Page 128 of A Whole New Play

“I’m sure.”

“Okay!” She perks up and begins to look around us. “I wonder if there are any celebrities here. I mean, we’re in LA. Surely there are celebrities here. I hear Jonah Powell is a big football fan.”

“Cool.” I make a show of acting like I’m looking for the man recently crowned the sexiest man alive when the reality is the crowd around me is just a blur of faces.

“Valerie!”

My heartbeat falters.

Time seems to slow as I turn and watch Abby and Andy weave their way through the crowded sideline. It speeds back up as I prepare for them to tackle my legs in an embrace, but they stop short and share a loaded look.

The disappointment feels like a strike to the chest.

I struggle to clear my throat. “Hey, guys. How are you?” I look above their heads to see who they’re with. One part of me hopes it’s Carter while another part dreads the possibility. I can’t tell if I’m relieved or saddened when I see their grandparents following in their grandkids’ wake.

“We’re good,” Abby answers.

“We miss you,” Andy doesn’t beat around the bush.

My heart squeezes. “I miss you guys, too.”

“Do you like California?” Andy asks. Mr. and Mrs. Jones arrive at their grandkids’ sides and lift their hands in silent greeting just before they get roped into conversation with an older-looking couple. Based on the fact they're wearing number 72, I’d guess they’re related to that player.

“Then why don’t you come back?” This time, it’s Abby who doesn’t beat around the bush.

I’d almost rather face Carter than the twins. I doubt the linebacker would be so bold with his questions.

“I have a job,” I tell them. “Remember? That’s why I moved there in the first place.”

“It wasn’t because you broke up with Dad?”

He broke up with me…

“No.” My voice cracks. “That’s not why.”

Megan clears her throat. “Hi.” She steps to my side and waves at the twins.

“Who are you?” Andy frowns.

“I’m Megan. I’m Valerie’s best friend.”

“Oh.” The twins say at the same time. Their shoulders relax. I imagine their run-in with that Sara woman has made them wary of strangers.

“Are you guys excited for the game?” Megan asks, continuing to give me time to regain my composure.

Both twins nod enthusiastically. “Yeah! Dad’s team is definitely going to win,” Andy says just as his grandparents rejoin our group.

“Of course, they are,” Mr. Jones says, ruffling his grandson’s hair.

“But it will be okay if they don’t,” Mrs. Jones interjects, shooting her husband a meaningful look. “Not everything is about winning.”

“Grandma,” Andy bemoans. “Don’t jynx it.”

All of us laugh.

“It’s good to see you, Valerie.” Mrs. Jones smiles kindly. “How have you been?”

“Good.” I force my lips into a polite smile. “I’ve been good.”

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