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CHAPTER 1

Owen

I wait outside in the hallway, sluy black Chucks The closed door to lass, hazy and distorting, but I knoho’s inside I can hear the low murmur of their voices but I don’t really hear the words

That’s okay I knohat they’re saying about me

My counselor My coach My sister My brother-in-law They’re all inside, talking about my future Or lack thereof

Tilting ain how the hell I got here A few years ago, life was good Hell, last su on that field like my feet were fire and I couldn’t ever be stopped Coach approved, a big grin on his face when he’d tell me, You’re just like Drew

Yeah That made me proud as shit I idolize my brother-in-law He makes me feel safe He understands me when Fable never, ever could Not that she doesn’t try the best she can, but she’s a girl She doesn’t get it

Thinking of girls makes my heart feel like it’s made out of lead Solid and thick and iirl since … I don’t know A feeeks? I asp when I dive in all smooth-like and kiss the off and legs and arled up

Being on the football teaet all the tail that I could ever want But if I don’t have the grades, I can’t stay on the tea weed, then I’ at one of the bars while I’ team forever Zero tolerance, baby

None of us practice what the team rules preach

The glass door swings open and riaze distant when she stares at me “You can come in noen”

Without a word I stand and shuffle inside the room, unable to look at anyone for fear I’ll see all that disappointlance at is Drew, and his expression is full of soand beg him to make it all better

But I can’t do that I’rown-ass man—or so Mom tells me

Fuck There’s est secret I can hardly stand to think of her, let alone when Fable is sitting right next to me She would flip Out If she knew the truth

She doesn’t know No one knows Moet her weed and I do She givesover all the spare money that I make