Dad and his brother-in-law, Darin Marsh, spent months touring stadiums and practice facilities around the country. They saw the best locker rooms, playing fields, spectator seating, medical rooms, and office space. As the blueprints materialized, it became clear that Dad wanted not only those spaces but also a family suite, not a generic hospitality suite that was available to others for a price. The result was thatwhether Crystal Light Stadium, owned by the Coopers, was the venue hosting another NFL team or the sight of a concert, our family had a place we could call home. And the space was as much our collective family’s as the living room in the twelve-bedroom cabin near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Preston leaned near my ear. “It would be nice if Jim would refer to me as Preston or Mr. Clark instead of Miss Maeve’s guest.”
My cheeks rose. “Oh, I’ll be sure to talk to him about that right away.”
Preston and I continued side by side until we arrived at the Hubbard Family Suite. Those words were written on the placard beside the entry. A female usher was stationed outside the door with an iPad in her grasp.
Preston reached for my arm, turning me to him. “Vee, I don’t want your family to think we’re fighting.”
His wide chest was in my line of vision. I stared at the front of his amber polo shirt. A bourbon barrel, the Coopers logo, was embroidered over his left pectoral muscles. My gaze lifted, meeting his narrowed stare. “Are we fighting?”
He lowered his voice, seemingly undeterred by the usher and spoke through clenched teeth. “I don’t know what the fuck this is.” He motioned toward the door. “I know your whole damn clan is either inside there orwill be soon.” He widened his eyes. “Is this about my invitation to move in with me?”
Multiple responses went through my mind. I settled on the truth. “I’ve been thinking about it.”
“Then stop.”
“Stop?”
“Maeve, I’m not trying to rush you. I just thought it made sense. I mean we’re usually at my place or yours. If it’s the location, I could just as easily move in with you.”
Move in with me?
Is that what I want?
I took a deep breath and feigned a smile. “Can we maybe not talk about it today?”
Preston nodded.
When we turned, my cousin Leigh and her husband, Hayden, stepped from the same elevator we’d recently exited.
“Oh, hi.” Once they were near, I leaned close and gave Leigh a hug. The two of us were the same age, each other’s best friend, and the closest either of us had to a sister.
“Hi,” she said with a smile as Hayden and Preston shook hands. “What’s the big discussion about?”
“We have a bet,” I said. “I think Daphne won and she’s had the suite refurnished with golden thrones. Preston thinks the thrones are only at their house.”
Leigh quirked her smile. “I call bullshit.”
Shaking my head, I rolled my eyes.
Leigh looped her arm through mine. “Oh, we’re going to need to chat.”
The usher by the door wore a name tag that readTrina. As the four of us approached, she smiled. “I’m sorry. I need your names, please.”
“Maeve Hubbard and Preston Clark,” I replied.
“Hayden and Leigh Quinn,” Hayden said.
Trina reached for the door handle. “Enjoy the game.”
The view as we entered was as awe inspiring as it had always been. The large space was designed like a living room, including multiple large-screen televisions, a firepit, and of course, the bar and buffet. Beyond the room, separated by open glass doors, was a long counter with twenty-six tall stools overlooking the end zone. Farther out and down a few steps were twenty-six reclining chairs that felt as though they were hovering near the end of the playing field.
With today’s summer-like temperatures and blue skies, the retractable roof was open, bathing the field and some of the recliners in sunlight.
“Vee,” my father called. “Grab a drink. Darin and I want to talk with you.”
Leigh looked at me and grimaced. “Good luck with that.”
