The PreGame Ritual (Lynstone University Book 1) (7 page)

miles.

You ever just get a random gut feeling that something isn’t right?

That something is off...
somewhere
, though nothing in your immediate vision stands out?

That was me as I tried to focus on the play my coach was writing up. The game was tied and the crowd was loud but my head...my head was too busy trying to figure out what my gut was trying to tell me. I glanced around the crowd and though most of the faces were blurred, one stood out clear as day.

Erica.

What the hell was she doing here as if she belonged anywhere near me?

You know the whole
“fall into somethin’ over a piece of cat”
thing?

That was essentially Erica and I.

Did I love her?

Hell no.

Was I willing to tell her I did so that she would continue to make my toes curl?

Hell yeah.

Call me immature, but she did what she did so well that I could look past just about everything else about her. She was the college girl that jumped on me before I even graduated high school. The one that tried to “claim her spot” before anybody else could even get a good look at me. And my dumb ass fell for it, feeling like a king having a girl like her chasing after me. When I announced what school I was attending, she transferred and enrolled immediately. I even took her to my prom, showing her off like a trophy to my boys. But then I got to college, and realized there were hundreds of Erica’s -
better Erica’s
- and dumped her. She acted like she didn’t give a damn, like I was the one missing out on her.  I mean, her pussy was good but definitely replaceable and to be honest, she had nothing...
nothing
on Ava.

My eyes cut over to my adorable redhead in a spot in the student section I had convinced her to take. She was laughing as she gave the dude next to her a push to his chest that looked a little too flirty for my liking. He was all smiles as he threw his arm over her shoulder and pulled her in closer to him.

What the…*URHHHHH*

Damn.

Game time.

I had no idea what my coach wanted us to do but I couldn’t help wondering if my gut wasn’t telling me about Erica after all.

Maybe it was actually talking about Ava.

←&
→

We lost.

And though I wasn’t quite into the whole, “one play cost us the game” thing, I knew it was my fault.

I had the shot.

I took the shot.

I missed the shot.

I should’ve cared a little more, but my entire focus was on figuring out who the hell it was next to Ava at the game. He was unfamiliar and though familiarity probably wouldn’t have changed my mind about wanting to kick his ass, maybe she did have a real explanation for it. Like he was a long lost cousin or some shit.

After the postgame speech from my coach, I didn’t even bother taking a shower; just jetted out of the locker room in hopes of catching up with Ava before she headed home.

I jogged up the stairs and glided through the hoards of people, ignoring the fans asking for autographs and pictures in search of my girl. When I finally saw her in the distance, I came to an abrupt stop because of her company.

Avery and...
Erica?

They couldn’t possibly know each other could they?

As I thought on it longer, it certainly wouldn’t surprise me if Avery and Erica were friends. They were one in the same and birds of a feather flock together. But just how close were Ava and Erica? Did she already know Erica and I dated? Did she just find out and that’s why she didn’t stop the dude from putting his hands all over her?

I was mad about that shit all over again.

I looked around their group and didn’t see the dude which only relieved me so much considering it wasn’t hard to exchange numbers. He probably said his good-byes before I even made it up here.

Bruh, you are trippin’.

I refocused, agreeing to sign a few of the autographs people were asking for. Somehow a few turned into what felt like hundreds and by the time I was done, Ava, Erica, and Avery were long gone.

ava.

I was never too fond of the dorms, but the visit felt necessary.

Miles had missed the game-winning shot; a first for his career at Lynstone and I knew the hurt that came along with it. To have such an opportunity in your hands and blow it was like a stab to the gut that you had to live with until the opportunity presented itself again. But until then, you were labeled.

You weren’t clutch.

You couldn’t handle the pressure.

You cost the team the game.

It wasn’t fair and I needed him to know that, especially since his career was just beginning. There would be plenty more games and plenty more opportunities to prove himself. There was nothing for him to hang his head about.

I knocked on the door of his dorm room, hoping the hood of my jacket was a good enough disguise even though my blazing red hair was hanging out on one side. I was just getting ready to knock again when the door cracked open to a shirtless Miles, holding a Gatorade in his free hand.

He must’ve just known my mouth was gonna go dry at the sight of him.

Focus, Ava!

“Hey, I just wanted to make sure you were...
okay
...after the loss.” It was hard for me to speak with my eyes glued to his chest even though they
really
wanted to dip a little lower to the basketball shorts hanging low on his waist.

“Yeah, I’m straight. Thanks.” He took a long gulp of the Gatorade while his eyes stayed on me, urging me to make a point of my visit. Something about his demeanor was off but I attributed it to the loss.

“Can I come in?”

“If you want to.”

Okay, he’s taking the loss a lot harder than he said he was.

I followed him inside, and we sat on his couch with the TV serving as our background for at least three minutes straight before I broke the silence. “Miles, it’s just a game. Life goes on.”

