Page 27 of Scored

When he didn’t speak, I asked, “Can we work together for the Coopers even if we’re not seeing eye to eye on personal matters?”

He smirked. “I once asked the same question of Uncle Reid.”

I lifted an eyebrow. “Was that after he found out you were fucking his wife?”

Grant stood and adjusted his sports coat. “Yes, Vee. We can work together for the Coopers.”

“Good.”

CHAPTER 11

Fin

It was around two on Saturday afternoon as the airplane touched down at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport. We found a flight leaving Lexington late enough so I could attend today’s position practice and still make it to Green Bay before the Packers vs Vikings wild-card game at eight p.m. Theirs wasn’t the only wild-card game playing today. The Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers had the earlier kickoff at four p.m.

I squeezed Vee’s hand. “I can’t believe you talked my parents into meeting us here.”

Vee’s sensational smile did something to me. After weeks of carrying her grief, it was moments like this, seeing her happy, that made me happy in return.

“I didn’t have to twist their arms,” she said. “I just told them that you came by five tickets to the game. Your mom was apprehensive, given her fifteen-minute rule. It was when I told her we’d be in a suite that she enthusiastically agreed.”

“First, you got the tickets. The best I could do was outside. Great seats but cold.”

“I said you came by five tickets. You did.”

A laugh came from my lips. “Semantics.”

“I told you, I spoke to one of the Coopers’ sponsors. They happened to have a suite booked for tonight’s game and offered me five suite passes.”

“Five, that’s right. You remembered Ashley.” I squeezed her hand again. “That was crafty of you. And nice of you to think of all of them.”

“We won’t see much of Zane, other than on the field.”

“He texted and told me how excited Ashley is to be in a suite. He said all he could get her was outside seating.”

“I knew you wanted to be here to watch him play. While I enjoyed late autumn in Chicago, today’s high in Green Bay is supposed to be twenty degrees Fahrenheit. That doesn’t account for wind chill. After the sun goes down, they’re expecting negative temperatures.”

“And the stands will be packed.”

Vee shook her head. “I admire their fans. They’re truly die-hard. Some crazy ones will be there shirtless.”

“The Coopers’ fans are die-hard.”

“They are. The pregame party at Crystal Light next Friday is nearly sold out for both inside and outside. Jen has been working with our team of directors. The cheerleaders will be there for pictures. Each fan will receive a Coopers playoff t-shirt. There will be food vendors outside, tables, and heaters. Inside, the season ticket holders will each receive a voucher for one free food item and a free nonalcoholic drink.”

“You don’t want your fans getting drunk?”

She scoffed. “They probably will, but it’ll be because they purchased the drinks. Too much liability for the stadium if you give away alcohol.”

“Coach Tilson said if he found out any one of the team showed up, they’d be benched.”

The airplane continued driving its way to a skybridge.

“Don means it,” Vee said. “He doesn’t want any of you to be seen partying. Each player’s priority is to concentrate on his opponent.” She looked out the small window. “Look at all the snow piled up around the light poles.”

Leaning over her, I saw the small mountains of snow pushed off the runways and tarmac. Sitting back straight, I adjusted the sling. At least the shoulder ice wrap was gone. “I’ll be happy to get this thing off.”

“Lacy said the longer you wear it, the faster your ligaments will heal.”