Texas
I think my Professor likes me better because for starters I was not late to her class and I'm sure "Well done Miss Hall, very insightful painting" means that she liked my work.
"You know I think we should hang out, outside school I mean", Diane said as I was packing up my notes.
"I don't see why not. You are basically the only person I know besides Courtney, your brother and the Arabian looking guy", i replied without taking my eyes off the bag I was zipping up.
"That's cool. That being said, are you coming to the game this Friday?"
I remembered Dallas talking about the game and how he said I had to be there. Over the weekend, I was in sort of a confused state on how to act around him which is quite foolish if you ask me because I don't really know this guy. Granted, he didn't tell me about having a girlfriend which was Courtney but maybe he thought I knew, i was supposed to anyway but my so-called cousin was trying to be mysterious. I decided to act normally around him like a friend would, he doesn't know about whatever stupid crush I have on him so it was just proper to act as I would around him. Despite that decision, stupid me went to blurt out "You have a girlfriend" just because he complimented me which was sure to be a friendly gesture. I bet he's confused now.
"Yeah about that, Dallas invited me but it's awful because I don't know the littlest shit about soccer", I laughed as we walked out of the hall.
"Well that can be remedied. I know every littlest shit about it, since my brother plays right? So I got you and you are coming to the after party"
"Don't they do that only if the team wins?"
She gave me a "are you serious" look, "Bears always win. Dallas is a beast on the field friend. We are nothing but winners"
We took a seat in the cafeteria, "To think that you don't like to associate yourself with your brother on school grounds, you are passionately proud of him", I teased.
"No lies, I am. It's just girls are bitches".
"I still think it doesn't matter. You can avoid being used though. About the after party, how sure are you that I'm attending?", i asked raising a brow.
"You don't have a choice. I'm sure Dallas would want you there and I'm dressing up at yours anyway, there's no way you are not going", she said matter of factly.
"Bossy", i snorted.
"Hey girls", Courtney chirped as she slid into a chair across us and I immediately heard Diane sigh.
"Hey. Fancy seeing you at school", i smiled.
"I know right. I've got another class in an hour so I'm killing time. Hey Diane, been long I saw you", she faced Diane.
Diane rolled her eyes, "That you are dating my brother doesn't mean we've to see each other every now and then"
Courtney's smile vanished, "Err yeah. I was just asking how you were"
"I'm fine, thanks but no thanks for asking", she replied and got busy with her phone.
I cringed at the tension at the table. It didn't take a genius to know Diane didn't like Courtney and i wonder why.
"T, you coming to the game?", Courtney asked me.
"Yeah I am and the after party", i stole a glance at Diane and I saw her smirk.
"That's cool. In no time you'd have your own friends and people you know", she encouraged.
"Well, she's got me so I don't think she needs any other friend", Diane snarked.
I kicked her leg under the table with a smile that was directed at Courtney, "Thanks Court. Diane and I have a few things to get from the mall, we are going to get going. I'll talk to you later". I blew her a kiss which she returned with a bright smile while I dragged Diane up and outside the building. "Okay, what was that?"
"No offense but I don't like your cousin", she rolled her eyes.
We started walking towards where my car was parked. She leaned on my car when we got to it, "Why don't you like my cousin, pray tell?"
She shrugged, "I dunno, I just don't. Coupled with the fact that she's not good enough for my brother".
"I don't think a sibling ever thinks that someone is good enough for their other siblings", i pointed out.
"That's rough because I think you and my brother look good together", she mumbled. "What is this about "Diane and I are going to the mall?"
I decided to ignore the first part of her statement and reply the second thing she said, "That was just to get us both out of there before a nasty fight starts".
"Well, I don't care because now we really have to go shopping", she said authoritatively.
I threw my car key at her, "Then Drive".
That was how our afternoon was spent with trying on clothes and taking them off but at last we got out with couple of bags. I didn't bring a lot of clothes from Manchester because I just knew I was going to shop here in NYC. I got some dresses, boots, sneakers and regular outfits, let's not forget Diane made me buy some swimsuits and bikinis.
