Page 22 of Play Fake
Game over.
The crowd is thunder, the band blaring victory songs, the cheer squad shaking the sideline. Helmets fly off, guys shouting, hugging, pounding backs.
I tug my helmet off, air cool against my sweat-soaked hair, lungs burning in the best way. Across the chaos, my eyes flick once more to the sideline.
Pretty blue eyes meet mine as she cheers, and I feel a slight twinge in my chest. I can’t help but smile back at Sophie before turning toward my team.
“Hell of a game.”
Logan’s voice cuts through the noise. He strides over, helmet in hand, grin wide, and claps me hard on the shoulder pad. “That pick? That hit? You were everywhere tonight.”
I exhale, a small nod all I give him, though something in my chest eases at his words. “Just doing my job.”
He smirks, shaking his head. “Nah, man. That was more than a job. That was a statement.”
I let the noise wash over us, the celebration swelling around the team, but keep my focus steady. Helmet under my arm, feet planted firm on the turf.
It feels good. Not the cheers. Not the spotlight. Just knowing I did exactly what I came here to do.
We won.
Tomorrow, it’s back to work. But tonight?
We celebrate.
By the time we’ve showered, changed, and sat through Coach Harding’s postgame rundown, the adrenaline has shifted into exhaustion. But Saturday nights at PCU always end the same way, with a party.
I check my phone before we pull in, seeing notifications from a group chat.
Even though Carter Hayes and Jaxon Montgomery both graduated last year and went to the NFL, they’re pretty solid dudes and even better friends, always checking in and watching our games when their schedules allow.
Carter: ok. I’m awake, someone explain how you actually pulled off that win.
because we’re better than you, old man.
Jaxon: lol “better”?? I saw those first half stats. y’all looked scared.
Logan: that was strategy. let them get cocky, then crush their dreams.
Carter: dreams, huh? did the new QB finally learn how to throw a good spiral or did Logan just run it himself every play
funny. keep talking from your bench, pro-boy.
Jaxon: hey, Carter, remember when we used to have stamina? before the NFL chewed us up?
Carter: shut up, Jaxon. you play most of the game and you barely sweat.
Logan: meanwhile, I’m here icing everything, but worth it.
Logan’s limping. I think he sprained his ego.
Logan: joke’s on you—my ego is indestructible.
Jaxon: proud of you guys. seriously. but don’t let it go to your heads.
Carter: yeah, congrats. but enjoy it, because next year you’re playing against us. or at least Jaxon lol.
ah, your pretty face will be off the bench by then, grandpa.
