Page 118 of The Way We Score

“It’s my fault.”

“What?” All three of them turn to look at me, and my jaw tightens.

I quickly fill them in on what happened with the phony cat in the tree, and my big mouth.

“It’s really suspicious how she knew you’d take the call.” Jack’s brow lowers. “I’ll ask Rodney if he can look into it. I’d hate to think we have a mole at the municipal complex.”

“Wow.” My brow rises. “I never even considered that.”

“They pay people to help them, and these so-called reporters are sneaky.” Logan’s tone is simmering anger, and I know it’s as much about how they treated Dylan as the situation with me. “She probably asked around to see how she could get you out there. I don’t expect it would take much in Newhope.”

“You know that’s true.” Zane nods, sipping his beer. “People talk to everybody down here.”

“And those assholes take advantage of it.” Logan’s jaw is tight, and he shakes his head.

The televisions flicker with the start of the game, and we put the conversation to rest while we watch my youngest brother on the field. Throughout his professional career, Hendrix has played wide receiver and running back, and now he’s starting tight end for the LA Tigers.

“This is the best he’s played all year.” Jack’s arms are crossed, and he watches like a coach.

“He’s fast,” Logan agrees. “And his instincts are good.”

“There he goes!” I shout when he shoots through an opening, running thirty yards for a touchdown.

We all yell and high five, and I laugh with pride. It feels good to be here with them watching the game. The time passes, and I like it more when Liv walks out to join us for the final quarter.

She sits on my lap, and my hand is on her round belly. The baby pushes against my hand, and for a few minutes our baby girl steals the show.

“That’s crazy,” Logan laughs, putting his hand over the small point pushing right out of the middle. “I never knew they did that.”

“Neither did I,” I laugh, rubbing the spot and giving Liv a squeeze.

I think she’s doing better with how her body is changing. I know the birthing class has helped. We’ve started doing more of the HypnoBirthing, and they’re pretty good at relaxation and working through her fears.

Jack lets out a yell, and we all snap our attention in time to see Hendrix strutting into the end zone for another touchdown right before he’s surrounded by his teammates and lifted off his feet. It’s a great sight, and it leaves me feeling better than I did when I arrived.

“What did I miss?” Dylan scampers out of the kitchen, amber eyes wide like she had no idea a game was happening.

“Nice try, faker.” I pull her ponytail and she elbows my side.

“Don’t mess with my lady.” Logan pulls her into his arms,kissing the top of her head. “She doesn’t have to watch the games if they stress her out.”

“Because you’re not playing anymore.” Zane pipes up from where he’s sitting by Jack.

“I want you guys to come to the station on Thursday so we can record the show.” Logan nods at the four of us.

“I should be able to do that. It’s been pretty slow lately.”

“Jack? You in?” he calls to my brother, and Jack stands, walking to where we’re talking.

“Can’t do it. We’re getting ready for Homecoming Friday.”

“Oh! I love homecoming.” Dylan tilts her head to the side.

“Me too,” Liv coos. “We always had so much fun decorating the field and having bonfires.”

“The girls in ballet class are so excited.”

“Hold up.” Zane stands, moving closer to the large television screen. “Garrett, you’d better come take a look at this.”

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