Free The Crush by C.A. Williams

hair up into a high ponytail and Grams had added the finishing touch with a white ribbon that she had tied into my hair.
    Sandwiched in between the other three ladies of my family, I felt safe and in control of the situation as we cheered along with the massive crowd. I was glad I was able to make it out to at least one game with all of the talk about Grier and his amazing skills. Grams had pointed out the row of scouts near the front that had made special trips out to see the ‘Bama Brothers in action.
    After a win against Clay County and ending the season with a perfect record,mom deposited me to wait for the girls at the railings overlooking the field.
    “Ok honey you go out and have some fun,” she wrapped me in a tight hug and gave my ponytail a tug. “You call if you need anything, anything at all. Tells Collins if something makes you uncomfortable and she’ll have you out in a jiff. She has strict orders from all of us.”
    “Thanks mom, I’m sure I’ll be fine, see you later.”
    The three girls came out of the locker room, fresh from the showers and changed out of their uniforms as they bounced towards me.
    “Wasn’t that awesome Wynn,” Tessa squealed out before looping her arm through mine. “Bet your sad you missed out on the other ones now, huh?” I nodded my head in agreement as we made our way towards the beach that was just a few blocks away.
     Apparently the bonfires at Griers were a tradition after every game and everyone was riding out the high from the big win. I was not looking forward to seeing Lexie, who I’m sure would be draped all over Grier like nothing had happened. Just the thought of it made me cringe, who would do something like that to Grier? He was such a great guy and was oblivious to his slut of a girlfriend.
    There was already a large group gathered when we arrived and everyone piped up their greetings as we all found seats around the massive fire. Tessa headed straight to Dylans lap and Hallie and Collins sat down on either side of me.
    “Here we go ladies,” Vance handed each of us a red cup brimming to the top with what smelled like beer. I took a cautious sip never liking the stuff much when I had went to the occasional party back home and wedged it between my legs.
    “Lookin’ good tonight Wynnie. You want somethin’ to eat,” he asked slinging an arm around Miranda who apparently he had moved on to. Hallie looked like she was pissed at that sight which only confirmed the suspicions I had about her real feelings for Vance.
    “No thanks Vance. I filled up on concession food at the game. You looked good out there by the way.”
    “I know, right,” he answered back with that trademark cocky grin of his that I had learned to love. He seemed to act like an older brother to me, constantly teasing me but never going beyond that into flirting territory. “You should have saved some for me, I never get a chance to stuff myself at those things.”
    Everyone made small talk, trying to outtalk everyone else with the most outlandish stories and getting louder and louder as the beer continued to flow. As suspected Lexie had perched herself right in Griers lap and didn’t look like she was going anywhere.
     Hallie convinced me to go for a quick swim and we both stripped down to our bikinis that we had on under our clothes that was met with many cat calls and whistles from the guys. I had started to feel more comfortable with my body and had come to the terms that not every guy was like Richard and I just needed to be myself. I caught Griers eyes before running to follow Hallie as they widened and his brows touched the top of his forehead before he took another sip of his beer and met Lexies waiting lips.
    “Oh my god, it’s so cold,” I squealed out as I followed a giggling Hallie into the water and our teeth were instantly chattering.
    “Ok, maybe this was a bad idea, it is freakin’ freezing!”
    We both ran back to the bonfire, taking the seats closest so we could