Reye's Gold by Ruthie Robinson Page A

they had in the first half, but during the last ten minutes they would change their alignment and allow him to play as a third forward instead of midfielder. The two forwards, Reye and Jose, would move the ball for ward and after both Stephen and the other defender committed to Reye and Jose, they would pass the ball to Sam to score.
    Sam’s strategy for the second half of the game worked like magic. They were able to score not once, but twice, while simultaneously using up the clock. The Graduates won. Because both teams had identical records, including a head-to-head split, they now had to play a final game to determine the division winner. The game would be scheduled for the following weekend.
    Reye’s team began their celebration as soon as the ref eree blew the whistle to end the game. Her team-high fived each other, patted themselves on the back, and shook hands with Stephen’s team, making jokes and talking trash. The real party would take place at The Garden, where the tasty beer would act as a lubricant to encourage a much more relaxed and boisterous celebra tion. Reye walked over to Stephen. “We are going over to The Garden for beers, you coming?” she asked as she looked him over from head to toe, taking in his sweaty body.
    He smiled at her boldness. “Sure,” he said. “You know you didn’t play fair during the game today. I’m going to make sure you are properly punished for the bad sportsmanship you displayed.” He winked slyly.
    “Promise?” she asked sassily in response. They started to laugh and he watched her as she sauntered away, exag gerating the swing of her hips as she walked. He laughed again and shook his head.
    Henri and Joe walked over to a grinning Stephen. “Hey, dude, thanks for losing the game for us,” said Joe heatedly.
    “What? What are you talking about? I didn’t lose the game,” Stephen said, taken aback by both the words and the heat with which they were delivered.
    “Who are you kidding? You couldn’t keep your eyes or your hands off of your little girl,” Joe said as he stepped closer to Stephen. “Man, she must have some p retty powerful pussy for you to lose your brain like that.”
    Stephen took a step toward Joe until they were within an inch of each other’s faces.
    “Fuck you, Joe. I played my position, I’m the best one out there. I can’t play the whole damn field. Your sorry-ass game didn’t help!”
    “Well at least I’m not stuck in the jungle with a fever that has fried my brain,” Joe shouted.
    “Come on, calm down,” said Henri as he stepped in between them.
    “Dude, he’s just mad because we really wanted to win today to avoid a playoff. Let it go,” Henri said, turning to Joe.
    “You think I didn’t want to win?” Stephen shouted, pointing his finger into Joe’s chest.
    “You don’t need to speak for me,” Joe said to Henri. “I meant what I said!” Turning to Stephen, he asked, “What got into you, dude? As self-centered as you are, you’d never put winning over some girl!”
    Stephen turned away abruptly and walked to his car to avoid punching Joe in his mouth. “I’m out of here!” Who is he to tell me I didn’t play well , Stephen thought to himself. Asshole! He wouldn’t know what to do with pussy if it hit him in the face . He arrived at his car and stopped. He took a deep breath and tried to calm down. He looked up to find that Reye had approached him.
    “You okay?” She could read anger in the tense stance of his body and the hard look on his face. She had wit nessed the confrontation with Joe.
    “ I’m fine.” He was quiet for a second. “Look, I’m not going to The Garden. I’ll see you later. I don’t think you’d appreciate being near me now.” He didn’t wait for a response, but opened his car door and got in. He drove off, leaving Reye standing there.
    * * *
     
    Joe walked over to his car. He really didn’t like Stephen, never had. He was too good looking, too smart, and, as far as Joe was