Page 75 of A Game as Old as Time

“What is that!?” she shrieked as JT broke into a dance.

“Just putting a little Jefferson Taylor into it!” Again, she could not control her laughter. She peered out into the crowd and found Gunner standing with his sister, still staring directly at her with a large grin.

He looks so happy.

“Ladies and gentlemen!” Tyquan jumped onto the table beside her. He put his hand around her shoulders and pulled her close. “For those of you who may not know, I present to you our fearless onstage leader.” He dipped and kissed her hand. “Our lead!”

He spun her as a loud cheer echoed through the pizza parlor.

Our lead...

Hearing that had brought her so much anxiety over the last few weeks. The thought of going out on a stage again, without her mother and in this strange town, had seemed unbearable. But as she was spun once more by Tyquan, those anxieties melted away.

This is fun.

When Juliana and Andy joined them, the table nearly buckled. The entire group broke into laughter as they froze and held each other.

“I told you that you would have fun!” her best friend shouted, and they all waved to Gunner, still watching from below.

Fun.

The grin on her face now matched his.

I’m having fun.

Chapter 14

“What a game last night, Pioneer fans. Four straight wins have South Mountain right back in position for a playoff spot. Another fantastic performance by Tyquan Carter and Gunner Weston, but the real story was young Malcolm Bailey. Coach Bianchi has already said that the young sophomore will be playing more to give Carter a rest. With the way Weston, Andy Green, and Jefferson Taylor are playing, a rested Tyquan Carter will only add to opposing teams’ nightmares. You have to believe that Coach Bianchi is smiling at home, knowing that his seniors are setting the example for this team to compete for the championship.”

**********

“Why does everyone listen to that guy?” Hailey asked plaintively. Gunner glanced back at her as he grabbed the popcorn from the carhop.

“Honestly,” he said, handing the money over, “I have no idea.” He laughed and turned off the radio.

“Keep the change,” Gunner said to the young man.

“Thanks, Mr. Weston!” The carhop sprinted off so fast that the gravel of the parking lot kicked up into the air behind him.

Mr. Weston?

Gunner paused.

Me?

He put the sodas into the cup holder.

“I hope this is OK?” he asked.

“Are you kidding!?” Hailey snatched the bag Gunner extended to her. “I love popcorn!”

He enjoyed the giddy excitement she sometimes showed over small things, and he struggled to pull his eyes off her, even as the screen started to flash up front.

Man, she looks great tonight.

Gunner was used to girls wearing ridiculous outfits or too much makeup when they went out.

She’s so different.

---