When I arrive at the stadium, the game has already started.I climb the bleachers to my row and spot two familiar faces waiting for me.I squeeze past people, mumble an apology, and awkwardly settle into my seat next to the oldest O’Connor.
“Making progress, I see,” he teases.
“I just came to watch the game.”
He turns to look at me, sipping from a large cup of coffee.“In the VIP rows.”
I must look surprised as I take this in.
“Didn’t you know?”Casey leans forward to look past Nick.
I really didn’t.I’ve never even been to the stadium before, and I had no idea there was a VIP section.
Jamie called me yesterday, said he had a ticket, and asked if I wanted to go to the game.I tried not to sound too excited on the phone, so I just said yes.He left the ticket in my mailbox, and I found it after my shift.I didn’t even check the seat number.I was just thrilled to see a live game, especially to see him on the pitch, since that’s all I really cared about.I took a quick shower and rushed over, as always.
“These seats are for family, friends, or someone special,” Casey says, clearly hinting at something.
“Everyone gets a few VIP tickets, but Jamie never uses his.He always gives them away,” Nick says, turning to me and sounding unusually serious.“Don’t waste it,” he warns.
“Ah, leave him be.Can’t you see he’s already on edge?”Casey interjects.“It’s a thrill for him, his first time seeing Jamie live.”
Casey’s words don’t calm me.If anything, I feel even more exposed.
“Next time, let me know.I can get a T-shirt made for you, too,” she says, showing me hers.
I am part of the O’Connor clan.
“Yours will say,I love my Captain.”
“Aren’t you getting a bit ahead of yourself, hon?”Nick asks.
Casey just smiles at me and lets it hang.
“And is it just you today?”I ask, trying to change the subject.
“Chris had no one to cover her, and Riley is at home with Jamie.”
“I see.”
“Focus on the game!Save the chatter for the tea room,” someone snaps.
I turn and see Coach Madigan, Casey’s dad, looking as grumpy as ever behind us.
“Morning, Don,” I say.
“Don?Seriously?”Nick asks, eyeing him.
“What do you want, O’Connor?”Don growls.
“Why does he get to call him by his first name?”he asks Casey.
“He earned my respect on day one,” Don says.
“And me, no?”
“You earned yourself a couple of kicks and a grave dug in my back garden.”
“Nothing from you, Casey?”Nick asks.