"Whoa, I've never enjoyed shopping like that in my entire life", she said as we collapsed on my couch while she was chewing chips.
"With your friends?"
"Dallas never allows me have good enough friends. Any girl talking to me either wants to get to know him better or wants to fuck him or wants me to deliver his favourite chocolate to him", she sighed.
I laughed, "Perks of having a star player as a sibling"
"I think hot comes first though", she grumbled with fake disdain. "Even the guys I've dated, dated me because they want to be in the space with him, breathe the same air with him, most annoyingly, just shake his hands".
"Whatt? Now I feel you are just exaggerating", I laughed.
"Como? Exaggerate? I'm fucking serious. I done met some cabróns in my life"
"You are Spanish?"
"Where do you think Navarro came from?", she raised a brow.
"My mum is Spanish but I can't speak it to save my life"
"I knew it". When she saw my raised brow she elaborated, "I mean, you've got the Latino vibe to you"
I laughed, "That's the first time I'm hearing that".
"You are Spanish beautiful", she said with an eye roll, you'd think she was mad about that fact.
I scoffed, "Oh that's a thing?"
"My thing", she said with a wink. "Your apartment is fire"
"Yeah, Papi Hall at work. Its almost time for dinner, should we go out and get food? I can't be stressed to make something"
"I'll burn your apartment down if I'm let into the kitchen. So, outdoor food it this and I know just the right place", she smiled mischievously.
"Okay that's scary, I'm going to change these boots". I went into my room to change into pair of slides. "Come on, let's go", I called to her while throwing her the keys.
"Why am I driving again?", she narrowed her eyes at me.
"You know the area, i don't", i shrugged.
"Whatever"
20 minutes later she was pulling up in a parking space. Hot 'n' Spicy was the name of the restaurant. The interior was quaint and cozy, it felt like home. We chose a booth in the corner of the restaurant, it was a partially full house by the way. A guy walked up to us and i must say, he is HOT. Not Dallas hot but hot nonetheless, ask me why I'm thinking of Dallas right now. He was in a white T-shirt which accentuated his biceps and I could see tattoos here and there, black hair, very green eyes. Wow. Just wow. He had a smile on which looked flirty but maybe its just me.
"D, what brings you over?", the guy faced Diane.
The use of D instead of Diane shows that they knew each other and very well might i add, because Diane had a smile on her face too.
"Don't be rude Chris, say Hi", Diane pointed at me.
His eyes shifted at me then he smiled flirtatiously for real this time, "Hi. The name's Christian but friends call me Chris"
"Texas", I smiled lightly.
He looked at Diane again, "What's the deal, D?"
"I didn't want to throw this out but looks like that'll make her more interesting. That's Courtney's cousin"
"What the fuck?", he mumbled then turned to look at me, "Chris at your service beautiful. Anything you want is on the house"
I laughed, "Few seconds ago, I didn't feel welcome"
"I'm sorry. I'm wary of strangers", he smiled a genuine smile.
"That's okay. I am too, nice to meet you"
"Pleasure. What do y'all want?"
"Serve us my usual", Diane told him and he left.
"Who's that?"
"That's Christian, Dallas' friend. They are the quatros. Chris, Travis, you met Rune, then you have my brother. Very inseparable, the lot of them"
"He works here?"
"That rich ass? Work here? He owns this place chica. His dad got it for him as his grad gift from high school or some'n. He likes Korean shit so he does Korean foods with the whole American shebang".
"Whoa. That's a lot". A tray came in view with two steaming bowls of what looked like noodles but it has soup or something plus side dishes too. "Wow! This looks ravishing"
"Enjoy", Chris smiled at us.
"Thanks Chris", Diane said while grabbing her chopsticks.
We ate in silence, I couldn't even dare strike a conversation because this was the kind of food that needed all of your attention.
