12: A Jerk

                                    

                                          
GABBY
How am I faring? Well, before I dive into that, let's rewind a little. 
After the practice game, spurred on by my friends' encouragement, I text Kevin to meet me outside the gym once he's finished changing.
Kevin emerges, his hair a bit damp and disheveled, his duffel swaying on his side with each step. "Why didn't you tell me that Stephen's your brother?"
I bat my lashes in mock surprise. "You're still stuck there?" I let out a giggle. "Kevin, move on."
"You lied."
"Nope, I didn't. I omitted information. Besides, what's the big deal?" I retort defensively. I wasn't planning on discussing this, but if he's hung up on it, then fine. We'll get to the bottom of it. "Were you feeling down because you thought he was my boyfriend?"
Kevin's eyes rotate with annoyance. "Oh, please. I just don't like being out of the loop... Why would I feel down?"
"Right," I respond, snickering. "Why would you care at all?"
He sighs defeatedly, seemingly conflicted, and I feel a soft flutter of guilt. I don't fully grasp why, but if an apology will smooth things over, then so be it.
"Alright, I'm sorry," I utter earnestly. "I really thought you'd figure it out on your own."
"You don't resemble each other," Kevin notes. "Stephen's handsome."
Irritation tugs at my patience, my breath coming up short. "And what exactly are you implying?"
A smile appears on Kvein's lips, and he playfully wiggles his eyebrows. "You can take it however you like. He's handsome, so you are?"
I simply cast him a contemptuous gaze, refusing to engage further.
He laughs. "You're cute."
My heart pounds erratically at his words, leaving me flustered. What the heck is happening right now? I heave a deep breath and growl, "Stop. Making. Fun. Of. Me!"
"What? I can't offer you a compliment?"
"I'm well aware of my appearance, and cute isn't it," I reply.
Kevin squints, giving a flippant shrug. "So, what is it then?"
I turn my head, sidestepping the question. "I didn't call you out here to talk about, um, my face. Also, if you're trying to lie now to make up for the insults before, save it."
"That's not what I'm doing–"
I sweep my hand through the air, dismissing the issue. "Moving on... I'm here to tell you that I'd... Like to give that position a shot. I don't have previous experience, so I might need some guidance but–"
Kevin's face brightens as his eyes come alive with delight. "Really?!"
"Uh, yeah?"
He inches closer, smiling. "Great! Perfect timing. The games are starting in two weeks. This is good news." He clumsily digs into his pocket, trying to retrieve his phone. "I'll let the Coach know."
"Hold on," I say, gently wrapping my hand around his to stop him. "There's something I need to say first."
The muscles on Kevin's face twitch as he waits, gaze fixed on me.
I take a deep breath. "I'll do what I can to help you guys so you can win the championship. But I might–no, I will need your help. I've never done anything like this, and I've never really... Talked to guys."
"Until me?"
Realizing that I'm still holding him, I pull away. "Until you."
Kevin slips his phone back into his pocket. "You're doing well talking to me. Like I said before, I want you because you're straightforward." Blushing slightly, he adds, "I mean, I want you to become our manager because–"