Page 77 of A Game as Old as Time

“Gunner, I just wanted to say how proud I am of you.”

Woah.

Gunner took a deep breath and peered up at the man who had once scolded him for breaking his window.

“What you and the team have done, you guys have been a beacon of light for this town.” Gunner’s mouth was becoming dry and grainy. “And this!” Mr. Chen exclaimed, pointing to the screen. “The fact that you got the drive-in to play this movie! My daughter is so excited!”

“Thank you for saying that, Mr. Ch---Todd. We’re just trying to take it game by game and see what happens. The movie, well, that was Ty’s idea.”

The innocent face of Mr. Chen’s son, sporadically lit by the movie screen, was now running full speed toward the car.

“Gunner! Gunner!” yelled Timmy.

“T-unit!” responded Gunner, smiling. He leaned out to high-five the little boy. “How are you, dude?”

The boy grinned, showing a few missing teeth.

“Good! Hey, guess what!? I made a pass like you today, Gunner! You should have seen it!” The young boy was strangling his South Mountain Football tee shirt. “I made this pass to the endzone---it was so cool.” Gunner reached out for a quick fist bump. “I mean, we didn’t score the touchdown, but it was still cool.”

Gunner leaned out toward the boy.

“Well, at least you went for it. Like my dad used to say, it’s not about the result, only the fact that you took the chance in the moment.”

Mr. Chen, who appeared less interested in this conversation, was now peeking into the car toward Hailey.

“Todd, this is Hailey Bianchi,” Gunner said.

“Well.” Mr. Chen was now smirking. “Nice to meet you, Hailey.”

She waved from the passenger’s seat.

“Hailey,” he said, drawing nearer to the window, “I have heard a lot about you. My family is extremely excited to see you star in the play.”

“Aww, thank you so much.” Her voice, soft and kind, twisted Gunner into a pretzel. His eyes stayed on her as she insisted on Mr. Chen’s daughter coming over for a quick chat.

Stop staring!

The little girl, who joined her brother, helped distract Gunner a little.

“Sarah.” Mr. Chen paused and shushed her down before she leaped through the window. “This is Hailey, and she is going to be playing the lead in the musical this year!”

The little girl’s eyes went wide.

“Really?” she said, leaning toward them.

“Really,” Hailey said softly, pushing closer so her face became completely illuminated in the drive-in light.

My god, she is gorgeous.

His eyes were wandering out of control, and he had to fight with all his energy to pull them back up to her face.

“Are you going to wear the fancy dress and dance?” Sarah squeaked.

“I am, and I cannot wait for you to see it,” Hailey responded kindly. Gunner gripped the steering wheel for support.

That voice…

“Well…” Mr. Chen realized the previews were ending. “I think it’s time we get ready for the movie. It was great seeing you, Gunner.” His daughter waved, even as she fought to stay next to the window. “And Hailey, it was such a pleasure meeting you as well.”

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