"Damn, I'm full", i patted my stomach.
"Hearing that in your accent is lovely", Chris commented as he came around to get the bowls.
"Thank you for the food", i smiled at him.
"Thanks Chris. We are gonna go now", Diane said as we stood up.
"See you around Texas", he winked at me.
Diane was driving towards the Uni when I decided to ask where we were going, "I live in the dorms and trust me I hate my roomie. She always has visitors over and they are always fucking loud i feel like beating their asses".
"You know you could spend the night at mine right?"
"The plan was staying after the party, let's start sleepovers for a good cause", she said as she parked the car. "This is the beginning of a crazy, wild and interesting friendship, i can tell"
"I think so too", i laughed.
"Oh I forgot. Your painting was fucking lit, you are on some Picasso shit"
I scoffed, "Quit exaggerating D"
"Whatever. Night T", she got out of the driver's seat and i got in.
As I got into my apartment, I saw that she left her jacket. My phone buzzed with a text, flipping it open, it was from Dallas.
Dallas: Hey. You still gon' show for the match?
Texas: I feel Diane would have my head if I don't show😒😒.
Dallas: Here I was thinking you were attending for the right sibling😑😑.
Texas: Well, partially that too🌚.
Dallas: Cool then, I'm bursting extra moves just to impress your Manchester ass😉.
Texas: It's sad I don't know anything about Soccer.
Dallas: That's what Diane is for, don't worry your pretty head about that. The party?
I smiled as I typed,
Texas: Yeah I'll be there.
Dallas: Let's make your first NYC party worthwhile. See you Friday.
Texas: Yeah, you too.
Dallas: Nice night T.
Texas: Night.
I settled in bed with a smile on my face because the day went well, right? It went really well and it can be said that I have a new friend. Despite myself, i was looking forward to Friday.
*****************●●●●●●●*********
"What are you wearing to the party?", Diane asked as we walked out of a class where a project was impending and the fucking Professor said we were to use oil paints. I'm out of practice with oil paints man.
"I don't know. Shorts or something."
"Clueless motherfucker", she tsked. "Look I've got to go see Dr. Milburn he wants to find me an alternative, i need to pass that fucking course. I'll catch you at your car."
"Okay", she nodded and walked off. I was staring at the project paper given to us as I sat on the hood of my car, I sighed. The drawing was supposed to be about a scenario we conjure up in our head. How the fuck was I supposed to conjure up a scenario? "Professors and their ridiculous assignments", i muttered and pouted my lips.
"What's got you in a pouty mood?"
I looked up to Dallas' smiling face as he sat beside me and immediately a smile involuntarily spread on my lips. "Nothing really. It's just a project. What's up with you, star player?", i smirked at him.
"I'm pumped up", he grinned.
"That's a good thing."
"Of course. How have you been navigating your way around NYC?"
"Diane has been a great help and I met your friend the restaurant owner. What's his name again?", i tapped my chin.
"Christian?"
"Yeah him. Sorry I'm bad with names."
"Not a problem. Is there a specific beer or alcohol you prefer?"
"So what? You'd get it for me?", i furrowed my brows.
"Of course, its all part of making your stay enjoyable", he shrugged.
I was confused, "Is this all part of you just being a nice person or it's because I'm your girlfriend's cousin?"
I think my tone rang alarm bells in his head because his eyes widened, "God no. I'm not doing anything because you are Courtney's cousin. I think you are a wonderful person for real and I'm just being nice."
I laughed, "How would you know if I'm a wonderful person?"
"I can tell", he winked.
"Hey bro. Ready to smash 'em tonight?", Diane threw her arm on her brother's shoulder.
"That's right. Oh yeah, Mum said to call her. According to her, you've been slacking", he smirked.
"Oh shit, I've been busy. I'll call her tomorrow then"
"That being said, I'll see you both tonight. Texas, I'll be looking for you in the bleachers", he said with a smirk and a wink then sauntered off.