“Not trippin’ about the game, ma. Told you that.”

“Well, what is it then?”

He finished off his Gatorade, setting the empty bottle on the end table before he casually tossed out, “Who was that dude at the game?”

“Dude at the game? What dude at the game?”

His demeanor turned a lot less casual as he responded, “Oh, so now you don’t know him? He sure seemed to know you very well, puttin’ his arm around you and shit.” I tried to recall who he was talking about and nothing stood out in my recent memory.

Dude at the game…

Dude at the game…

Dude at the….ohhhh.

“Oh, you’re talking about Justin? He’s like...my kid brother, or somethin’. He’s a freshman like you. Plays on the football team. You don’t know him?” It was kind of a right of passage for the incoming freshman of color, especially athletes, to know each other.

“I don’t need his resume, ma.”

“Wait a minute...are you jealous?

He shrugged before he picked up the remote to change the channel to ESPN. “No I’m not jealous, ma. I just didn’t like that shit. I mean, you don’t even let
me
touch you like that in public, but you lettin’ whatever the fuck his name is do it all willy-nilly.” There were so many different points to his argument that I had to pick which one to address first.

“What are you talking about? We went out to eat together not too long ago.”

He turned his attention to me, grabbing my hands to express, “
Touch you
, ma. Show you affection. Let everybody know you’re mine.”

His statement sounded a little too possessive, so I couldn’t help asking, “Oh so that’s what this is about? You wanna stake your claim on me?”

He let out a long sigh. “No, ma. Don’t twist it like that. I just don’t appreciate seeing other dudes touchin’ on the girl I’m...courting.” I could hear his sincerity and it almost made me feel bad even though we weren’t quite official and I wasn’t
really
doing anything wrong.

“Well I apologize if it made you uncomfortable but it was completely harmless I swear.” He released my hands, falling back against the couch.

“Ava, nothing is harmless when it comes to girls like you. That’s how they get you; come in on some friendly shit then next thing you know they’re tryna fuck. Don’t be naive.” He was giving me advice; dropping knowledge as if he was wise beyond his years.

“Is that what you did? Came in on some friendly shit when you really wanted to fuck?” I questioned, teasingly.

“Nah, you already knew what this was, ma. I wanted you. All of you. The pussy was just a bonus.”

“Miles!” I shrieked, smacking him on the shoulder.

“What? I’m for real, ma. And I don’t share. So you better let kid brother or whatever the fuck you called him know before I do.” I could only laugh, flattered by his demeanor. “What’s so funny?”

“You. Your little...
non-jealousy
. It’s cute.”

“Whatever, ma.” I didn’t think twice before I crawled onto his lap, straddling his legs even though they were spread wide. I stared right into his eyes, feeling a little giddy as he asked, “What are you doin’, Ava?”

“I have a game tomorrow...an away game.” He pretended like he didn’t catch my drift though I was sure he knew exactly what was coming next.

“Yeah….”

“And I... nevermind. I’m being ridiculous.” I was getting ready to crawl off of his lap but his hands locked on my thighs, keeping me in place.

“Ma, must I remind you that you’re grown as fuck. If you want some dick, just ask for it.”

How he constantly made me feel like the younger one I wasn’t sure, but that didn’t stop me from placing an order for the PreGame Ritual.

←&
→

Good luck, ma.

Damnnn, Ava. You crossed the fuck outta her.

Yeahhh, baby! 10/10 from the free throw line. That’s my girl.

Good game, boo. I’m so proud of you. Text me when you can.

I miss you, ma. Can’t wait ‘til you get back.

I sat in the locker room after our victory, grinning from ear-to-ear for multiple reasons. The PreGame Ritual wasn’t bullshit. I played the game of my life. And Miles was freakin’ adorable with his texts even though he knew I wouldn’t see them until after the game.

I sat on one of the benches, shooting a quick reply:
Thanks, Miles. I kinda-sorta-in-a-way-maybe miss you too. I’ll call you on the bus.

His reply seemed to come instantly as if he already had it typed out.

Miles: You sure you wanna do that? Don’t wanna get you in trouble for moanin’ if I start talkin’ dirty. ;)

Ava: You are SO crazy.

Miles: Matter of fact, send me a pic of somethin’ to hold me over ‘til you get back.

I looked around before I pulled my shirt up and snapped a quick pic of my basketball tattoo before I sent it off and headed to the bus.

Miles: Damn, I know EXACTLY where that’s at too. Now my dick is hard. Thanks a lot, ma.

Ava: You’re welcome. See you soon. :)

The bus ride was only a couple hours but I wanted to go home and freshen up before I met up with Miles for a little night cap. I walked into my apartment and it smelled like burnt hair and oil sheen spray. I heard some cackling coming from the back and had a pretty good idea who it was.

Avery and her dumb ass friend.

