Page 105 of The Playbook

I repeated it in my head like a mantra as I drifted off to sleep.

CHAPTER50

Logan

“You sure you’re ready for this?” Ryan asked as we got ready for the game.

“Without a fucking doubt.” I yanked my jersey on over my pads.

I’d already spoken to Coach. I’d practically had to beg him to let me leave early near the end of the second quarter. When I’d told him it was for Grace, he’d immediately lightened up and agreed.

Don’t mess this up.

That’s what he’d said to me, but I knew what he really meant was don’t hurt her anymore. And I wouldn’t. Ever again. If I could win her back, it would be a miracle. But shit, stranger things had happened. At least that was what I kept telling myself.

Everything was set and ready to go. In just a few short hours, I’d make my singing debut. My heart pounded wildly in my chest at how fucking insane this was going to be. I hadn’t practiced with anyone. I’d simply given them my charts and plans and hoped like hell it would come together. After telling people why I was doing it, they’d been eager to be part of it. Much to my surprise, no one had leaked my plan, so Grace wouldn't see it coming.

Of course, I needed to pray she turned up for the game.

“Did you talk to Lana?” I asked as Ryan finished padding up.

“Yeah.”

“And?”

“And she said Grace was coming.”

“Is that all she said?” I was fishing, but I was so nervous my knees were practically knocking. I didn’t even get like this for a game.

“Man, just do what you planned. As far as I know, she hasn’t said a word.”

I nodded.

No news was good news.

“Listen up. We’ve got a big game tonight. Black Falls High is going to be tough team to beat, but I think we can do it,” Coach said, coming into the locker room.

I tuned into everything he said as much as I could, hoping it would distract me from my worries about my upcoming halftime performance.

“Let’s go kick some ass!” Coach shouted to the whoops and hollers of my teammates.

In my attempt to focus, I’d totally drifted away, lost in my thoughts.

I followed my team out to the field and rushed through the tunnel the cheerleaders made, making sure to avoid eye contact with Nikki.

When I reached the sidelines, I immediately glanced at the bleachers to find Grace.

“Please be here,” I murmured, scanning the crowd.

My heart jumped when I saw her sitting next to Noah with her drum kit on.

I let out a breath of relief and turned back to the field. Getting her here was half the battle. Now, the ball was in my court.

* * *

We were up by two touchdowns with two minutes left in the second quarter. I’d been playing like my life depending on it, hoping Grace was watching and was at least a little impressed.

“Coach?” I asked.

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