"Ooouuu, look at that blush", Diane tapped my cheek. "Do you like my brother?", she asked with a smirk.
"Like? What?", i sputtered. "He has a girlfriend who is my cousin. Let's go", i waved her off.
"It's not bad if you like him by the way", she said with that evil smile that looked just like Dallas'.
"Shut the fuck up and get in the car Diane."
"Ooouu. Feisty", she snickered.
**********●●●●●□●●●●●●●●●*********
"I don't know why you want me in this shorts. Is it not supposed to be cold at nights?"
We are dressing up for the game and Diane is trying to get me into very short shorts, which is inappropriate for the occassion and perfectly unnecessary.
"I mean it's just shorts and your ass looks perfect in them", she shrugged.
"Want to tell me why the hell you are in pants and you are forcing this on me?", I gestured at the shorts on my ass.
"You look more beautiful with them, that's all", she answered suspiciously.
"No I refuse to succumb to your plans." I pulled off the shorts and put on ripped jeans as I was already in a white sweatshirt. I grabbed my Vans and put them on. "Okay let's go then", i told her after checking out my hair which she plaited into two halves.
"You are such a killjoy."
"I don't exactly care what you care".
We got into the car and I drove to the school. As we were approaching the field, the cheerleaders moved out from nowhere also entering the field space. I noticed one giving Diane a look, if looks could kill, Diane would be impaled with a fucking spear from her asshole to her mouth and left out the scorching sun to roast or something with that look. "What's that about?", I asked Diane.
"I was once a cheerleader", she said nonchalantly.
"Okayy. What's with the look though?", I asked confused.
"Bitch be in her feelings", she answered while looking everywhere but me which proves she was hiding something but I'll let it slide. For now. We were already in the arena when she said, "Why don't you find a space and I'll go get us popcorn or soda from the stand?"
"Okay. Whatever", I mumbled.
"Leave me a space. Coke would do right?", she raised her brow.
"Yeah", she left immediately. I sighed and moved towards the bleachers which was packed by the way and I'm not surprised, I mean first game of the year. I was almost giving up on finding us a space when I heard my name, I looked around but couldn't find the person.
"Hey!! Texas! Over here"
Then I spotted the waving arm, it was Christian. He gestured at me to move towards him so I did. "Hey. I was almost giving up".
"Yeah i always leave a space for Diane and i but with you in the picture, I left two"
"You are a life saver, Chris", i gave him a side hug.
"Where is D?"
"Concession. So what am I supposed to know about this game?"
"Okay listen carefully. There are 11 players from each team making 22 in total on the field including the goalkeepers from each team. Two goalposts, a team will score a goal if the ball enters the post being guarded by the opposite team's keeper. There are positions and all you need to know is Dallas plays Striker, he scores the goal. Travis and Rune are defenders, they defend their goalpost. That's the basics, I'll explain others as we go", he concluded with a smile.
I nodded just the same time Diane came back with a large popcorn and two cokes in hand but she was also looking disheveled plus her lips were swollen. I planned to ask her about it later. "Damn, that stand was fucking packed", she said as she handed me my coke and placed the popcorn in between. "Hey Chris", she exchanged pleasantries with Chris.
'Okay here we go", Chris mumbled as the players jogged in. Immediately my eyes zeroed in on Dallas in his red jersey and I must say he looked hot as hell. Get a grip, Tex. He had on a serious look as he stared down the other team's captain. Chris explained the heads and tail thing, it determines who gets hold of the ball first.
Dallas glanced at the bleachers for a while then looked back to the field but immediately looked back and his eyes locked with mine, he slightly smiled and threw me a subtle nod then, the game started.
I was going to ask about Courtney when Diane told me the players' significant others always had the front row, I got to know because Diane, of course mumbled about how Courtney's stupid ass, her words not mine,was enjoying the first rows.
