Page 85 of A Game as Old as Time

“Well, it’s a pretty bad sprain to his shoulder---his non-throwing shoulder.” He glanced over at Hailey briefly. “He’s in a lot of pain right now, and we may have to limit his defensive snaps, but,” the rest of the boys leaned close, “he should still be able to play quarterback for us in the playoffs.” A collective sigh of relief filled the room. “As long as,” her father continued, trying to hold back a smile, “he can play through the pain and we keep him from getting hit too much.”

Emilio quickly launched himself to the front.

“I promise, Coach, the boys and I up front, we won’t let anyone touch him!”

Her dad laughed.

It was easy to see how much her father cared about the players in front of him. His smile, the way he spoke to them, and the genuine concern he showed made that clear.

Family.

However, it was the way the boys were reacting that widened her grin. The fist bumps and laughter, the inside jokes, allowed her to relax in the plastic seat she had been hunched in all night.

“Can we see him?” Andy’s question brought Hailey to her feet.

“He’s pretty shaken up. I think this scared him a bit, and he’s still in pain. He told me to tell you guys to go home, and he’ll text you later.”

Their eyes turned to her as Tyquan made his way over.

“You take care of my boy for me, OK, fearless leader?”

Wait!?

“We’ll see you at the dance tomorrow.”

He tapped her shoulder, and the others did the same before Emilio pulled her tight.

“Thanks for being here for him.”

Me!?

She tensed slightly. A weight fell on her shoulders as the boys walked out together.

“Hails.” Her father motioned for her to follow.

Oh boy.

She made her way down the hallway, trying to collect her thoughts after the crazy night. She had not mentioned anything to her father about the time she and Gunner were spending together, but he had seemed OK with the drive-in and the late practices.

Did Gunner ask for me?

Gunner’s mother and sister greeted them when they arrived at his door.

“Hailey!” Peyton shouted before nearly tackling her.

“Hey.” She had to steady after nearly toppling over. “How is he doing?”

“I don’t know.” Peyton peered up at her with tears in her eyes. “The doctor is just finalizing some things, and Gunner wanted to get dressed.”

“Hailey.” Mrs. W. waved. “Thanks for sticking around.”

She nodded. A nearby nurse gave them the OK to step in.

“Gunner, sweetheart?” His mother’s voice was soft as she opened the curtain.

Oh my!

Hailey spun away. Gunner was lying on the bed. His shirt was off, and a big bag of ice sat on his left shoulder. She took a deep breath beforeturning back to an image that she had thought about many times since they had started their late practices.

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