Jax pointed to the tunnel where Luca had just stepped out, decked out in his full uniform into the afternoon sun. He had a serious look on his face, one I’d seen each time I’d watched him play. When his name was announced over the PA system, he turned and glanced up into the stands.
Squinting against the sun, Luca looked up to where I was standing.
Beside me, I could hear Sienna screaming his name. Phoebe was bouncing on the chair. Behind me, Gabriella and Angelo were cheering, while Ari was sobbing.
Izzy waved and screeched. “Luca, we love you!”
Girl had no shame. But she achieved what she’d set out to do.
Luca spotted us.
He spotted me. At least I chose to believe it was me he was staring at.
When his seriousness was overridden by a beaming smile I could see from where I stood, I let out the breath I’d been holding. I wished I could’ve snapped a photo of him in that moment. It’d be one to remember for the rest of our lives, but I couldn’t bring myself to break eye contact.
Chapter Thirty-Three – Luca
Fifteen minutes ago, I’d wanted to throw up.
Ten minutes ago, Coach had sat me down and told me no matter what happened in the next ninety minutes, I was going out a winner.
Five minutes ago, I was sweating bullets.
Now, standing out here in the Saturday afternoon sun almost choking on the smoke from the fireworks, I stood staring up at the overflowing stands, taking in the moment.
Last night, Dad and I had sat on my deck, just the two of us, enjoying the quiet and a cold beer. When he’d called and said he was coming over, I’ll admit I was shocked. Usually when he came over, Mum was the one initiating it.
“You sure you’re okay with this, Luca?” he’d asked honestly.
Dad wasn’t one who was big with words, so when he said something, it was generally worth listening to. “Yeah. I really think I am.”
“I like Elise.”
“Me too,” I’d admitted, not one bit ashamed.
We sat there for a couple of hours before watching the moonlight dance on the still pool surface. When Dad had headed home, I’d walked him to his car. Before he slid in, he’d turned and hugged me tightly.
I couldn’t remember the last time he’d done that. It wasn’t that he didn’t love me, I knew he did. Without question. But Dad wasn’t big on showing physical affection. With the girls, yes. With me, a handshake was all we needed.
So, when he’d hugged me and said, “I’m so proud of the man you’ve become, Luca,” I’d choked on my feelings.
Now the moment was here.
My moment.
I didn’t want to miss a second.
Chapter Thirty-Four – Elise
The national anthem started, and as one, we rose from our seats and sang along. Behind me, Angelo’s voice boomed. On the field, the players stood in line in their matching uniforms, eyes closed, hands clasped in front of them.
It would’ve been beautiful. Standing out in the sun, a clear blue sky stretched out above us. It would’ve been perfect except for the ear-piercing screeching of the barely dressed teenage girl who was absolutely murdering the anthem.
Thankfully she finished and a roar erupted roar from the crowd.
It was time.
While they cleared the field of all the excess people and equipment, Luca strode confidently over to the middle of the pitch and looked around. For someone who’d been pretending it wasn’t a big deal, he was looking awfully emotional out there.
