Page 9 of Last Slice of Pie

Oh no.

Slowly, I turn toward the awards ceremony, only to find the mayor has stopped talking and everyone is staring at me—and I do mean everyone.

Bright red embarrassment bursts to the surface of my skin as my eyes land on Bryan’s, and to my utter and complete humiliation, I watch as one side of his mouth twitches and turns up. He’s trying to not laugh. At me.

I’ve waited ten years, ten long years for this moment, and he’s laughing at me.

I could cry.

Someone, please, just kill me now.

Turning, I glare at Marie as I walk past her and head straight for my car.

I should have known today wouldn’t go the way I planned, and although I know the ceremony just started, there is no way I’m sticking around now. My overworked broken heart crashes into my stomach as horror, more embarrassment, and disappointment battle it out to see which can affect me more.

Me. This only happens to someone like me. I wish the ground would open up and swallow me whole.

From behind me, Marie calls out, “Oh, come on. It was funny.”

But I don’t stop. I just can’t.

To hell with both of them.

Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake

I KNEW SHE was here. I could feel it, but I couldn’t openly look for her without making it too obvious I was looking for someone. Discreetly and quickly, I scanned through every person I could out in the audience. So many faces, young and old, but not the one I had been hoping for, which left me feeling disappointed.

That is until her spectacular display in front of most of the town.

The anxiety I had felt prior to being here today dissipated in a flash, just like the flash of those squirrels. I chuckle to myself. In its place, a rightness settled into my chest, knowing I’ve got this, and I couldn’t help but smile.

Her eyes met mine, narrowed, and then she whipped around to leave, so fast her hair flew out behind her. I drank in the sight of her, from her blonde hair down to her flip-flop-clad feet as she stormed away. I can’t say I blame her; had it been me, I would have left too. That said, she can run, just like she’s doing, but she can’t hide. I’m glad I came today, and now I know what I need to do. It’s finally time, and I don’t intend for any more of it to go by without her.

“As I was saying . . .” The mayor clears his throat to start again, the crowd smiling and laughing along with him.

I have to forcefully tear my gaze off her retreating back, slip into my required role, and return my attention to the ceremony. Thankfully it started at ten, and I can’t imagine it lasting too long; I was told thirty minutes. It’s scorching hot out here, everyone is sweating, and the gnats have started to swarm.

I’ve never minded being out in public to meet fans. As much as I’ve let the world know I’m there to work and only work, the media and the fans are two completely different things. The fans, I’m so appreciative of for their continued support both on and off the field, and I always do and always will stop to shake someone’s hand or take a photo. It makes me proud and humbled, and I often remind myself that greatness is not what I have, but what I give. Giving back to those who are always giving to me inspires all of us, and it feels like the least I can do, which is why I haven’t minded sitting here for the last hour and a half signing things and taking photos.

“Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in,” I hear as I wave goodbye to the boy and his mom currently at my signing table. From behind them, Marie Michaels steps up and tilts her head to the side as she and I both take in the changes from the last ten years. She looks older, different, but in a good way.

“Marie, how are you?” I give her a close-lipped smile as she shoves her hands into the back pockets of her shorts. She doesn’t know I know she works with Lexi. James told me a while back, so I find it endearing that she’s here in front of me. We both know she’s not here to see me. Judging by the ring on her finger, which flashed at me two seconds ago, she’s married and couldn’t care less about me. This is all for Lexi.

“I’m livin’ the dream,” she says. There’s a little edge to her tone, and it makes me smile bigger.

“I’m happy to hear that. Thanks for coming out. It’s nice to see another familiar face.” I lean forward with my elbows on the table. Between my fingers is a black Sharpie, and I twirl it.

“You look taller.” Her eyes scan over my face, my shoulders, and down my arms.

“I am. I grew another two inches when I was nineteen.” The growth spurt was a surprise and very much a delight to the coaching staff at the University of Florida. As I grew taller, my arms grew longer, and in many ways the quarterback coach was able to tweak the drills we had been running to take my fundamentals and mechanics to the next level.

“Are you planning on stopping by the house while you’re in town?” she asks, straight to the point and watching me for any type of reaction.

“I am.”

Instead of responding, her eyes spark and her lips compress, and with that one inflection, I hear her loud and clear.

“Besides, James would kick my ass if I didn’t stop in and check up on her.” I give her my best grin, but she doesn’t take the bait. Those who are enamored by my position and title usually waver when I smile, and it’s good to see that Marie is not. She’s true to Lexi, and I find comfort in this. I’ve often wondered who’s in Lexi’s life and if she has the support she needs, especially since GiGi died.