Page 87 of A Game as Old as Time

“Stop talking to Mom like that.” Peyton had taken a step in their direction, and the two locked eyes.

“Whatever, P. Let’s just go home.” He appeared to have understood the warning from his sister. “I’m tired, and I don’t want to be in this damn place anymore.”

He leaned against the side of the bed, working hard to get his shirt over his head.

“You know, Gunner,” Peyton’s voice went cold as she stomped to the door, “no matter what happened in the game, whether he won or lost…” Gunner’s eyes shifted to the floor, as if he knew what was coming. “Dad never acted like you. He never acted like a selfish jerk, like you.”

Oh no, Peyton.

Hailey gritted her teeth. Her father was motioning from outside for her to join him.

“Peyton!” Gunner’s mother took off after his sister, sprinting through the door and leaving them behind.

Say something.

“You should go,” he finally said. “No need to stick around anymore.”

Her heart dropped.

“Hails.” Her dad motioned again for her to join him.

Right.

She did not speak. Instead, she merely took one more look at Gunner, at the pain still washed across his face. She wanted to stay. In fact, it took every ounce of energy that she had to walk out of that room and not say anything to him in response. However, staying would mean thatthey were something more than just friends.

And we are not.

Hailey knew now that she wanted more. She wanted to help, to show him how strong he really was, but he was clearly not ready for it.

An overwhelming sensation of helplessness hit her as she made her way down the hallway with her father. The rotating hole in her stomach returned in full force, and she had to inhale sharply to prevent a tear from running down her cheek.

And he may never be ready for it.

Chapter 16

“A very happy Homecoming Saturday evening to all of our listeners as we recover from what has been a wild twenty-four hours of Pioneer football. Some good news from Coach Bianchi today, as we were just informed that Gunner Weston only has a sprained left shoulder. He is expected to remain at quarterback but unfortunately will be held out of defensive snaps moving forward.

This new development will be yet another hurdle for this team to face as they prepare for the Pennsylvania State Playoffs and what will be a difficult path to the state championship. While we have been locally following our beloved South Mountain Pioneers, the rest of the state has been in awe of the powerhouse that is Allegheny Prep. The favorites to win the western side of the bracket and reach the state championship in Hershey have walked to an undefeated regular season. The starters for the Crusaders of Allegheny Prep have yet to play in the fourth quarter……”

**********

Gunner shook his head and turned off the radio. He adjusted in the seat, watching his friends as they arrived around the grove. They were all smiling, dressed in a rainbow of suits as they danced on the lawn.

“Gunner, sweetheart. Are you coming for pictures?”

His mom’s voice surprised him, and he jerked forward. A small grimace of pain flitted across his face as he grabbed at his coat, his shoulder still tight.

Apologize.

He kept his head down as his mother opened the driver-side door.

“Gunner, why didn’t you tell me about Emilio and that girl from the musical? They are so cute together.”

She sat down beside him, leaving the door open.

You can do this.

Gunner glanced out the window at Emilio, who was gingerly putting a corsage on Bridgette’s hand.

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