“I can’t tellyou the last time I’ve been to a football game,” I tell Graham as we take the elevator up to the suites.
“Really? I know it’s all hockey all the time, but really?”
“Really.”
The elevator doors open, and we’re met with masses of people, even on the suite level. With the game close to starting, we fight our way to the suite where our families are.
“I don’t have as much invested in the game,” I say.
“I guess I wouldn’t have either if my mom hadn’t coached the team.”
“Hopefully they’ll win today.”
Graham leans over, moving out of the way of approaching fans. “Don’t let anyone hear you say that too loudly.”
I bump his elbow with mine. “Even if we play for the Knights, I’m not adopting their football team.”
Nashville’s football team isn’t the best, but they’ve been doing better in recent years. With some solid coaching, they could be a top contender.
Hopefully the same thing can be said for the Knights.
A few people recognize us as we head down the hall toward the suite our family is in. Pictures of the team and Nashville line the walls. The crowd in the stands can be heard even from here.
Finding the right suite, I push the door open and we’re met with a wall of sound, laughter and joking from the guys within.
It’s a familiar sight. All of them standing around, talking and giving each other a hard time. Until now, I didn’t realize how much I missed it.
Back in Denver, I saw them a lot more than I realized. I didn’t make it to a lot of football games, but these guys have always been in my life.
“My own son, as I live and breathe.” Dad sets his drink down and walks over to me to pull me in for a hug. “I’m glad to see you’re still alive, even if you can’t call your own parents.”
“Dad,” I groan, returning the hug. “You know how busy I’ve been.”
“Too busy to call your old man?” He ruffles my hair.
“Jackson, leave him alone,” Uncle Alex tells him. “He’s been busy adapting to a new team.”
“See? At least someone gets it,” I agree.
“You’ve been looking good as a team,” Uncle Colin tells us. “Maybe it’s all down to Noah’s work ethic.”
“Hey!” Graham cuts in. “I resent that.”
“I’m kidding.” Colin laughs.
“I’ve told you,” Knox interjects, “to never listen to what Colin says.”
“Rude!” Colin acts affronted, but knowing him, he isn’t. He’s been like this for as long as I’ve known him.
It’s the familiarity of being with everyone that I love that makes me happy Graham and I came on this “non-date date.”
Crowd noise explodes around us as boos echo in the space with Denver running onto the field. I fight the smile because no matter where I live, Denver will always be my football team.
“Think Denver will win?” Graham asks as he sidles up next to me.
“They better. It’s the only game I’m going to, and I don’t want to be bad luck for them.”
Graham laughs. “You know you shouldn’t believe in that.”
