Page 128 of Their Greatest Strength

“It doesn’t hurt,” Nate answers.

No, it doesn’t. But I’m sure we’d eat anything Blakely made.

37

BLAKELY

The heavy blueblanket draped over Jamie’s and my shoulders is scratchy, but with the chill tonight, it’s better than nothing. Plus, it’s a great way to hide from the groups of moms crowding around us and gossiping without a care, as if I’m deaf and unable to hear their judgmental comments.

Nate’s been playing better than every single one of their kids, and I think it’s making them dislike me that much more. It’s a shame I don’t give a shit about them.

“Get ’em, Nate! Kick some ass!” Jamie shouts, unbothered by the stares and gasps coming from the bleachers.

I shouldn’t laugh, but it’s impossible not to. “Jamie.”

“Yes, gorgeous wife of mine?” he sings innocently.

Nate puts his helmet on and waves at us before heading onto the field with the offense. I scoot closer to Jamie and tuck myself beneath his arm, trying to steal his warmth.

“The moms are already out for my blood without you reminding them that you’re here,” I mutter.

“It’s just jealousy, Bandit.”

“Oh, I know it is. Not only is Nate the best player on the team by far, but we’re both here with you.”

He kisses my head twice, his favourite way to show affection to me. I’ve grown to love it more every time he does it.

“It’s too bad for them that I’m here with my family and not them, then, isn’t it?” he asks softly.

My stomach flips, and my mouth curls into a smile. “Yeah, I guess so.”

“Uncle J!”

Nova comes barrelling down the bleachers toward us, followed by her parents and grandparents. Avery wiggles her fingers at us and pulls her daughter’s toque down over her braids when it starts slipping off.

“Hey, Nova-Bug. Loving the stripes,” Jamie says, pointing at the two blue stripes on her cheeks.

She beams at him. “Thanks. I did them like you do sometimes when you play. It’s good luck for Nate.”

I pull my purse from the empty space beside me and tuck it between my legs so she can sit. When she flops down, she calls her mom’s name.

Avery takes the spot beside her. “Yeah, baby?”

“Blakely has a purse just like I do.”

It’s Oliver who replies, staring at Jamie with a smug smile. “I figured that’s who you ended up giving it to.”

“My purse has flowers on it. Handprints too,” Nova exclaims, bending forward to get a closer look at mine. “Why does yours have masks? And splotches.”

“They’re not splotches, Nova-Bug. They’re Xbox controllers,” Jamie says.

“They don’t look like it. No offense.”

Gracie meets my eyes from the end of the row where she sits sandwiched between Tyler and Oliver. “Sorry we’re late. Did we miss much? Are you cold? I have some extra gloves with me if you want them.”

“I’m okay. Thank you. And it’s been a slow start. Nate’s got two touchdowns so far.”

“So exciting! Just let me know if you need to warm up.”

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