Page 37 of A Game as Old as Time

Gunner hesitated, the dustpan still in his hand.

“Why do you think he forced you to stay in chorus? He never missed a musical at that school, and having you work backstage just gave him another reason to go.”

I never knew that.

He took a seat beside his family.

“Gunner, no one wants you to be your father. You just remind them so much of him that it’s hard not to turn to you right now.” She put her hand back on his. “But Daniel Weston is not what this town needs. They already had the best of him, and it was beautiful.”

She kissed his palm and leaned across the table.

“What they need now is Gunner Weston. The Gunner Weston that your sister and I know. The young man who made his father so proud.”

Gunner replayed the conversation in his head.

They need Gunner Weston.

He could feel them both staring at him, waiting for him to say something.

What can Gunner Weston do?

He glanced at the flyer on the refrigerator and took a deep breath. The exhale that followed sent him to his feet and directly to the door.

“Gunner?” his mother called nervously.

“Mom.” He stopped in the doorframe. “I need to go do something. But I promise that when I get back, we’ll have a family dinner.”

He nodded over to Peyton and blew her a kiss. The smile she gave in response was genuine, and he felt his strength returning.

OK, Gunner.

He had no idea what he would do, exactly, but he knew he had to do something. His sneakers picked up speed as he headed out to his car, the keys jingling in his hand as his mother’s voice rang out in his head.

They need Gunner Weston.

Chapter 8

“A tough start to the year for our Pioneers, as they currently sit at 0-2 and last place in the standings. The question at the beginning of the season was whether this team could get back to a district championship, potentially a state championship, game. That narrative has now changed, and many around the community are asking: Can this team even win a game? After suffering their worst loss in over 20 years last week, you must wonder what the mindset is like in that locker room. Another question that must also be answered is what Coach Bianchi will do about his quarterback. Gunner Weston walked off the field after one series last week…”

**********

“Hailey!” Ms. Summers, startled, quickly shut off the radio. “I am so sorry. I normally just listen to music.”

I’m sure.

Hailey nodded, rolling her eyes behind Ms. Summers’ back.

“Thanks for seeing me.” She eyed a scatter of papers across her teacher’s desk. “I wanted to talk to you about the musical.”

Ms. Summers froze, still facing the other direction.

“I know you really want to do this musical, but…” she said hesitantly, trying to make this as nice as possible, “I just don’t think we will be able to pull this off with our cast.”

Ms. Summers didn’t move. The stillness in the room was heavy and awkward.

“I know,” said the woman finally in a hopeless voice. Hailey slumped back in her chair. “I just…” Ms. Summers rotated in her seat, staring at a picture she had posted in the back of the room. “You know, Hailey, when I started at this school ten years ago, I was all over the place.”

She needs someone to talk to.

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