Page 69 of A Game as Old as Time

Shit.

He inhaled and kicked the grass at his feet.

This sucks.

Chapter 13

“That will do it for our post-game coverage of tonight’s game, Pioneer fans. A fantastic 30-21 win for our young men was capped off by Malcolm Bailey, who returned his first career interception for a touchdown! I can only imagine how that kid is feeling!”

**********

“Tony D’s tonight, Bailey! It’s your night! We’re putting you on the table, baby!” Emilio screamed as he ran around the lockers.

Poor Bailey.

“Great game G.” JT was grinning as he stepped up to his locker.

“Nice catch on that touchdown.” Gunner slapped his hand.

“Well, I couldn’t let AG show me up tonight,” he chuckled. Andy gave a thumbs-up while getting dressed. “Hey, um, G?” JT’s voice had dropped to a whisper. “Did you, um, did you get a chance---"

“He still in there?” Ty’s locker remained empty, and Gunner did not need JT to finish.

Shit.

Gunner clipped his watch to his wrist as he moved around the wooden bench in the middle of the room.

“Hey, why don’t you and AG get the boys down to Tony D’s. I’ll take care of this.”

Andy had already sprinted from his locker and was trying to calm down Emilio, who continued to swing his towel.

“Yeah, sounds good to me.” JT nodded and joined the group.

Is he still cramping?

Gunner walked toward the showers where his best friend had headed after returning from the trainer’s room.

“Ty?” Gunner could see him quietly standing in a towel, facing the tiled wall. The shower was off. “Hey Ty, you OK?”

What’s going on?

Gunner pulled his shirt over his head and slowly entered.

“I’m…I’m fine, G.” Ty turned away, and Gunner knew he was lying.

He’s crying.

In all the years they had been friends, Gunner had never seen Ty cry. Even at his father’s funeral, Ty had been right next to him and hadn’t shed a tear. Since Charlotte didn’t show up, he was Gunner’s rock that day.

“Yo, Ty.” Gunner grabbed his friend’s shoulder. “Hey, Ty, come on, man, talk to me.”

After a few seconds, Ty turned to face him.

“I’m sorry, G.” He dove into Gunner’s chest. “I’m so sorry, G!”

Ty!

He squeezed his friend’s shoulders. The two remained in their embrace as the locker room emptied out on the other side of the wall.

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