. And I’m not looking to replace him anytime soon.”

“Ah, I see. Bad break up?” We moved along the line.

“The worst.” Pain flashed in her eyes, but it was gone in an instant. Mya was hardened. Aloof. She reminded me a lot of Hailee pre-Cameron.

We paid for our lunch and weaved through the masses to our table. Hailee was already there. She looked up and smiled. “You must be Mya. Welcome to Rixon High. I see Flick already got her claws in you.” My best friend fought a grin.

“She’s persistent, I’ll give her that.”

“Hey,” I protested. “I am sitting right here.”

“We know,” they both said in unison and I gawked at them.

“I’m beginning to think this was a bad idea. Now there are two of you.”

“Strength in numbers, am I right?” Mya held out a fist toward Hailee who stared at her. When she awkwardly bumped it against Mya’s knuckles, it was my turn to snicker.

“Very ghetto,” I mouthed at her.

“Heard that,” Mya flicked her gaze to me and I blushed.

“Sorry.”

“Nah, it’s all good. I like it. Beats everyone else looking at me like they don’t know whether to run the other way or ask me if I know Snoop Dog.”

“Mya, that’s not...” Hailee started but the words died on her lips. “Rixon is small town; there isn’t a lot of diversity around these parts.”

“I can see that.” Mya let her eyes wander around the cafeteria. While I hadn’t blinked twice at her style—the holey boy jeans, shirt tied around her waist, khaki tank top, and military style boots—others were looking.

“So break it down for me.”

“Football team.” I motioned over to where Asher and the rest of the team sat. He gave us a two fingered salute and Mya snorted.

“Is he always so...”

“Annoying?” I asked. “Pretty much. We hated on the team until this year but since Hailee is dating—”

“Hold up,” Mya jerked back. “You’re dating him?”

“Whoa, no. I’m with Cameron. See the one with the dark short hair, cherry blossom tattoo?”

“Nice, very nice. But still a football player? Damn, girl.”

“Tell me about it.” Hailee smiled shyly. “It was never the plan but...”

“You can’t help who you fall for.” Mya finished as if she knew all about complicated relationships. “Got it.”

“Football is a huge deal here,” I went on. “The Raiders have a real shot at State so expect things to get a little crazy around here over the next few weeks.”