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"You've got to be kidding me, man!" Trevor wrapped a thick white towel around his waist and sat down. "How the heck does Coach Hayes expect us to be ready for a tournament this weekend when he's been out of town for nearly a month?"

"C'mon Trev, you know how Hayes is." The towering seventeen year old crammed several cotton shirts along with his jersey into his locker.

"Yeah, I know how he is. Stupid." A round of laughter spread through the locker room. One student began imitating the coach's daily orders resulting in jeers and more laughter.

Dripping with water, Lucus walked out of the shower. It was bad enough having to deal with his annoying brother's screams during the night, but to be greeted with obnoxious chuckling and hoots after an almost intoxicating shower was worse.

"What's all the laughter about?"

"Ah, our king returns." Patrick Hershey kowtowed, but was nearly knocked over by Trevor's extended leg. Laughter erupted again and Trevor shrugged with a grin.

"Never mind." Lucus walked across the room and played with his combination.

"Ya know I was only kiddin'." Still clothed in boxers and a thin white shirt, Patrick leaned against the wall next to his friend's locker.

"Of course." The response was flat and Lucus immediately regretted his attitude. When he noticed Patrick's concerned gaze, he inwardly collapsed. "You can tell, huh?"

"I sure can. What girl was it this time?"

"Hannah. I wasn't feeling anything with her anymore, at least not to the extent I wanted to. It was just time to put an end to the show."

"You don't look like it was a show, man. I've never seen you this down over a girl before."

"It wasn't just any girl." The wooden bench was rigid under Lucus' weight. "I honestly thought she was the girl. I mean, she was gorgeous, smart, bubbly; what more could a guy ask for?"

Patrick didn't say anything for a handful of long moments. "I don't know, Lucus. You of all folks know I'm not the best with the ladies."

"True." Slowly, like the steady rise of water, a grin flooded Lucus' face. When his friend noticed Patrick slapped his back and rose to his feet, a gentle smile contouring his expression.

"Hey man, don't go and dis on me now. You're the one always havin' lady troubles."

"Sure, Patrick. Sure." Both teenagers exchanged knowing looks and continued with getting dressed.

On the way home, Lucus replayed the last portion of conversation with Patrick. Who was he kidding? Of course he still cared about Hannah, maybe more than he was even aware.

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