Page 64 of All In

“The Kings. They were interviewing the new coach and the backup quarterback that’s going to start for the game tomorrow. His name is Jeff Jones. He only played in one game last year and threw for one touchdown and two interceptions while he was in. I don’t like him. I don’t think he is going to win the game tomorrow.”

Football seems to follow me everywhere I go lately. Tommy must have no idea how I’m related to this team. “Oh, yeah? Do you like the Kings?”

Tommy reminds me of when we were little, and my grandfather would say we had ants in our pants. He can’t stand still as he is standing here talking to me. “I love the Kings. They are my favorite team. My dad and I watched their games every single Sunday, unless it was Monday night. Then we would watch it on Monday. We never missed a game. Annabelle hates football. She’ll sit in the room while I watch the game, but she paints her nails instead of paying attention. It smells. Do you know that our starting quarterback is out for the season? Matthew Bennett tore his ACL last week, and the reporters are saying he is out for the season. Our new coach is in trouble. Jones isn’t as good as Bennett.”

“Yeah, he’s been stressing out about that all week.” I don’t even think about it before I answer him.

“Coach Sinclair says the team is still solid, but he never said he was stressed. Not on any of the interviews he’s done. I’ve watched them all.”

“Can I tell you a secret, Tommy?”

“Yup. I’m a good secret keeper.”

“Coach Sinclair is my dad. That’s how I know he’s been stressed.”

“Oh, wow. Coach Sinclair is your dad. I bet you don’t paint your nails during football games.”

“Nope. Never. I usually watch them with at least one of my brothers.”

“How many brothers do you have?”

“I have two brothers.”

“I don’t have any brothers, only Annabelle. She’s the best, but I wish I had a brother that would watch football with me.”

“Well, maybe I can share my brother with you.”

I turn around to see Annabelle coming toward me. “I see you’ve met Tommy.” Then making eye contact with Tommy, she says, “Tommy, did you say hello to Natalie?”

Tommy plays with his headphones for a minute. “I didn’t say hello, but I did tell her my name. She likes football more than you. I’m going to her house to watch the Kings game with Natalie’s brothers tomorrow so you can paint your nails.”

“Tommy, you can’t invite yourself to someone else’s house. It’s not nice.” Face turning red, Annabelle looks mortified. “I’m sorry, Natalie. I hope he wasn’t bothering you about football. He loves it. Always has. He might know everyone’s stats better than your dad even does.” She smiles, but she looks exhausted.

“You know, Annabelle, my brother and I are having a few friends over tomorrow to watch the game. You could bring Tommy.”

“That’s so nice of you to offer, but we couldn’t.”

“Yes, we could.” Tommy’s smile is enormous. “The game starts at one, so we have to be there by twelve to make sure we don’t miss any of the pregame. Do you know how to make pizza? Cause my mom always made homemade pizzas for the games. She would let me put the pepperoni on. Annabelle tries, but it’s not the same.”

I think my heart is breaking for this kid whose entire world changed. “You know, I am not a very good cook, but I have a friend that loves to cook. He is a football player with my brother, and he’s a great cook.” I interrupt Annabelle before she can protest again. “Come over at noon. Please, it will be fun. Really. You’re not that much older than us. My brother and his friends will be there and will be able to talk football with Tommy the entire game.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”

“I’m positive. It’ll be fun.”

* * *

Afew hours later, I’m surprised to find Cooper sitting on the couch by himself, watching the Notre Dame game with a big bowl of popcorn. “How is Declan doing?”

Cooper glances over his shoulder at me before bringing his eyes back to the game. “Hey. He’s kicking ass like Sinclairs do.” Leaning on the couch behind Coop, I hang around and watch a few minutes of the game. He holds the bowl of buttery goodness up for me, and I grab a handful of popcorn.

“What are your plans for the night, Coop?”

“I told Tiff that I would go with her to some party. What are you doing?”

“Brady’s picking me soon. I have to go get ready.”

“Yeah. Is he going to be having breakfast with us again tomorrow morning, Nattie?”

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