SOL - Changes Part 4

The camp at the beginning of all this had been, of course, a big change from your comparatively lavish lifestyle. But the rustic stylings of this American football camp had been a fair price to pay for the gourmet buffet of girls that the place had served up to you like a platter of appetizers.

The Lodge had seemed like a lovely reprieve from the dirt and mosquitos of camp. Now you feel at home there, which is ironic given that you were in prison not so long ago.

You showered at the field, so all you have to do is put your bag down on your bed. You’re sharing a room with Max tonight. Downstairs, Bee and her assistants have prepared a modest feast, and you find yourself at a table with most of your teammates. The game was later than usual, so even those who would normally seize this opportunity to go into the city are staying the night here and leaving tomorrow.

Pink Team is so warm toward you now. Sam is aggressively flirty, Viti seems moved to tears by how easy you’re making her life, Sun is always fun to have around, and Lili and Aki have loosened up considerably.

There’s no sign of Lara and Riley, but that doesn’t bother you because you’re choosing to look at it another way: you are pretty sure that wherever Riley is right now, she’s happy.

Although the old you isn’t completely dead. Being in a good mood around all these girls has a predictable effect, and you’re a little disappointed that Riona’s team didn’t win. You like to think that if she were here, she might want to spend a little quality time together. And maybe for the first time in a while, you could do that without thinking about Riley the whole time. The thought makes you smile.

As much as you can’t help but appreciate the company, the need to get laid isn’t there. Not because you’ve suddenly developed a problem with sex, but because there’s nothing to distract yourself from and no need to prove anything to yourself. It leaves an interesting blank space.

Unfortunately, you still aren’t completely free. Reality exists, and that includes Sam. The others are going to hang out downstairs and watch TV and zone out with their phones, which they have earned. It sounds good. But Sam will cling to you the whole time, and you know yourself well enough to know how that ends: with her underneath you in bed. You like her red hair. Her body is cute, if unspectacular. You can see yourself with her for a night, but at the same time when you look at her, there’s nothing there. Maybe if you knew her better.

That’s a thought.