“For publicity’s sake, I hope it was a one and done.”
“I don’t know,” Dad interjected. “Vee, if being close to the action was something you enjoyed—did you enjoy it?”
I let out a long sigh. “It was incredible.”
Dad turned to Grant. “You’ve always had that option. Just because you didn’t take advantage of the experience doesn’t mean Vee should pass it up.” Hereached for my arm. “Observing. No micromanaging. No play calling.”
I laughed. “I’m definitely not calling plays.” I started to comment about the play where Fin was supposed to have one of his backs run for short yardage, but instead he threw to Patel for a first down and then some, but I doubted anyone up in the suite was aware of the change. After all, Fin’s play worked.
“I don’t see any harm in Vee standing field side.”
Preston joined the discussion. “Does that mean you’ll be traveling with the team to Denver next week?”
“Not with the team,” I said. “But yes, I’ll travel to Denver.” I turned to Dad. “Are you going?”
“Yes. You can fly with Daphne and me.”
Daphne, yay.
I looked at Preston. “You’re welcome to come along. Just know that during the game, I’ll be on the sidelines.”
“I’ll have to think about that invitation.” He tilted his head toward the bar. “How about a drink? Have you eaten?”
“Not since early this morning.” I looked at what remained of the food on the buffet and wrinkled my nose. “One cosmo for tradition’s sake.”
Once the red cocktail was in front of me, Preston spoke softly, “How about we go back to my place. It’s a beautiful day. I’ll grill chicken and corn. We can relax.You’ve been working too hard lately, studying plays every night. You deserve a night off.”
Lifting my glass, I took a sip and opened my eyes wide. “Strong.”
“Then I’ll drive.”
I met Preston’s stare. “That sounds inviting.”
His neck straightened. “You’re going to decline.”
Looking around, I scanned the remaining family and lowered my voice. “Dad wants me to understand the football side of the Coopers better. I’m also juggling all my regular work. Depending on when Dad and Daphne want to fly to Denver, I’m probably looking at a shortened workweek.”
He clenched his jaw. “I thought if I came here today, you’d realize we’ve hardly spent any time together in weeks.”
“It hasn’t been that long.”
“I promised you a date after returning from Bowling Green.”
“I’m sorry.” I shook my head. “No, I’m not.”
“What?”
“I’m not going to your place, and you’re not coming to mine. Why can’t you be happy for me?”
“Happy that you’re working yourself sick?” Preston questioned.
“This extra work doesn’t feel like work. I tried to tell you how exhilarating it was to be down on the sideline. You didn’t say a word.”
“I didn’t have a chance. Reid joined the conversation.”
Turning, I met his gaze and squared my shoulders. “Here’s your chance.”
“For what?”
