This is an entry in the
750 Word Project 2025
"Alright, I'm just going to cut to the chase. I need you to help me out... like now,"
Cathy sat on the floor of her hotel room, suddenly wondering why she hadn't locked the door.
Brigid, the captain of her college soccer team had barged in with a determined look on her face and a tense demeanour. State semi-finals were tomorrow, and everyone had long settled in for an early call. Most girls just watching TV or doing crafts to mentally unwind before bed. Cathy was reorganizing her suitcase, a perfectly normal distraction she'd enjoyed pregame before.
"Excuse me? I mean, sorry- like, what...do you need help with?"
Putting her hands on her hips, Brigid looked back at the closed door then ran to deadbolt it. She pulled up some rug and sat down in front of Cathy's open bag and got quiet.
"I know what you did with Dot and Sam, and I never wanted to get into anyones business, but I'm freaking out right now and I can't sleep and I-"
Cathy's cheeks warmed as soon as the other girls were mentioned. She'd been their quiet hook up- separately- for a few months, until they found each other and became a couple. She hadn't any illusions about her status with them but the way Brigid spoke made it sound like she was a service.
"Hey, I don't know what anyone's said but I'm not like a masseuse or something. If you're so tense, go to the trainer for something,"
Brigid's eyes detected the hurt in Cathy's voice, but was so damn set on relief and far too embarrassed to turn back now.