Page 53 of Delay of Game
“It’s really not a big deal,” I said, rationing my breath to slow the uptick of my pulse. “Sorry, but I think you lost your bet.”
“I’m not giving up that easy.” Cece waved a hand. “There’s still time. For now, let’s show you the game day ropes.”
“She makes it sound like such a process.” The cheerleaders wandered off and Cassie waved Mila back over to us. “We better head to the stadium. Kickoff is in ten, and I want Diego to see my jersey.”
She turned around, showing off the number three and the name “White” emblazoned on the back.
“And you think I’m the wild one?” Cece shook her head. “Diego is going to flip.”
“Is that not his jersey?” I asked.
Cassie shook her head. “It’s Luke’s. He’s the kicker. He hooked me up with a VIP booth at his nightclub last week and asked me to wear his jersey. I think he’s just trying to annoy Diego.”
“And you played along with that?” I asked.
She beamed. “For a VIP booth and free drinks? Hell yeah. Plus, he booked his staff on my Thursday night ghost tour. It was so much fun, and I never sell out that one. I owe him one.”
“Do you even know why he’s picking at Diego?” Cece asked.
Cassie scoffed. “No idea. But I can’t wait to find out.”
She looped her arm through mine and grabbed Mila’s hand on our way to our seats.
The game flew by. The banter and conversation at the tailgate stopped at kickoff. Mila stayed glued to the window for the entirety of the next four quarters while the teams below fought it out for a win. With the Breakers trailing into the second quarter, Cassie pulled off the White jersey, replacing it with a number eleven Salazar jersey.
Tied in the fourth, Cece grabbed my hand, bruising my fingers as the game moved into overtime. In the second overtime, a running back slipped by Rob, outscoring the Breaker’s field goal and securing the win.
“That sucked,” Cassie frowned. She squeezed Mila’s shoulders.
Mila brushed back tears with her other hand. “I hate Buffaloes.”
“Me, too, girl,” Cece agreed. “But we gotta put on a brave face for your dad. He’s going to be extra sad about missing that tackle, so let’s remind him of all the awesome tackles he made this game.”
“He sacked the quarterback three times,” Mila sniffled.
“And he stuffed two runs,” Cassie added. She heaved a sigh, raking a hand over her face before turning to me. “Well, I wish your first game would have been a win.”
I shrugged. “They tried their best.”
“They’re going to be complete downers, so I’m heading back to the tailgate,” Cece said, tousling Mila’s hair. “You coming with me, Gracie? Cassie can deliver Mila safely into Rob’s hands.”
I hesitated.
“Or maybe you want to see him?” Cece jumped at my reluctance. “Win me five dollars?”
“I’ll just say hi.”
Cece waved goodbye and doubled back to the tailgate. Mila took the lead, navigating us out of the stadium and through an endless string of maze-like hallways. She showed off our passes to the security guards posted around the stadium, greeting most of them by name.
“She’s an unofficial mascot,” Cassie whispered as we walked along a hallway.
“I’m surprised she’s not in more promotional material.”
Cassie laughed. “Rob would never allow that. He doesn’t let the press near her. He’s gotten at least a dozen photographers barred from covering the Breakers for pap shots.”
“He’s a really good dad,” I sighed.
“It is sort of hot, isn’t it?” Cassie shook her head. “Damn it. Cece’s right.”
