Haa... How had he got into that?
Surely his best friend had some plan behind that silly smile. The lame excuse that it was just a way of apologising for having disappeared for two years wasn't so believable. At least, Jake didn't believe it.
— All right, let's start this extra training.
— I'm counting on you, Jake.
Holding the ball under his arm, the alpha analysed Guilherme from top to bottom.
It had been a few days since he started following Santiago's training, so his body was probably still getting used to the new routine. Although he was also a reserve, since he was a freshman, his skills as a libero were interesting enough to get him on the court earlier than expected.
Matheus probably wanted Jake to polish that rough diamond.
— On the day of the test, you didn't seem familiar with making serves.
— Oh yes. It was the first time I'd done anything like that.
— Even though you missed a few times, it wasn't too bad. You're good at adapting on the court — Jake murmured, walking round the beta — The point is that you adapted to me, but I can't say whether you'd be able to do that with other players on the court.
— Does it make a difference?
— Of course. Everyone has a different height and strength. They can also have specific techniques for specific moments. A setter is sensitive to noticing that.
And so the extra carnival training began.
With the help of Ricardo, Júnior and Matheus, who would be the different forwards, the alpha taught the beta how to improve his adaptation on the court.
It wasn't easy at first, as Guilherme was short compared to the other boys. However, he quickly understood what needed to be done.
Jake couldn't hide his proud smile at seeing Guilherme really paying attention to the others, like a hunting bird watching the movements of its prey before striking. Still, there was a long way to go.
Whilst training Guilherme, Jake kept glancing towards the stands where he found Nathaniel with his arms crossed.
As expected, he was there again.
Nathaniel hardly ever missed a training session, even if he had to hide in a corner to do so. Jake couldn't tell if Nathaniel did it out of a lack of commitment or if he was the overprotective type.
Was he the jealous boyfriend type? Guilherme showed no discomfort at being watched all the time.
— Argh!
— Be careful not to bump into each other, take into account the size of the players so you know your space.
— Did I hurt you, new boy? — Matheus laughed, holding out his hand to help Guilherme up.
— All right, captain.
— Look, our captain is already intimidating the newcomers.
— How ugly.
— You're talking too much already — growled the alpha.
— Do you want to take a break? Drink some water and rest, we can try again later.
There was no need to ask twice, the thugs threw themselves on the floor, thirsty for a rest. Jake let out a low chuckle and also joined them after picking up his water bottle.
— What are you going to do after this? Do you fancy a drink?
— I'm going to work — Jake said immediately — I've got the night shift tonight and tomorrow.
— Are you a waiter at that restaurant on the avenue?
— Yeah, why?
— Let's drink there and give the stud more work.
Jake grimace in disgust at being the target of his friends' amusement, but soon joined in the banter. He didn't really mind them visiting his workplace, he just needed to make sure they gave him a nice tip in revenge.
In the end, he would win.
— Do you want to come, newbie?
— Huh? A-Ah... I'm not sure.
Guilherme looked over his shoulder in the direction of the stands, and everyone immediately realised that he depended on someone else's answer.
Should Jake invite him too? It would be rude, since Nathaniel is always around Guilherme. But he doubted very much that he would like crowded places. It was the carnival holidays and restaurants are usually packed at this time of year.
— If you want to call Nathaniel, feel free.
Guilherme looked at him curiously, but he didn't ask the million-dollar question.
— How do you know his name?
— Well, the guy helped me that day when I was ill, so I bought him a coffee — explained the alpha immediately, before any misunderstandings could arise — We talked a bit.
— You talked to Nath? About what?
Gee, hadn't Nathaniel told Guilherme about them having coffee? Not that it was a secret, it was just retribution.
And he still had no idea what their relationship was. If they were together, wouldn't that be another reason for them to fight? It would be better to omit the details of the conversations.
— About college, of course. What else would we have to talk about?
— So it's true that he beat Matheus' grades? — Ricardo mocked, and it wasn't long before the aforementioned alpha grimaced.
— The captain's grades?
— Our captain is the sweetheart of our course. All the professors are very fond of him, especially because he always gets high marks.
— Wow...
— Hey hey, I don't mean to brag... But I only did the minimum.
— Hm... So for doing the minimum you've been surpassed — Jake teased — It seems that Nathaniel has higher grades than you.
Matheus froze in place, knocking over his bottle, making the others laugh. His proud title of teachers' favourite had been stolen. What a shame.
— But is it really all right for us to go?
— Why don't we make it a newcomer's welcome party? We could get the whole team together for that.
— Can we book some tables, Jake?
— It depends on the day, I'd have to speak to my boss today. When are you free, Guilherme?
— Ah... I have an appointment with Nath today. Tomorrow, then?
What was supposed to be just between them ended up involving the whole team. And so the boys began to plan a small dinner to welcome the new members of the team. Matheus volunteered to talk to the rest of the team and to raise the money for the party.
However, Jake was worried about Nathaniel.
Would he be okay in a crowded place?
{...}
Since being kicked out of home, Jake had been surviving on odd jobs. He couldn't find a steady job, since he didn't feel confident in his abilities, and there were days when he didn't even want to leave the house.
Even though Matheus was a good friend and shared a flat with him rent-free, Jake felt uncomfortable being given everything for free.
For the past year or so, the alpha had been working as a waiter in a rustic restaurant that was often full in high season. Thanks to the avenue's location next to the highway, many travellers stopped there to eat. And there were also the hotels that served as a magnet for new customers.
At least that way he could manage a bit.
— Heard you were looking for me, big boy.
— Hey, boss!
His boss, Jaqueline, was a woman a few years older than Jake. Her reddish hair and arms full of tattoos left a strong first impression, but she was someone nice. At least she was the kind of boss Jake wasn't afraid to talk to, but didn't lose respect for at the same time.
— Can I book a table for my crowd?
— Define your crowd — she said, her eyes peering menacingly.
— The volleyball team I'm part of wants to organise a get-together for the newcomers. So... There must be twenty or so people coming.
The woman's eyes lit up instantly.
Jake knew very well that the more customers the better, and just as he was looking forward to his tip, she was looking forward to her winnings too.
— Ha! You can take your pick there — The woman tossed Jake some spare plates — Anything else?
— How about raising the price of the beer?
— Good idea!
— Boss, please don't get carried away by capitalism or Jake — grumbled another girl who was clearing the tables.
— It's okay, we have to look on the bright side, you know?
It was fun to work in that place, and his friends certainly enjoyed going there from time to time. Jake could choose any table for them, but the problem was a certain masked bloke who might come along with Guilherme.
— A more private place...
Looking around the restaurant, the alpha went to a corner where he gathered four tables and arranged the chairs. He positioned the reservation plates and counted the seats. It would be a good place for Nathaniel if he wanted to avoid prying eyes; behind him there was a wooden pillar and a large potted plant that would hide him well.
Jake stopped paying attention when his iPhone 4 started ringing. The message that appeared on the screen made him frown in disgust.
"The lawyer will be looking for you again".
Just now?
What would the McKenzie want this time?