“You did it.” Laughing, I slid off him, and we hugged. I knew the cameras were taking pictures, but I didn’t care. “Super Bowl champion, baby.”
Super Bowl hats were slapped on our heads, and damn, it felt good, even if I hadn’t played. For the first time since I was injured, I was happy.
“It was awesome. I’m so glad you’re here.” Brody’s big blue eyes met mine, expressing everything we couldn’t put into words.
I spied Brody’s mom, escorted by security onto the field, and waved to her. With a huge smile, she came running up to us and threw her arms around him. “You did it, honey. I love you.”
“Thanks, Momma.”
I knew how special this was and took a few steps away for them to have this moment. Marlon and Jonas ran over and grabbed me.
“We did it.”
“You sure as hell did.”
Marlon’s eyes darkened with anger. “Screw that, Dev. You got us here. You’re always telling us it’s a team effort.”
“Yeah, man,” Jonas argued. “Fuck that. You think ’cause you missed two playoff games you’re not part of the win? No way.”
The grandstand had been set up, and it was time for the presentation of the trophy. We all got up on the stand, but again, I hung back, part of me still unconvinced I deserved to be there. I watched as they presented the trophy to Armand Winters and then, as expected, named Luke as the MVP. I waited for him to pass the trophy to Brody or Kendell, but instead, he turned and motioned to me.
“I want to thank Devlin Summers, who gave me the courage to take on the challenge of standing in his place. Without him, we never would’ve reached the playoffs.”
Tears burned my eyes at the sound of applause. Words stuck in my throat, and the best I could do was raise the trophy in one hand and my fist to the sky in the other. I handed the trophy off to Brody, who slung his arm around my neck and held up the trophy, screaming, “Yeah, we did it! All hail the Kingdom!”
When we got down, we were surrounded and gave our interviews to the press. The return to the locker room was jubilant and celebratory, and I made my way to Luke and offered him my hand.
“Thanks, man. That was classy.”
“I meant it. I’ll never forget how you treated me, and I’m gonna make sure if I’m ever lucky enough to be the starting quarterback, I’ll treat my backup the same as you did.”
We hugged, and the press yelled at us for a picture. We posed, and a reporter for ESPN asked me, “Dev, how did it feel to sit on the sidelines during the biggest game of the year?”
“Gee, Marv. It felt great. I loved watching everyone play while I twiddled my thumbs.” Frustrated, I huffed out a sigh. “C’mon, man. You know I hated it. But I was glad Luke got a chance to play, and now I can concentrate on getting in the best shape to defend our title. The team did great, and I was happy to play a part in the regular season to get us here.” I waved at them. “Thanks, guys.” And I walked away.
“Devlin, hi.” The owner of the team, Armand Winters, stopped me. “Congratulations.”
I shook his hand and that of his boyfriend, Hayden. “Thanks. I wish I could’ve done more, but I’m still thrilled.”
Armand looked me straight in the eye. “Take care of yourself, Dev. We want you healthy and happy. You are our franchise quarterback, but football should never take priority over your physical and mental well-being.”
Having met Armand many times, I knew he was sincere, but it was still a business and all about money.
“Thanks. I’m doing everything right, and I really feel one hundred percent. The off-season will give me a chance to rest up and get in peak condition for next year.”
“I’ve heard from the coaches you’ve been a real help to Luke Fontaine, and I’m glad to hear that. I’m sure part of his success was your encouragement.”
“It’s a team effort. I’m just happy to be part of the team.”
“As are we.” Armand grinned. “Now go have fun on the roller coasters.”
After everyone showered and got dressed, I met Brody, who was hanging with Jonas, Marlon, and Kendell. Vette and Dora Lee were there, as were Dante and Lovell with his fiancée, Vanessa.
“Y’all did it. Fuckin’ A.” The guys hugged us, and Dora Lee gave Brody and me a kiss.
“That was so exciting,” she gushed. “I was on the edge of my seat, screaming.”
“Me too,” one of Vanessa’s friends said, melting brown eyes eating up Brody. “That catch you made was amazing, Blink.” Thick lashes batted at him, and he smiled.
