Page 70 of A Game as Old as Time

Come on, say something.

“No, man,” Gunner finally whispered. “I’m sorry.”

“G, don’t do that!” Ty broke away and started pacing through the showers, his flip-flops echoing off the wet ceramic floor. “I’m sorry you couldn’t talk to me, man. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.”

No, Ty, it was me!

“What…what do you mean?” Gunner stammered softly.

“You needed me, G.” Ty took a few steps back. “You needed me, and I was too damn focused on football and…and on Charlotte!”

What!?

Gunner put his hand back on Ty’s shoulder.

I don’t care about Charlotte.

“Ty,” Gunner inhaled. “I was the one who screwed up. I should have told you how I was feeling. You’re my best friend, Ty, and I was the one who forgot that. I mean, you’re right. I am still lost, man. I have no idea what I’m doing or what is going to happen next. I still need you, Ty.”

He chuckled a bit, bringing a small grin to Ty’s face, too.

“Well…” His best friend wrapped him up in another hug. “You could have fooled me, G. The guy I’ve been playing ball with seems to know exactly what he’s doing.”

Really?

Gunner perked up as they started out of the showers.

“You know, G, your dad...you were right about what you said.” The locker room was empty when they entered. “He was like a father to me. I mean, you know I love my pop, don’t get me wrong. But with my dad in the military and traveling so much, Coach W. was always there when I needed him.”

I know, Ty.

The mention of his father made Gunner take a deep breath. The memories of the two friends spending nights together, as his father told football stories, were enough to bring on a small headache.

“Like, growing up, your family…I mean, living across the street from your family was everything, man. Your mom always helped out my mom while my pops was gone. You and me fighting off all those guys trying to talk to P!” They both laughed. “Now, man…” They both sat down on the wooden bench. “Man, with him gone, I guess…I guess I just miss him.”

Me too.

The two sat in silence. A fan kicked on in the background.

“Yeah, Ty, I know.”

Believe me, I know.

“Your dad would be pretty pissed at me if he saw how I’ve been acting lately, wouldn’t he?”

Gunner stood and opened up his locker.

“I think he would have been proud of how you helped Bailey tonight.”

Ty nodded and joined his side.

“The kid can play, G. He’s a better corner than I am.”

Gunner shut the door and began to swing his keys.

“We couldn’t have won this game without you, Ty.”

His best friend quickly got dressed. The two didn’t say anything else until they stepped out of the locker room.

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