Right?
“Go Mountaineers! Go Logan!”Becca screamed so loud my ears were ringing. BRU was winning, and no matter how closely I paid attention to the action on the field, I still didn’t understand the game.
“It’s kinda like football, they tackle like it, but the game keeps going, which is different,” Ty explained.
I wasn’t an expert on football either, so it made little difference. The game was a rough one, the guys got bloody.They tackled but wore no protective equipment. It was them and them only taking each other down. I enjoyed watching Logan out there, though. He seemed to be loving it, his smile bright through the mud on his face after every play.
Logan was coming off the field, someone replacing him for the current play, when Becca yelled his name. His head turned at his name, finding us. He waved, an appreciative smile widening across his face.
Then his eyes found me.
I knew because his smile faltered.
Just as quickly as it did, it rebounded, and he smiled wider yet. His hand went higher in the air as he waved to me, giving me a thumbs up.
And I waved back.
I wasn’t sure why, exactly. Maybe he was thanking me for coming. Maybe I was telling himyes, I’m here.What I did know was him being happy to see me made my insides do a tiny flip. As I covered the smile with my hand, I looked at my roommates to see if they’d noticed.
And they were looking right at me, including Ty.
Then Logan turned around to face the field and watch his team play.
That was when I saw the back of his orange uniform shirt.
And my heart exploded.
He chose number 14.
Maybe I was manifesting things in my head, or maybe he chose it intentionally. I went with the second. The fourteenth was the date of our first kiss. And it was also the date of my birthday.
My hands went to my mouth, covering my audible gasp. Though with the sounds of the crowd, I was sure no one would have heard me.
The game continued. Logan played great, as did the entire team, bringing BRU to another victory. The guys hoisted each other onto shoulders in celebration while on the field as the fans cheered them on.
Becca grabbed me by the hand, steering me down the stadium stairs, straight toward the team bench.
“Where are we going?” I asked. But I knew. The fear of seeing him right now was very real. I didn’t know why, but I felt like I needed time for what could be starting between us again to have room to breathe.
“C’mon, we saw him after his last game, too. He loved it!” Becca screeched. “He’ll love that you’re here this time.”
The four of us weaved through the throngs of people standing about. Who would have thought this many people came to a club game? But rugby was a crazy sport to watch, so it commanded an audience.
As we approached the bench, the players were packing up their bags and still congratulating each other on their second win.
“Logan!” Becca yelled.
His blonde head turned to his name, and he came toward the entourage here to greet him.
“Hey guys, thanks for coming.” As he spoke, he shook Ty’s hand. Then he came and gave hugs to Becca, Macie, and me.
“Thank you for coming,” he whispered in my ear. As he pulled back, he gestured to my wrist. “How are ya feeling?”
“It’s healing, I’m good.” I wanted the attention off me, and back to him. “This was amazing, Logan. You were amazing.”
We both knew there was so much more that needed to be said between us as our eyes remained connected for that extra second longer than was necessary. But then we were reminded of our company.
“Logan!” Macie yelled. “I’m loving these games. You are so good!”
