Page 79 of Mr. Broody

I straighten in my seat. “No. I just had a good game.”

I don’t know why the press always thinks that playing against a college teammate would increase my desire to win. I want to win every game. Plus, Greg and I were never on bad terms.

The next reporter stands. “Pinkie, you’re having a great season. What do you attribute it to?”

Conor clears his throat and leans into the microphone. “I’m just good?” He shrugs and earns a laugh from some of the reporters. “Honestly, there’re a lot of factors. But I love this team and my teammates.”

It’s true. This year, we all feel something magical in the air. Everything is going our way, and I worry that it could go off the rails at some point.

“And the Cup? Everyone says you guys have a great chance this year.”

We look at one another.

“Yeah, we’re not speaking on that. It’s obviously something we want to win, but we have to take it one game at a time to get there,” I say.

We answer some more questions and finally excuse ourselves so Coach Buford can take over. He slaps us on the back.

Once we’re in the hallway, Conor stops me. “Go see your girl. I’m not even prying into what happened last night.” He holds up his hands. “But if you want to share, I’m here.”

“Nothing happened. We just had to clear the air. Thanks again.”

“Anytime.”

We grab our bags and head to the room where family members can wait.

Tweetie and Rowan are there, talking with Bodhi while Jade and Kyleigh sit in a set of chairs, laughing together. I love the feeling of family with this group. Especially with Jade in the mix now.

“Daddy!” Bodhi runs to me, and I drop my bag, picking him up.

“Hey, bud. What did you think?”

“You did good,” he says, squeezing his arms tightly around my neck.

“Thanks.”

Jade walks over. “Great game.”

She looks so good in her jeans and a Falcons sweatshirt, her dark hair down and wavy with just the right amount of makeup that complements her already beautiful features.

“Thanks.” I situate Bodhi so he’s on my hip, wishing I could wrap my free arm around her and pull her in for a kiss.

“I’m hungry,” Bodhi says.

“Hungry? Every time I looked over you were eating.”

He shrugs. It’s a school night. I’m not father of the year tonight, that’s for sure. But we don’t have another home game until next week, and I really wanted Jade to come sooner rather than later. I could have had Mack watch Bodhi, but my son is my life, and if she’s going to be a part of that, it includes Bodhi.

“We could go get some McDonald’s?” Jade shrugs.

“Yay! Nuggets.” Bodhi squirms out of my hold and runs over to the others, telling them we’re going to McDonald’s.

“Hey, teacher, he has school tomorrow,” I tease.

“Come on, Henry, it’s one night.”

“Well, it’s your punishment when you have him in class tomorrow.”

“I’m good with that.” She gives me one of her teasing smiles.

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