Page 62 of Brews & Bartenders

“It’s our turn with the ball.” I nod toward the field and watch our offense take the field. David looks much bigger than he actually is with all his pads on.

The center snaps the ball back to him, and he looks around the field, trying to find an open receiver. Finally, he sees one and throws the ball. For a split second, I think it’s going to fall short, but it lands in the hands of his target. The receiver runs and gets a few yards before being tackled.

“That’s my little QB.” Bryce jumps up from the seat and throws his arms in the air.

We’re all shouting variations of “way to go David.” Everyone except Nathan. He has his arms crossed in front of him, and seems bored to be here. If he’s so annoyed, I don’t understand why he doesn’t just leave. It’d be a hell of a lot easier on the rest of us.

I shake my thoughts free of the menace in front of us and focus on the game. I’m here for David. That is it.

Another pass and they get closer to the endzone. Two more plays and they make a touchdown. All of us jump up and cheer. It might be obnoxious, but I’d rather him know we are all here for him than to wonder if we paid attention to the game at all. He may be young, but he’s not dumb.

The other team gets a touchdown and misses the field goal…barely. What are they feeding these kids? The only thing I can think of is they have private coaches who come in to help their kids. I get it. If you want your child to get a sports scholarship in a smalltown high school, the scouts need a reason to come. I just didn’t realize it started this early. Shows how much I know about being a sports parent. Or, a parent in general.

Another touchdown for our team, and they block the other team from scoring again. Caroline has a tight grip on my leg. She’s anxious, and I’m not sure of the reason. Is it Nathan? Or is it because she’s worried about the outcome of the game? I want to ask her but there are too many listening ears.

It’s halftime and Bryce leans over to tell us all the things he’s worked on with David. No wonder the kid is good. His uncle was a starting quarterback his freshman year. I wonder if their mom paid for private lessons, but I don’t think she did. Bryce had a natural talent and put in a lot of work. I’m sure David will do the same if he decides to stick with this sport.

“I’ll be right back.” Nathan stands and walks down the stairs. The rest of us shrug and go back to our conversations.

It’s warm, but not so hot we can’t stand being out here. A breeze blows through and Caroline snuggles into me. “He’s pretty good.”

“He is. Your brother’s done a hell of a job helping him.”

“I hope like hell he didn’t hear that. He’ll gloat for weeks.”

Bryce grins, “Too late. Who knows maybe I’ll go into coaching after I graduate.”

“Lord, help us all,” their mom says into the air. We all know she’s joking but Bryce shakes his head.

The players run onto the field again and the second half begins. The ex-husband hasn’t made his way back, and I hope David doesn’t notice. Even though my dad worked weird hours when I was a kid, he always showed up to my things. If things work out with Caroline, I plan on doing the same. I want to be the stability in both of their lives. The person they know will always be there for them and do their best not to let them down.

The other team is catching up and we’re on the edge of our seats as the game progresses. Bryce’s knuckles turn white as he clasps his hands in front of him. Caroline is squeezing my leg, and I’m pretty sure I’ll have crescent shaped marks in the exact spot.

I really hope they don’t lose this game. David has such high hopes they’ll win since everyone is here, and I want his team to get the victory they deserve.

They are up by one touchdown and have the ball. As long as they don’t fumble it, they’ve got this. Seconds are left in the game, and David throws the ball. The receiver almost drops the ball, but has his hands around it. He runs toward the end zone and scores the touchdown. All of us stand, throwing our arms in the air. With the energy we have you’d think it was a major game instead of the first of a short season.

The players shake hands with the other team, and gather in the middle of the field amped about their win. The coach talks to them for a few minutes and they head off the field to their parents. We make our way down the bleachers and he runs up to Bryce. “You were right.”

“Definitely never hearing the end of that,” Caroline rolls her eyes and scoops her son in a hug. “You did amazing out there.”

“Thanks, Mom.” He looks around at the people crowded around us, “Where did dad go?”

“I’m not sure.” She lets go of him and steps back. “He said he’d be right back.”

David spots my sisters and runs up to them. “Y’all came!”

“Yep, and we’re spending the night with you.” Marisol grins and gives him a quick hug.

“Awesome. Can we go now? It’s hot.” He pulls at the collar of his jersey.

“Yep.” Caroline walks toward the parking lot.

David holds hands with both of my sisters, and we make our way to Caroline’s car. The girls will need to swing by my car and get their stuff, but that can wait a few more moments. The closer we get; I see a figure standing right next to her car. Seriously?

Nathan is leaning against the hood, trying to pull off that whole eighty’s heartthrob thing. It’s not working, and I don’t know what he thinks he’ll gain by this. He stands as Caroline walks ahead of us. “We need to talk.”

“No,” she shakes her head, “we really don’t.”

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