I didn’t have anything against Erica, it was just that she and Avery were grossly alike. They were most likely getting primed and prepped for a night out on the town. It used to sound intriguing, but now I wanted nothing more than to spend the night in the arms of my -
not my, but kinda like my
- man.

I walked past Avery’s bedroom door, not bothering to announce myself. As I was passing by, I caught the tail-end of their conversation.

“Girl, you know that’s my man. Why are you still sweatin’ him?”

“Ummm probably because he dumped your ass preparing for an upgrade...meaning me.”

“Whatever. I heard he’s been chasing after one of those basketball bitches anyway.”

“Gross. They’re all ugly...or gay. He’ll come to his senses when he sees me tonight.”

“You don’t know Miles like I do, Avery. He’s smarter than he looks. I don’t even know if he’ll be there tonight.”

Hold on.

They’re talking about Miles?

Erica dated Miles?

“And you’re saying I’m not smart, Erica? Look, I know you’re still a little salty about missin’ your meal ticket, but hey...I gotta eat too.”

“You are sooo lucky I like you, bitch.”

I didn’t wanna overreact so instead of busting in on their little girl’s party, I continued on to my room. I took a quick shower, threw on some clothes and headed out before Avery could even notice I was there.

On the short drive to Miles’s dorm, I tried to ignore the urge to overthink this new information. It shouldn’t have been a big deal that Miles dated Erica but I couldn’t fathom the idea of him being legitimately attracted to her
and
to me. We were totally different. Like...
totally
different. Where I was relatively tall for a girl, she was damn near a midget. She had normal black hair to my fire red hair. I had a little curve to me but Erica was
all
curves. She was the nail appointment, hair appointment, wax appointment every week type of girl, while I had three hairstyles; ponytail, down, and a bun with the occasional braid if I was feeling fancy.

Maybe Miles was more into the high maintenance type of girls. The type that needed him to wait on them hand and foot. The type that planned on living off of his future money instead of having something for themselves. The type that called or texted every five minutes.

That damn sure wasn’t me.

With an attitude, I knocked on Miles’s door. I could feel the thud of some trap music playing inside along with some random chatter. When the door was finally answered, it wasn’t Miles. It was Cam with a girl tucked under his arm.

No surprise.

“Well if it isn’t our little superstar. Good game tonight, baby.”

“Don’t call me that. Where’s Miles?”

“So now you are really lookin’ for the freshman huh?” I rolled my eyes. “I’m fuckin’ with you, Ava. He’s in the back.” I shimmied past him into the dorm which was packed with people; some I knew, some I didn’t. I was expecting to spend a quiet night celebrating alone with Miles so the crowd definitely caught me off guard. I made my way down the hall to his room and just as I was getting ready to enter, a girl was making her way out with a smile.

What the fuck?

Miles’s face lit up the second he saw me and I wished I could share in his elation. “There’s my girl. Been waitin’ all night for you to get here.” I quickly noticed that he was dressed in going out clothes while I had on a pair of Nike leggings and a Lynstone hoodie.

“What’s going on, Miles? What’s with the people?”

“They’re just pre-gaming, ma. We’re getting ready to head out to the birthday bash.”

We’re?

Birthday bash?

The high from my game was completely blown.

“And you were gonna tell me all of this when?”

“I figured you knew. Everybody who’s anybody is going.” Apparently, I was far removed from the loop. I mean, of course I remembered going to shit like that in my early college days. But now, it sounded like way too much work.

“If I would’ve known that, I would’ve never came over.”

He seemed confused as he asked, “Why not? You’re not going?”

“Does it
look
like I’m going? I came over here to chill...
with you
. But clearly you have other plans.” I tried not to sound bitter but I was. I had been looking forward to cuddling through the night, maybe watching a movie and pretending that it wasn’t gonna lead to other stuff that I was more than down for.

“My bad for assuming, ma. You can’t just go home and get dressed right quick?” Of course, I
could’ve
done that. But I really wasn’t interested in spending my night bumping around with a bunch of strangers.

“No, Miles. And besides, I’m way past the party-it-up, birthday bash stage.” I watched from the door as he put on a few small pieces of jewelry and sprayed on the cologne I had grown to love.

“Ava, you’re only 21. No way you’re that far past.” So maybe I wasn’t as old as I acted, but that was besides the point.

“Anyway, I’m going home. Have fun.”

He grabbed me by the arm before I could make it too far. “Wait, ma. If you don’t want me to go, I won’t. I’ll stay home and chill with you if that’s what you wanna do.” I would’ve felt like an ass keeping him from doing what he wanted to do, even if I was putting myself up for sacrifice. I mean, he was young and this was exactly how he was supposed to be spending this time of his life.

Who was I to hold him back from that?

I plastered on a smile to assure him, “No. It’s fine. Go out. I’ll just...see you later.”