“You don’t have to do that. I can’t lie to him.”
“Okay, Jeffrey. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I don’t have to ask to know he’s not going to let me get away with the bath excuse two days in a row, so I may as well go along with it. Tomorrow’s not the issue, anyway. It’s today.
I refuse to miss the guys’ first game. Why should I? It doesn’t count as work, so it shouldn’t delay my progress. I’ll watch from the family box. It’ll be just like watching it on the TV at home.
And it will help with the plan.
After hanging up with Jeffrey, I get dressed in a power suit, with a skirt instead of pants, and apply my flawless makeup, slipping one of the only dressy flats I own onto my cast-free foot before booking an Uber.
When I’m settled in the car, my crutches in the back, I send off a text to Zane, hoping he checks it at some point before the game begins.
KEELEY: You once said you hated being in debt to me, so I have a favor to ask
I must have timed it right, because I don’t even get the chance to put my phone away when he texts me back, and I smile reading his response.
ZANE: I’m always happy to help, Keeley. Debt or no debt
KEELEY: Thank you. I’m on my way to the stadium. I’ll send you the details now
I type out a long message before closing my eyes, sending off a silent prayer that this all works out, and only letting myself worry until we pull up in front of the stadium. Then it’s go time.
It’s time to get the show on the road.
Ijump when Zane scores the final touchdown, and momentarily forget I have one foot out of commission, grabbing the window frame quickly for support.
An ache shoots through me as the tip of my toes hit the floor, but I force a smile. Zane put us ahead nearing the end of the game, and that’s what’s important. I refuse to sit down when we’re so close.
Amelia watches me for a few seconds but I wave her off. Like Sal, she and Blair think I should have stayed home for the full two weeks the doctor recommended before coming back to work, and my almost fall didn’t do me any favors in convincing them otherwise.
Hayley was all for me coming back, while Paige offered no comment, claiming she’s not going to form opinions in any Keeley versus her dad conversations, which is probably wise. Although, I think Sal’s going to agree with anything she says for the foreseeable future considering she decided not to testify.
My heart slams in my chest during the final seconds, and when the whistle blows, I scream along with the rest of our loyal supporters. My eyes lock on Beckett as he runs out onto the field, his smile wider than I’ve ever seen it.
The Colorado Cougars weren’t the worst team in the league, but they were close to it, usually winning only a few games a year over the last five plus seasons, and Storm just won the first game of the season.
Sure, they won all three of the preseason games, but this is different, and I have no doubt it’s the first of many wins. Beckett’s going to be happy here. He was amazing today. It wouldn’t be off base to have assumed it was Thomas out there with the way he gelled with his teammates—like they’d been playing together for years.
And I’m so happy I witnessed it live.
When the players walk off the field, I excuse myself and slip away from the girls, hiding the fact that I’m going somewhere I shouldn’t be.
While I’m much slower than usual, I thankfully make it to the locker room on time, catching the end of Coach Pierce’s speech before the interviews begin.
I smile, taking it all in.
This is my element. It hasn’t even been two weeks but I’ve been having withdrawals. I needed this.
I hover around until the locker room interviews are in full force, spotting Zane chatting with a reporter from the national broadcast. One I know well.
Taking a deep breath, I hobble past just as Zane’s cocky persona comes into play, and he waves me over, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “We had to win for Keeley.” He winks, undoubtedly making a million girls swoon, while I pretend to brush him off.
“I wouldn’t have missed it. You know me.”
“Keeley Reynolds.” The reporter shifts the conversation my way, just like I knew she would. “You’ve been in the spotlight yourself today. I’m happy you’re here.”
I bet you are.
News of Sal’s and my relationship started circling just before halftime, and by the time the second half began, it was all over social media.
