The team circled and cheered and went to shake hands with the other team.
Rose leaned toward me. “See you at home.” She winked.
“Have fun.” Dotty grinned and raised her brows as she passed with Rose. James stood and joined them as they walked down the bleacher steps.
Danny stood abruptly. “The water bottles!” He rushed toward the stairs but caught on Scott’s foot.
“Careful.” Scott’s hands reached out and steadied him.
“Thanks.” He nodded but didn’t slow.
Scott chuckled. “That boy is focused.” I walked with Scott and Marissa down the steps.
“Yeah, he is.” I smiled as he scooped up the water bottles. When we got down to the court, Adam was kneeling near Danny, helping him finish up with the water bottles.
“Thanks for coming with me,” I whispered to Marissa.
“Anytime.” She bumped my shoulder. “All right, we better go make sure the B&B’s roof is cleared before the storm hits. Besides, I think you need to tell someone good game.”
My eyes and heart sought Adam.
“I think it’s customary to slap their backside when you say it,” she whispered and raised her eyebrows.
I chuckled and said goodbye and then went to Adam and Danny. I warred with myself, and I wasn’t sure how to act. All I wanted to do was run and jump into Adam’s arms and tell him I was so proud of him. But I also didn’t want to make things hard for Danny.
“Good game, Coach.” I placed my hand on his shoulder. Adam’s eyes shot up to me, and he winked. Heat spread through my chest.
“I was hoping we’d get to”—he looked at Danny—“talk, before you left.” He stared at me.
I bit my bottom lip as I imagined kissing him.
An older woman with a floral button-up and kindness radiating off her stepped behind Adam and Danny. She stared at me, but patted Adam on the back.
“Great game, son.” She smiled.
Right, that’s where I had seen her. She was Adam’s mom and had been the one to get Danny at pickup sometimes. I thought about the polarizing differences in the vibes our mothers gave off.
Adam turned to give his mother a half hug. “Thanks. I wasn’t sure we were gonna be able to catch up after that first half.” He shook his head. “I can’t believe we got down by twelve andstill pulled it off.” He looked toward the locker room. “They’re good kids.”
His mom reached up and patted his shoulder. “I think the coach isn’t so bad either.” She raised her eyebrows. “Wouldn’t you agree?” she asked me.
Heat burned in my face. I had seen his mom before, but we had never chatted. She was usually just picking up Danny.
“Mom.” The warning in Adam’s voice was obvious.
But his mom didn’t back off; she kept staring at me with her eyebrows raised.
“Um, yeah.” I blushed. “I’m actually quite a fan.”
She nodded in affirmation. “Good to hear. All right, better get on the roads before they ice over.” She winked at me and then gave each of the boys a side hug. “Drive safe. Love you both.”
As she left, I thought over my answer. Was that too forward? Not forward enough?
Danny looked up at me. “Since it’s Friday, Dad said I can stay up late.”
“Lucky.” I smiled at him, but my eyes kept glancing at Adam.
“Since it’s not a school night, can you stay up too?” Adam smiled a mischievous grin.
