Page 102 of Scored

Cheering.

“Malik,” John said, “tell us about the defense. You held Houston to only seventeen points, two touchdowns and one field goal.”

Malik looked over at me. “I told Ms. Maeve back in the beginning of the season to watch the defense. We’re the real heroes.”

Cheering.

Pressing my lips together, I nodded.

“Our defense is strong. We don’t give up. We’re the Coopers, baby.” His voice got louder. “We’re going to LA. Watch out. LA will never be the same. We’re going there for a win!”

Cheering.

John spoke to the camera and crowd. “The Lexington Coopers are the AFC champions. Let’s go back to Kevin up in the booth.”

“Thank you, John,” Kevin said.

Fin hit mute on the television.

Lying against Fin’s chest watching a rerun of the ceremony, I again had tears in my eyes. “I’m so happy.”

He hugged me from behind. “I meant what I said.” He kissed my neck. “Signing with the Coopers has changed my life.”

“Mine too.”

“Let’s check on the Vikings–Eagles game.”

CHAPTER 41

Vee

Early Monday morning, Don Tilson sat back, holding his cup of black coffee.

I set my cup on the corner table. “This is the calm before the storm,” I said. “These next two weeks will be intense.”

“It’s already intense. The entire coaching staff was here until after midnight gathering film on the Eagles. We haven’t played them this season. Our work’s cut out for us.”

Eagles.

The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Minnesota Vikings 41–6.

When Fin contacted his brother, Zane was disappointed. He also said he was still going to SoFi Stadium. He specifically told Fin he was watching my team. On a sidenote, tickets were going for a little over $6000 a piece for nosebleed seats.

I nodded. “On this side of the operations too. Don’t get me wrong. I’m thrilled we won and are headed to SoFi Stadium, but…” I forced a smile. “I wish Dad was here to help with all that the next two weeks entails.”

Last night, after Fin and I rewatched the trophy presentation, I went to work. While I attended Super Bowls in the past, I was never the owner of the home team. According to the NFL, the designation of home team versus visitors depended upon the year. In even-number year Super Bowls, the NFC team was home. In odd-number years, this year, the AFC was the home team.

“We’re going to decide during our meeting this morning,” I said. “I’d like to hear your opinion—what jerseys should the Coopers wear?”

Home team designation had a few perks. The one which needed immediate attention was the decision for the Coopers to wear our white away jerseys with amber lettering or our home amber-colored jersey.

“Between 2005 and 2026.” Don said, “the team wearing white has won eighteen Super Bowls.”

I smiled. “I saw that last night. I also saw that the last three Super Bowls were won by teams wearing their color jerseys.” I lifted a brow. “Is the tide changing?”

“That’s a decision between you and Ms. Marsh. The other coaches and I are going to concentrate on preparing the Coopers to win.” Don looked down and then up. “I made a decision. I planned to tell you today whether we won last night or not. I could wait until after the Super Bowl, but that wouldn’t be fair to you or Ms. Marsh.”

There was something in his tone. “What are you going to tell me?”