“All right.”
“Really. You’re not going to fight me on this?”
“No. I can’t make these decisions for you. It’s a big commitment, and if you don’t want it, I’m not going to force it.”
“I do want it, but this is important too.”
His jaw works side to side, and he studies me carefully. “Asking about your mom, blowing off a potentially important meeting…this wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain cheerleader, would it?”
“No. It haseverythingto do with her.”
“As your coach, I have to tell you I think you’re making a mistake.”
“And as my dad?”
“I’ll deal with everything else. Let’s go get the girl.”
Chapter Forty
Lacey
I love Homecoming.
I guess that wouldn’t really surprise anyone. It’s all the things I love about high school and cheerleading combined into one fun weekend. This year I find myself wondering about my mom more than ever. I just know she loved it too. I can almost picture her decked out in blue and white, sitting in the stands with her friends.
It’s the best turnout of the football games all season. Everyone is dressed in school colors, and the bleachers are filled with students and local families, all bursting with team spirit. It’sthe nightthat cheering on the local team is not only accepted, it’s practically required.
Even my dad made it this year. He waves as he starts up the steps to find a seat. He even has on a blue sweater, which is probably a coincidence, but it still makes me smile.
Claire walks over to where I’m waiting with the other cheerleaders for the team to come back to the field. Warm-ups are over, and they’re in the locker room for one last pep talk before the game.
“The single moms are going to eat your dad alive,” she says.
I scrunch up my face, but when I look back at him, women are scooting over to make room for my dad to take a seat. “Great. Even my dad will have more of a love life than I do.”
Claire gives me a sad half smile. “Have you heard from him?”
“No.” I shake my head and then pull myself out of those thoughts. “It’s fine. I don’t need a boyfriend to have an amazing time this weekend.”
“Of course not. That’s why you have me.” Claire links her arm through mine.
“Yeah, I love you, but it’s not the same thing. I don’t want to kiss you under the gym lights at a high school dance.”
“What about Austin? I could probably convince him to give you a little peck tomorrow night.”
I shake my pom-poms in her face, and her mouth curves into a wide smile. Her laughter makes me feel better already.
“Just kidding,” she says. “But I do know plenty of other guys, including Mark, who would jump at the opportunity though, so you just say the word…”
“Thanks, but no. I’m good. I had a quick pity party, but I’m better now.”
“The team’s back,” Andie says from behind me.
I glance to the far side of the field where the guys are lining up to run out. That’s my cue to get the squad ready.
“I gotta go. I’ll see you after,” I say to Claire.
She backs away as she asks, “Do you still want to come with me and Austin to Boone’s party after the dance?”
