The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20

ASTRA

Saturday Morning

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I woke up slowly, stretching under the soft sheets with a quiet, content sigh. Even after eight solid hours of sleep, yesterday’s victory still buzzed warmly in my chest. The cheers, the lights, the way the entire stadium felt alive… it all felt like a dream.

I sat up and reached for the small, faded teddy bear by my side. His left ear was barely hanging on by a thread, and one eye was missing, but he was still my favorite thing in the world.

“Morning, Patches,” I whispered, pulling him into my lap and gently rubbing his torn ear the way I always did. “You won’t believe what happened yesterday. We actually won the game… and I didn’t mess everything up. I was in charge of so many things and people listened to me. Me, Patches.”

I hugged him tighter, smiling softly.

“Everything’s changing so fast since I started working here. The boys are sweet, I have a title at school, and for once… people aren’t looking at me like I’m just Trash–tra. But…” My voice grew quieter. “We still have so many bills. Mom’s hospital debt keeps growing. Even with five thousand a month here, it’s not enough. I think I need to find a weekend job. Something on Saturdays and Sundays when I’m off.”

I kissed the top of Patches‘ head and carefully placed him sitting upright on the pillow, propped against the headboard like he was watching over the room.

After tidying my bed, I went to the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and stared at myself in the mirror. My cheeks looked a little fuller, my eyes brighter. I actually looked… happy. Glowing, even.

I took a long, luxurious bath, the kind I could never afford in my old apartment letting the hop water soothe my tired muscles from running around the field all evening. I shaved, washed my hair with the expensive lavender shampoo Elira provided, and felt brand new.

୮

I stepped out feeling refreshed and slipped into a simple but cute outfit; a soft pale–yellow sundress that hugged my chest and waist before flaring gently over my hips and thighs. It was comfortable and made me feel pretty for once.

I headed downstairs, following the sound of voices in the kitchen.

Half the family was already there, Elira sipping coffee, no sign of Landon, the twins eating pancakes, and Zane leaning against the counter, typing on his phone.

“Good morning, everyone,” I said softly.

Lucas’s face lit up. “Astraaa! Good morning! Come have breakfast with us!”

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Chapter 20

Mason

gave me a small nod and a quiet “Morning.”

Elira smiled warmly. “Good morning, Astra. Hope you slept well.”

“I did, thank you,” I replied, glancing at her.

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The memory from Thursday night suddenly hit me hard. “Astra… do me a favor…” She had grabbed my jaw, looked like she was about to say something important, then changed her mind. The unfinished moment still made me uneasy.

I sat down between the twins and accepted a plate of pancakes. Breakfast was peaceful on the surface, but I could feel Zane’s eyes on me every few seconds, even though he never looked up from his phone.

After a few minutes of comfortable chatter with the boys, I cleared my throat and looked at Elira.

“Ma’am… do I still have Saturdays and Sundays off?”

Elira nodded. “Of course. Why do you ask?”

I wrung my hands under the table, feeling Zane’s gaze sharpen on me.

“Well… I was hoping to look for a part–time job on the weekends. Something I can do when I’m not needed here.”

Elira considered me thoughtfully. “Of course you can, Astra. Those are your days. May I ask why? You already seem to have your hands quite full.”

I flushed, very aware of Zane watching me. “I… just have a lot of things to cover,” I said vaguely, not wanting to go into detail about Mom’s bills in front of everyone.

Zane let out a sharp, bitter laugh.

“What do you expect?” he said coldly, not even looking up from his phone. “It’s never enough for people like her.”

“Zane,” Elira warned sharply.

“What?” He finally looked up, expression hard. “It’s true.”

Elira sighed, looking genuinely apologetic as she turned back to me. “I’m sorry about that. Do what you must, Astra. Just make sure the boys are taken care of during the week.”

I nodded, throat tight. “Thank you.”

The rest of breakfast passed in tense silence. I kept my head down, but I could still feel Zane’s burning stare on me the entire time.

Whatever fragile peace I’d felt after the game was already cracking.

