Page 202 of Red Zone
I grunt in response, looking back down at the tie in my hands.
Jaxon raises a brow. “That a yes?”
“Almost,” I mutter, finally starting to work the knot.
He watches me for a beat before stepping inside, adjusting the cuffs of his jacket like the whole night is just another game to him.
“You know what this thing’s even for?” I ask, keeping my eyes on the tie.
“The auction?”
“Yeah.”
Jaxon shrugs like it’s no big deal. “Fundraiser for some summer camp. For foster kids, I think. Good cause.”
That makes me freeze for half a second before pulling the knot tight.
Summer camp.
Foster kids.
I swallow hard and glance at him, but his expression’s already shifted back to neutral, like it’s just another event to get through.
I shove my hands into my pockets, staring down at the floor.
The truth is, I hadn’t even thought to ask what this whole night was about.
Because all I’ve been thinking about lately…is her.
And even now, with Jaxon standing there waiting, all I can picture is Lyla.
The way she looked at me in the kitchen at the hockey house. The way her laugh used to sound when it was just us. The way she used to believe in me when I couldn’t even believe in myself.
I drag a hand over my face and force myself to grab my jacket, slipping it on as I straighten up.
“All right,” I say quietly. “Let’s go.”
Jaxon claps me on the back as we walk out the door, but I can still feel it—the heaviness in my chest.
Because I already know tonight’s going to be harder than I thought.
The banquet hall is already buzzing by the time we get there.
Tables draped in white linens, glittering centerpieces, soft music humming under the low din of conversation.
I tug at my tie again as we walk in, trying to ignore the way everyone turns to watch us. It’s like walking into a damn spotlight—boosters, sponsors, alumni, coaches. All eyes on the players.
Jaxon shakes a few hands, flashing that easy smile of his as we move through the crowd, focused on making it to our table and finding Madison.
I just keep my head down.
The first thing that really catches my eye is the giant banner stretched across the far wall.
PCU Summer Football Camp: Building Futures, Changing Lives.
Below it, in smaller letters: Proceeds benefit high school students in foster care.
I stop in my tracks, staring at it.