I must say Dallas looked like a beast on the field, with all his calculative gazes, his subtle disappointing look whenever the other team were in possession of the ball and when they scored their one and only goal of the match, beautiful dribbling skills, yeah Chris told me it was dribbling amongst other soccer terms, his very clean goals too. He deserved the captain role and I feel he has earned his space on the team. I forgot to say, he looks beautiful while playing.
I quickly got the hang of the game, all thanks to Chris for all the terms he was explaining. The game was over now but they had 2 minutes extra time, well I dunno something happened and one of our players was tripped which in turn resulted into a free kick for us. Everybody was on edge, me included, because we were all on our feet as Dallas was the one playing the free kick. Not scoring it doesn't mean we were losing but I bet everyone wanted him to net the fucking ball.
It all happened in slow motion as he kicked the ball, breaths were held, eyes were frantic and wide with expectations and excitement and mouths were left ajar. The ball took its time, i must say before it rolled into the net and the whole arena erupted in cheer. The team carried their captain but his eyes found mine and he pointed at me with a smile. We won with 3-1, the referee blew the whistle and the cheerleaders came to do their thing as we all decided to leave the bleachers.
"So did you enjoy your first soccer game?", Diane asked as we trudged to my car, Chris ditched us to go congratulate his boys.
"It was dead amazing, I really enjoyed myself", i smiled.
"I could tell and besides the last goal was for you", she smirked.
"What?", I asked her with a confused expression.
"I saw him point his hand at you" , she sat on the hood of my car.
"It could have been Courtney man. So what now?", I asked if we were still waiting or going to the party's venue.
"We wait for Christian and he's going to wait till the boys have had their shower."
I hummed and pursed my lips in thought on whether to ask her about her supposed concession journey but Courtney interrupted the words about to come out my mouth.
"Hey T, did you enjoy the game?", she asked with enthusiasm and Diane rolled her eyes.
"Definitely. I really did", i smiled.
"I'm relieved. Dallas is quite the pedigree, no?", she raised a teasing brow.
"Yeah he definitely is"
"I'm proud of him", she commented with pride in her eyes. Fuck they must really love each other. "Hey D", she smiled at Diane.
As Diane opened her mouth to reply, I just knew she wanted to reply with something smart and sass so I pinched her and she quickly smiled which was fake by the way, "Hey Court, nice game", she said and went back to her phone.
"You are coming to the party right?", Courtney faced me.
"Yeahh we are", I nodded.
"Okay. I'll be riding with Dallas so I guess we'll meet there"
"Yeah of course, no problems", i gave her a hug and she left. "You know you'll still tell me why you hate my cousin right?", I said to Diane.
"Yeah of course, since it's not right now." Her phone chimed, "Okay let's go, Chris said he'd ride with the guys".
"You drive."
"You know I'm starting to think you let me drive just because you are just lazy", she frowned at me.
"You know you like my car, i don't know the area. So I think it's a win-win, if you ask me", i shrugged.
"Bitch", she grumbled as she started the car.
She pulled up in front of a big house, a mansion more like it. We both pulled off our sweatshirts leaving me in a long sleeved gray crop top and her in an halter neck blouse. The music was vibrating throughout the environment, cars were lined up on the curb, people were already getting wasted. "Wow. The house is big", I said with mouth ajar

"Yep, Leroy's parent are fucking loaded"
"Who's Leroy?", I frowned
"He's on the soccer team too. Looking for a rich playboy with a little bit narcissistic tendencies? You have good ol' Leroy. You want a beer?"
People were doing one thing or another, grinding on a guy, kissing their partners, some were smoking and some were just looking around and observing like me. "How do you know all of that about him? Yeah a beer should do for now. "
She opened up a beer (the same beer I told Dallas earlier) and handed it to me, while opening one for herself, she replied, "I dated the asshole the first two months of being a freshman and it was a never in my life would I shoot myself in my leg again kind of experience. Always talked about little details of his life like I asked", she rolled her eyes.
I laughed and gulped down my beer. The cheerleader from earlier came in, locked eye with Diane then looked at me and i could swear she got furious. Why? I do intend to find out.
