Page 66 of A Game as Old as Time

“Here!” Juliana was already back. “We better get back before kickoff!”

“You mind if I join you girls on the way back? I am hoping to slip away from all the Boosters trying to run me down.”

Gunner’s mother laughed as Juliana stood in front of her like a bodyguard.

“You got it, Mrs. W.!”

This woman was not what Hailey had expected at all. She did not seem like someone who had just abruptly lost her husband five months ago in a tragic accident. She appeared in complete control. She held her head high, and she had no problem ignoring all the stares that were making Hailey uncomfortable.

“I hear the musical is coming along.” Mrs. Weston maneuvered Hailey through the crowd, similar to her son at the fair a few weeks back.

“You have been talking to Ms. Summers again, haven’t you?” Juliana stayed close, clearly not bothered by all the commotion.

“Well, if I can be honest with you girls,” Mrs. Weston leaned in as they finally made it to the front of the bleachers, “I would much rather talkabout music than football.” She winked to Hailey, who could not help but smile delightedly. “But you know how it goes…”

Actually, I kind of do.

“Well, this is my stop. I guess I can only hide from everyone for so long.” She smiled. “It was great seeing you, Juelz, and don’t be a stranger.” She hugged her. “Same with you, dear. Any friend of Gunner’s is always welcome at the Weston household.”

Friend?

“Tell your father he is doing an amazing job.”

Her hug was just as friendly as her smile, and Hailey knew that this would draw the attention of the entire sideline. It was warm, it was tender, and it was motherly, something Hailey had missed and now wanted more than ever.

“Go Pioneers!” Mrs. Weston yelled before stepping back up into the stands.

Juliana grabbed Hailey’s hand as an explosion from the sideline jerked her eyes off the wonderful woman who had just embraced her.

That was Gunner’s mother.

She grinned as she turned back to the field. Her attention was immediately drawn to the green eyes and dark brown hair of the boy staring at her from the sidelines.

**********

OK folks, here we go! The Pioneers are clinging to a 24-21 lead, and the Racers of Maple Grove High are moving down the field. They have first and goal from the nine-yard line with thirty-five seconds left. A touchdown on this drive would win it for the Racers. Timothy Derr has had a great night as quarterback for Maple Grove---he’s getting behind his offensive line. He calls outhis cadence and takes the snap. Derr is going to run the ball to the right side and…WHAT A PLAY by Tyquan Carter and Emilio Cortez! They stopped Derr at the five-yard line, and the Racers will have to hurry, as they have no timeouts! WAIT…Tyquan Carter is still down! He is holding the back of his calf. The referee has stopped play, and the Pioneers will have to use their last timeout!”

“Ty!” Gunner yelled as he ran to the sideline. “Ty, you OK?”

A scream from his best friend answered that question.

“It’s a cramp! It’s a cramp!” The muscle was flexing visibly, and the pain on Ty’s face was palpable. “Coach, it’s just a cramp!”

Ty tried to stand, but the muscle was still pulsating, forcing him back down.

Damn, this isn’t good.

Gunner’s head was spinning, and he could only helplessly peer at his coach, who was surveying the sideline.

“Bailey!” Coach Bianchi finally shouted. “Bailey, get over here.”

Bailey?

Gunner turned as his tall, lanky young teammate came sprinting into the huddle.

“Coach!” Bailey’s eyes went wide. “Is Ty OK? Can he play?”

“He will be fine, but not right now.”

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