“And yet everyone’s happy when he’s out there on game day because he’s good at what he does.” Cardosa gave Grant a hard look. “And so are you. Don’t let one little argument get to you.”
Grant nodded, but it wasn’t just one little argument. Grant couldn’t help but wonder if he’d messed things up with his dream girl for all the wrong reasons. Not that he could say that to Cardosa—or anyone, for that matter.
Thankfully, his little heart-to-heart with Cardosa was cut short when Coach stood up to give his pre-game pep-talk.
“This is our game. We’re going to get the win tonight.”
The guys all shouted in unison, though Grant’s voice was slightly less enthusiastic than usual.
“We’re going to send Arizona back home with the L.”
Cheers erupted all around him. The guys were hooting and hollering in response.
“Let’s go get them.”
One last cheer went through the locker room as they all filed out. The arena’s lights were already dim, and spotlights flashed over the crowd. The guys bounced on the balls of their feet as they waited to be called.
As if he wasn’t anxious enough, Coach had surprised him with a spot on the starting lineup for his first game back. Grant stood toward the back of the group as the announcer called the other players one by one. His heart raced knowing he would be out there soon doing the only thing that made sense anymore.
Finn stood directly behind him, and he could feel the captain’s eyes boring into his back, but he refused to turn around. Grant had successfully ignored the captain during the warmup, other than the few times he’d taken a shot on goal. He had no desire to start talking to him now.
“On offense, number thirty-two, Silas Jenkins.”
Silas ran out onto the field.
“On defense, number nine, Bastian Ramirez.”
Bastian ran out onto the field.
“Playing midfield, number seven, Grant Vaughn.”
Grant took a deep breath and plastered a smile on his face before he ran out onto the field. He waved at the stands as he made his way out to midfield.
He looked over at the seats next to the home bench—Em’s seats—as the announcer called Finn’s name. Frida and Miriam were cheering next to each other. His heart sank when he saw that Em was missing. He knew that he’d ended things, but he wanted to see her one last time.
Finn settled in a spot next to Grant. “She’s not there,” he said through gritted teeth as he smiled at the crowd.
Grant didn’t want to have this talk right here, right now. He kept his fake smile plastered on his face. “I can see that.”
The cheering quieted as students from a local elementary school walked out onto the field to sing the National Anthem. The players from both teams turned to face the flag and put their hands over their hearts.
Finn leaned in. His voice was low. “I don’t know what happened while I was in Oregon—Frida and Em are being tight-lipped about it—but I have a feeling it involves you. I told you to stay away from her.”
If going on a silly date as part of a halftime show earned him a black eye, he didn’t want to know what would happen if he admitted he’d kissed her. Grant decided to answer in half-truths. “I told her that I couldn’t date her.”
Finn narrowed his eyes. “I don’t believe you.”
Grant lifted his shoulder. “Ask her.”
Finn continued to stare at Grant as the kids finished singing. When they were done, and the players started walking to their spots, either on the field or on the bench, Finn reached out and grabbed Grant’s arm.
Is he going to fight me moments before kickoff in front of all these fans?
“Don’t think this conversation is over,rookie.”
He shook Finn’s hand off. “Of course not.”
Apparently not dating Em, and then telling her that they shouldn’t date, wasn’t enough for Finn. Would things always be like that with the team’s captain? If that was the case, maybe Grant should start applying to more master’s programs outside of the state—and looking at other MASL teams too.