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Chapter 20-

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I was sweating buckets under the hot Saturday sun, riding my scooter around the city looking for a job. It had been a long time since I’d done this, walking into random places with my résumé printed at a library and a hopeful smile. The last time was months before I got the live–in position with the Ashtons.

But I had to.

Even with the five thousand a month, Mom’s hospital bills were piling up like a mountain I couldn’t climb. I needed more. Something on weekends only, when the boys were with their parents or Elira gave me the days off.

I kicked the scooter to life and headed straight to the strip on Maple Street where orders used to come fastest after the school rush. It felt familiar, but I didn’t want to go back to delivery. I was tired of riding around alone at night, tired of the cheap tips and the danger.

I wanted something steadier. Something with actual shifts and better pay.

That’s when I saw it.

The Gridiron, a popular sports bar and diner right at the corner. Big windows, football memorabilia everywhere, and a big sign that said “Looking for new highers.”

I parked my scooter, wiped the sweat from my forehead, and walked in.

The place was lively even in the early afternoon. TVs showed highlights from last night’s game (Harrington’s win was playing on repeat). A few customers sat at the bar. I approached the counter where a middle–aged man with a name tag that read “Manager – Carla” was working.

“Hi,” I said, trying to sound confident. “I saw the ‘Now Hiring‘ sign outside. I’m looking for weekend work, Saturdays and Sundays only.”

Carla looked me up and down. “How old are you, kid?”

“Eighteen, ma’am.”

She raised an eyebrow, “Still in school?”

“Yes, but I’m free on weekends. I can do full shifts.”

She studied me for a moment, then nodded toward the back. “Come with me. Let’s talk to the owner real quick.”

I followed her to a small office in the back. A tall, no–nonsense man in his forties sat behind the desk, Mr. Reyes, the owner.

He listened as I explained I needed weekend work only, that I was reliable, had experience from

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Chapter 20-

delivery and babysitting, and was a fast learner.

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Mr. Reyes leaned back. “We need servers for brunch and dinner shifts. Saturdays 10 AM to 10 PM, Sundays 9 AM to 9PM. Base pay is $12 an hour plus tips. You keep all your tips. Uniform is black skirt, white polo with our logo, and black apron. Think you can handle it? It gets busy after games.”

My heart leaped. “Yes, sir. I can handle it.”

He looked me over once more, then nodded. Alright. You seem responsible. You’re hired. Can you start today? We’re short–staffed for the evening shift.”

“Today?” I blinked, surprised but excited. “Yes! Thank you so much.”

He stood up. “Great. Carla will show you the back room, get you a uniform, and run through the basics. Welcome to The Gridiron.”

I was practically floating as Carla led me to the staff room. She handed me a fitted white polo with “The Gridiron” logo and a short black pleated skirt.

“Try this on. It should fit. Most girls wear black shorts underneath for comfort.”

I changed quickly. The uniform was tighter than like expected, the polo stretched across my chest and the skirt sat high on my thick thighs but it wasn’t uncomfortable. I looked… professional. Cute,

even.

When I stepped out of the staff room in the uniform, Carla nodded approvingly. “You’ll do fine. Tips are good here, especially on weekends. Now let’s get you started.”

Then she spent the next twenty minutes showing me everything.

First, the POS system, a touchscreen tablet mounted at every station. “It’s pretty straightforward,” she said, tapping through screens. “Enter the table number, add items, send to kitchen. Modifiers for allergies or no onions. Tips are added at the end. If you get stuck, just flag me or one of the others.”

She walked me through the floor plan next. “You’re in Section 4 today, booths along the left wall and four high–top tables. It’s a good starter section. Not too crazy, but steady traffic.”

She introduced me to the menu highlights; burgers, wings, loaded fries, milkshakes, and a big selection of beers on tap. “Most people come for game days, so know the specials. Today’s is the championship burger basket.”

Then she took me to meet the staff.

There were about eight people on shift. Two stood out immediately.

“Jade!” Carla called. A tall, pretty brown skin girl with braids and a nose ring looked up from wiping a table. “This is Astra, our new weekend server,”

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Chapter 20

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