Page 107 of Waiting for Friday Night

“No, he didn’t mention it.” She tried to sound neutral but wasn’t sure if her disappointment was hidden. She liked his parents, but she wasn’t sure how her and Quinton’s relationship would progress if they kept meddling in their lives or going against their wishes when it came to Shania. Halle wanted time for their family to grow into each other; she worried his parents would force them all together.

Laura stepped forward. “I know you’re worried.”

Halle shook her head. “No, I’m not.”

Dawn snorted. “I would be. My parents are not easy to live with.”

Laura cut her eyes at Dawn before looking back at Halle. “Even though she’s rude, Dawn is right. I know we overstepped our bounds with Shania. We were so happy to finally have a grandchild that we just wanted to do whatever we could for her.”

Willie stepped closer to Laura. “We weren’t able to do things for Quinton or Dawn. We’ve been doing for her what we couldn’t do for him. But we realize that you’re the parents.”

Laura nodded. “I wouldn’t take anyone stepping in and giving what I thought was charity to Quinton or Dawn when they were younger. I’d forgotten how I was like that. Until I saw how upset you both were with the car. We didn’t think it through. I’m sorry, we’re sorry. We’ll respect your wishes and try not to interfere anymore.”

Willie gave her a pleading look. “We don’t want to drive you and Quinton away.”

Halle relaxed, the trepidation from before easing a bit. “I reacted a little harshly with the car. I lost my parents young, and I’m not used to having grandparents intervene with Shania. I’ll also try to be more understanding in the future.” She held up a hand. “But still, no expensive gifts without talking to us first. Please?”

Laura smiled and pressed a hand to her heart. “I can promise that. And, Halle, I know we can never replace your parents, but we’d like it if one day you’ll consider us as your family. If you think you can.”

Dawn bumped Halle’s side. “It would be cool to call you sister.”

Halle couldn’t speak. Words left her brain as the thought of them wanting to view her as their daughter swept over her. Though she’d started to accept that Quinton’s family would embrace Shania, she hadn’t considered them also embracing her. She really wasn’t alone in this anymore. Shania not only had a support system that wasn’t just Halle and her cousins, but Halle would also have their love and support. And she was okay with that. More than okay. “I’d like that very much.”

“Well, Coach, when I’m wrong I say I’m wrong,” Clyde Tucker said after the game.

“Wrong about what?” Quinton played dumb but he knew what Clyde was talking about. The rest of the team had already cheered and celebrated their victory over Peach Ridge. Everyone also acknowledged Shania was one of the stars of today’s game. Her catch had kept them from losing. Quinton couldn’t have been prouder. Though he didn’t play favorites, he couldn’t deny that tonight she was his favorite person on that team.

“About Shania,” Clyde said slowly. “I didn’t believe in her, but you’ve proven me wrong.”

Quinton shook his head. “I didn’t prove you wrong, she did. All I did was encourage her, like I asked you to do.”

Clyde patted his chest. “You’re right. My bad.”

There was no reason for Quinton to hold a grudge. Clyde was a decent coach and a part of this team. As long as he admitted his mistake, Quinton was willing to move forward. “Just keep working with her. Today’s win was good, but the season isn’t over. Playoffs will start soon. Let’s focus on winning those games.”

Clyde laughed. “Alright, but you know as much as I do that this is the real playoff game. Congratulations, Coach.” He patted Quinton on the back.

Quinton gave him a small smile even though he wanted to grin. As much as he played down this game, he was happy as hell to beat Peach Ridge! “Thanks, but we both know this was a team effort.”

They headed out of the locker room toward the parking lot. He wouldn’t be surprised to find the parking lot still full of Peachtree Cove residents celebrating the win and congratulating the kids on finally beating their rival.

What he didn’t expect to find right on the edge of the parking lot was one of the cheerleaders in a shouting match with Shania. Octavius’s girlfriend. Quinton cursed and hurried over as a crowd began to form. One glance and he summed up the situation. Octavius tried to hold back his girlfriend, who yelled at Shania. Shania stood there, arms crossed and disdain on her face.

Quinton immediately moved over to Shania’s side. “Hey, hey, hey, what’s going on over here?”

The girl stopped yelling and Octavius let her go, but she didn’t stop glaring. “Tell your daughter not to be messing with my man.”

Octavius sucked his teeth. “We’re teammates. Why are you acting like this? We were just talking.”

She pointed an accusing finger at Shania. “She wasn’t just talking. A girl playing football. All she’s trying to do is get with some guy. She’s probably giving head to everyone on the team.” A gasp went through the crowd.

Quinton’s anger rose and he glared. Shania jumped forward as if to attack, but he held her back. He stepped in front of her and crossed his arms. “Repeat what you just said.”

The bravado in the girl’s face wavered and she leaned back. “It’s not right.”

“Before you start rumors about a player on my team, one who happens to be my daughter, I need you to think about what you’re doing and the consequences.”

A man pushed through the crowd. He moved Octavius aside and stood next to the girl. “What’s going on? Are you threatening my daughter?”

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