Page 16 of A Game as Old as Time

Hailey’s smile wavered as the parlor owner placed a bag on the counter.

“It’s certainly a special play.” She nodded at the man as he finally called her name.

“I would love for you to try out for the lead.”

No way.

She was frozen for a second as she stared at the linoleum tiles on the floor, trying with all her power to push herself forward to the counter.

Deep breath, Hailey.

“Well, I am sure you have some great people who can play that for you.”

The words were forced, and she remained with her back turned to her teacher.

Please just leave.

Her chest was getting tight, and she could feel knots starting to ball up in her stomach as the silence stretched between them.

“Think about it, Hailey. You were born to be the lead.”

Please, just leave me alone!

Ms. Summers’ comment made her hand tremble as she pulled the money from her pocket. She could hear the teacher move through the door; her shoulders relaxed a bit when it slammed behind her. The man behind the counter held a stern frown as he gave her the bag of food, and he hardly acknowledged her when she handed him the money.

“Tell your father I said good luck tomorrow.” He was heading back toward the grill before the change he had given even hit her hand.

“Thanks,” she murmured, glancing at the picture on the counter.

What a stupid town.

The man who had just left was hugging a football coach. The two both smiled widely as they held some dumb sign for a fundraiser.

Just get through the year.

She twisted away, hastily making her way back to the door and throwing it open.

Chapter 4

“Welcome, Pioneer fans, to another year of South Mountain football! It will be an emotional night for all, as, for the first time in almost fifteen years, a new coach will be on the sidelines. Everyone on the field will be playing with heavy hearts tonight, but none more than quarterback Gunner Weston. It will be up to Coach Bianchi to keep his team and his quarterback in the right mindset as they prepare for what should be a stiff challenge against Neversink High. Last year, these two teams played a classic, and we expect another close one tonight as Pennsylvania high school football gets underway!”

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“Daddy?” Hailey watched as her father finally switched off the radio and dropped back against the seat of the car. “Daddy, are you OK?” He slid forward, adjusting the visor on his head.

I hate when he does that.

“You bet, sweetheart.” It was clearly a lie, but he left her no time for a rebuttal as he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “You sure you don’t want to stay and watch the game tonight?”

He was almost pleading with her---again---as he reached for the door handle.

“I think I will pass.” She tried to smile but was distracted by all the fans heading into the stadium.

This is crazy for some dumb high school sport.

As she turned her gaze back to him, she could see his blank stare reaching out across the parking lot.

“Thanks for stopping by and wishing me luck. I can’t wait to see you girls tonight when I get home.” He sounded exhausted. Hailey’s forced grin only got a gentle nod from him before he opened the door.

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