Page 78 of Chasing After You
“Did you call him?” I ask.
“No, but I told Hunter last year if he ever wanted me to put in a good word, I would. Hunt refused, and I respect his decision. It could be a good sign he came himself instead of sending an assistant coach. Harris came to my game the same day he offered me my spot,” Henry says, and I had no idea Henry offered to do that for Hunter. This is the version of Henry I wish everyone else could see.
Hunter looks up at the stands, his blond hair slicked back with sweat, and he grins at me so widely I can’t help but return it, despite the tears that spring into my eyes.Shit, I can’t remember the last time he smiled at me like that. It feels like everything will be okay.
I’m glad we came.
I spot my mom near the fence at the front of the bleachers, her camera in hand, while Dad is hovering behind her with Henry’s parents. Dad greeted Henry warmly earlier, but I didn’t miss the tension between Henry and his father.
“Are you going to talk to your parents tonight?” I ask after a couple more plays.
“Mom and I talk all the time,” he answers, and I remember the last time I talked to Chris. Everything has been so crazy I forgot to mention to Henry how I told our dads about his biological mom calling. I wonder if Chris or my dad said anything to him about it?
“And your dad?” I prod, and Henry shrugs.
“He called after we got back from everything with the twins the other day, but I didn’t call him back. It’ll be fine, though.”
“I’m sorry.”
Henry looks at me, his hazel eyes swirling with confusion. “Why are you apologizing?”
“Because I shouldn’t have brought this up. It’s supposed to be a fun night.”
He bumps my leg with his, a faint smile forming. “I am having fun. I’m with you, watching my little sister cheer under Friday night lights. How could I not be having fun?” he asks, and I relax a little.
“I’m excited to hang out with Kaitlyn tonight,” I say, and his smile becomes more prominent.
“Yeah?”
I nod, turning my attention back to the field. “Yep. We’ll have a great time.”Is it delusional of me to think that the longer we pretend to be a couple, the easier it will be for Henry to fall for me? Absolutely, but it’s not stopping me from doing it.
Henry has been doing everything he can to not bring attention to us, but that mindset disappears entirely once the cheerleaders begin their performance at halftime. He whistles so loudly that Kaitlyn looks up to see us, and I love watching her eyes light up as she smiles wider in our direction.
“She’s amazing,” he says, smiling proudly, and I can’t help but smile too.
“Kaitlyn’s amazing,” I echo, agreeing with him as she performs flawlessly with the rest of her squad, and Henry resumes cheering loudly for her.
Dad approaches us up the stairs and it’s honestly such a relief that we’re not fighting anymore. “Price, you want to go talk to Harris with me?” he asks, and the fact he’s making an effort with Henry nearly brings me to tears after the rollercoaster this week has been.
“Sure, as long as I don’t have to hear you relive your glory days,” Henry jests, and Dad scoffs.
“You’re a starter for half a season and are already losing respect for your elders. I can’t wait to hear what Harris has to say about this.”
Henry looks at me, his face softer than it was a moment ago. “Are you good if I go?”
I blink in surprise. “You don’t have to ask me for permission.”
“Well, I don’t want to leave you here with the wolves by yourself,” he says, lowering his voice as he tilts his head in the direction of the teenage girls eyeing us like we’re prey.
“They’re teenage girls, not wolves,” I remind him, but I’m absolutely hopeless and unable to resist smiling. “I’m going to go find my mom and Penelope,” I add.
Henry’s shoulders visibly relax, and he leans down to kiss my cheek, nearly sending my heart into a different rhythm. “Have fun.” He winks, and Dad raises his eyebrows, but says nothing.
I take a moment to answer the text Emily sent me earlier to let her know I gave him the list, making my way down to where Mom and Penelope are standing.
“Hey, guys,” I greet, pulling my braid over my shoulder.
“Enjoying the game?” Penelope asks, her eyes sparkling with joy.
