Page 102 of The Playbook

“I’ll think about it,” I said.

He nodded. “I’ll finish the lab if you need to go.”

“Thank you,” I choked out before turning tail and rushing away.

If I didn’t leave right then, I’d fall back into his arms. The truth of the matter was, I wanted to forgive him.

But I was scared of what it would mean. And how it would feel. The fear of a repeat heartbreak was stronger in that moment than all my other feelings.

And that was saying something.

CHAPTER48

Logan

Ihad a plan.

It might not be a good plan, but I was praying like hell it would work anyway. After chemistry class, I’d finished my day with nothing but Grace on my mind. I’d been racking my brain, trying to come up with a way to prove to her I was willing to burn in her name. Metaphorically, of course.

Now that I thought about it, I realized she’d probably be OK with drenching me in gasoline and setting me ablaze. It was no less than I deserved after all the shit I’d put her through.

“Do you think you can make this happen?” I stared hopefully at Mr. Brown as he studied the chart I’d made of the band and my attempt at writing a song.

“Logan, this is a great formation and idea. Even this song you wrote is. . .wow. But what are you planning?” Mr. Brown peered at me over his dark-rimmed glasses.

“I fell in love with a girl, and I need help winning her back,” I said. “I just need a little help lighting myself on fire.”

He blanched at my mention of fire.

“Figuratively speaking of course,” I added quickly. “I won’t actually be set on fire. I just want to prove to her how I really feel and beg for her forgiveness in front of hundreds of people, including our parents.”

My guts twisted at the thought of Coach watching me make an ass out of myself. He hadn’t really changed his attitude toward me, but I knew he was pissed about the shit I’d done. I really thought he’d kick me off the team. The only thing he’d been doing was making me run extra laps at practice.

“Can you make the song happen? It’s really simple material—"

Mr. Brown sighed. “Logan, this is a lot. Even if it does look fantastic—”

“I already got the dance squad onboard. The majorettes. Even the drama club is setting up props and helping out. I poured my heart into this song. Ineedthe band, Mr. Brown. I could get the AV kids in to just do music, but it would be really weird if I’m doing a halftime show at homecoming and the band is just sitting in the stands instead of being on the field.”

“Fine. We’ll do it. Just know this is huge for us to learn on short notice.” He huffed.

“I get it, but you’re a three time back-to-back-to-back state champ with this band, and your drumline is the best in the state. I don’t doubt you’ll be able to pull this off for me.”

Mr. Brown grinned widely. “I suppose Icanalter this a bit to make it simpler if you don’t mind. We can definitely do the altered march I have in mind without issue.”

“As long as I’m in the center of it, then have at it. You’re the genius.”

He nodded, smiling as he scribbled notes onto the pages I’d given him.

A little sucking up never hurt anyone.I gave him the rest of the plan, including the songs I wanted the band to play and my song, before I left the band room and went to my Jeep.

Everything was set up. Now all I needed was for Grace to actually read the entire playbook. Then she’d see how much I cared.

I wasn’t much of a singer, but I was going to belt my lungs out to her at homecoming and profess my undying love with a halftime show that would live on in infamy.

None of it mattered if she said no. But at least I could say I tried, and that was worth everything. I didn’t want to have any more regrets about this. I was giving it everything I had and hoping like hell she was willing to give me another chance.

CHAPTER49

---