Diane sighed and turned to me, "Sorry", she whispered subtly in my ear before placing a deep kiss on my lips. She pulled away and looked back to where the cheerleader was standing then nodded subtly.
Still shocked from the unexpected kiss and the disappearance of the cheerleader, "Diane, what was that about?"
"I'm sorry babe. I just needed to make a statement and I felt you were the right person", she winked
"So you used me to send her off? And enough with the cryptic answers, I saw the looks you both gave each other at the game and then you took forever to get back from getting just two cans of Coke and a popcorn", I raised a brow too amused to be mad actually. I mean, the kiss was quite good.
"Told you the queue took fore---"
"Oh please D", i cut her off with a chuckle. "That does not give a full explanation on why your lips were swollen when you got back or why she joined the remaining cheerleaders 2 minutes after you sat your pretty ass down"
She sat on the stairs with a low chuckle, "I've got a smart ass for a friend now, huh?"
"You bet", i winked at her.
"Okay, Nancy drew. Her name's Natalie and we--"
My phone buzzed in my pocket and it was Mum calling, "This story will have to wait, I've got to pick this"
She pointed at the dining, "There's a door just through there, it'll take you outside by the pool. Find me when you done, yeah?"
"Uh-huh". I followed her directions and i found a chair by a gigantic pool.
"Heyy Mummyy", I couldn't contain my excitement since its been long I heard from her.
"My baby", I could feel her smiling. "I got your message. I should have kept in touch but I swear to God honey, being a Project manager is terribly time consuming"
"Of course I figured it has to be. Are you good? Do you eat well?"
"Yes to both baby but I'm fucking tired, excuse my French. I'm happy to hear you are making friends. Are you at a party?"
"Yeah i am, I got invited by a friend", i shrugged like she could see me.
"Wow that's good. You know the rules of social gathering, don't ya?"
I rolled my eyes with a chuckle, "Of course I do ma".
"Cool then. How's your father and Effie?"
"Both fine I hope, because I've had my neck deep in projects, it's insane. But the plan is to check on them tomorrow, Eiffel is going to have my head."
"Okay then. Kiss my baby for me, yeah?"
"You mean Dad?", I bit my lips to hold my laughter.
"You know who I was referring to, don't be silly Texas", I just laughed. "Goodnight honey, I've gotta go."
"Alright Ma. I love you."
"Love you too", she said and hung up.
I leaned back into the chair I was sitting on, thinking on what I'll be right now of i were to be in Manchester. Probably watching the latest episode of the TV series Kris and I followed, or a frat party.
"Finally found you. What're you doing out here? Alone."
I looked up and it was Dallas, I was in my thoughts that I didn't even hear him walk in. I think he has a knack for walking up to me all the time. "I had a call so came out here to get it. Star player of team, beast of the field, what brings you over?", I smirked.
He gave a low chuckle and sat on the second chair, "Stop it Texas. Diane was looking for you and told me to find you, I was looking for you too though."
"I got a little lost in my thoughts."
"Ohh, just a little?", he asked sarcastically with a smile on his face. "Anyway, beer pong is about to start. Are you any good?"
"If i do say so myself", I smiled.
"Hmm okay we'll find out. Diane called dibs on you so come on", he stood up and extended his hand.
I grabbed it and he pulled me up, i must say very fast because I landed with my palm on his chest and trust me did they feel so manly. "Sorry", I whispered. "Congratulations on your win", i said to him as we opened the door leading inside.
"Impressed?", he smirked.
"Very", i said laughing.
"Where you been? Come on, you are with me?", Diane dragged to a table with cups with beer and a ball. Standing at the other edge of the table was Courtney and Dallas. Now i knew this was not exactly fun since Diane hates Courtney. "We are winning this shit", she said cockily to Courtney.
"We'll see", Courtney smirked.
People already gathered round the table, cheering us on. What the fuck have i gotten myself into with Diane?, I thought in my head with a laugh.