Page 90 of The Forever Play

“Hey, cutie.”

Zoey gives her a shy smile, then wraps her arms around my leg.

“I didn’t know you guys came to home games.”

“Well, we usually don’t,” I admit. “In fact, I don’t even have tickets, so I’m not sure we can get in.”

“Oh, well, hang with me. Wily’s family always buys a block of tickets every season, and there’s usually a spare seat or two for these types of games, so I take advantage.”

“These types of games?” I question.

“Oh, you know, not playoffs or the big ones. Just your standard middle-of-the-season games.” She grins, then bops Zoey on the nose. “You want to come watch some football?”

Zoey nods, still clinging to me as the crowds around us intensify.

I lift her into my arms and trail Teah through the gate.

We find our seats, and Teah introduces me to Wily’s parents. They come to every game apparently, making the hour-and-a-half drive from Denver to support their son.

“I’ve never missed a game,” Mr. Wilson tells me proudly. “I even fly to all his away games too.”

“Wow.” I nod. “That’s commitment.”

“Gotta support my boy.” The man winks at me. “He’s gonna be an NFL starter soon enough. He’s got what it takes.”

“That’s right,” Mrs. Wilson agrees with her husband. “Our Wily’s going to be the best guard in the NFL.”

The couple laugh together, and I share a quick look with Teah, who bulges her eyes at me, then leans forward and whispers, “No pressure, Wily.”

I snicker, hiding my laughter in Zoey’s hair.

She’s sitting on my knee and looking around the crowd. The Nolan U colors are in full force—a sea of blue and red covering the stands. A cougar mascot is down with the cheerleaders, putting on a show while we wait for the players.

A raucous cheer goes up when the mascot flips and spins, giving Zoey a fright. She gapes up at me, and I smile down at her. “Isn’t he funny?”

“Loud,” Zoey complains, and I hunt out the earmuffs, nestling them on her head.

This seems to calm her a little, and she ends up bobbing on my knee, laughing and pointing when the mascot continues his silly antics.

The dancers are amazing and keep us all entertained. I talk to Teah, enjoying her company. She really is cool.

I find out she’s a Sig Be Sister and in her senior year of college. Her friend Bella has become the sorority president, and she’s really into the life. But she’s also into Grady, so she splits her time between the two.

“The girls aren’t really into football, so I only come to a few games a season. Nothing else was on the agenda for today, so I figured why not?”

I nod, understanding completely… although I’ve grown to love football.

“Do you enjoy the game?” I ask her.

Her nose wrinkles. “Not really. But I enjoy Grady.” She winks at me and laughs.

I nudge her with my elbow. “I bet you do.”

“Mm-mm. That boy is fiiiine.” She sings the word, making me laugh with her eyebrow wiggle and flaring blush. “And so is Zander.”

I choke on my laughter, coughing into my hand as I fail to hide my blush and end up just agreeing with her. “He’s so hot I can hardly stand it. I can’t believe he’s mine.”

Teah gasps, her voice pitching with excitement. “You guys are back together?”

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