Page 78 of The Way We Collide

“Nice try, bro,” I shout before jogging to the sidelines.

Everybody’s happy when I get there, slapping shoulder pads and laughing. Vince jogs off the field and we do a fist bump. “Way to be there.”

Our kicker heads out, but I look up at the box. Last night I went over the basic plays with Raven. I told her about first downs and field goals, touchdowns and extra points. I explained to her what a tight end does, and how Tyler and I work together.

When I look up, she’s looking down at me, and I give her a wave. She’s bouncing Haddy, waving her little arm at me, and I smile. They’re really cute up there.

“Man, I taste blood.” Tyler steps in front of me. “Did I bust my lip?”

“I don’t see anything—you’re good.” I pass him a plastic squeeze bottle. “Rinse and repeat.”

Harlow is on the field, kicking all the way to his nose for theextra point. Looking around, this is my tribe. These are my guys. For years we’ve worked together every week. We’re a team.

Glancing up at the box again, I rub a hand over my mouth as I watch Raven and Haddy bouncing and smiling in those bright blue jerseys with my number on them, one little arm waving at me.A team or a family…

“Let’s go.” Tyler slaps my shoulder, and we’re back on the field.

With my head down, I put the conflict out of my mind. I focus on the burning in my thighs as I run, on locking eyes with Tyler as he waits for me to be open, on rolling out of the way of 53, who seems determined to break my ribs, and stiff-arming the cornerback.

More plays, more movement. We’re in the lead by a wide margin, and I can tell everyone was right. This is the year we’ll go all the way.

Tyler snaps the ball on the last play of the game, and I shoot down the field, looking around to discover I’m wide open. Dang, the Commanders’ coach is going to hand them all their asses after this one.

I lift my hands, and Tyler grins, quickly sending a pass to me. It’s an easy score. I trot right into the end zone, toss the ball to the side, and beat my fist to my chest as the guys surround me, jumping on my back and shoulders.

Our other tight end Rogers butts his helmet against mine. “That’s how it’s done!”

Blue and yellow confetti falls on us, and everybody rushes onto the field. In the past I’d be jumping up and down with the guys, pulling them in for hugs and dancing to the music.

I’m still smiling, patting my teammates’ backs, but like a homing beacon, my eyes rise to the box. It’s empty now, and I expect Heather is bringing them down to meet us.

The reporters charge out to get their post-game sound bites. The woman from ABC goes straight to Tyler, and Steven from KCLA holds a mic in my face.

“You gotta tell us what happened out there.” He’s excited. “How did you get so far ahead of the pack?”

“I just put my head down and ran.” My helmet’s off, and I wipe the sweat from my brow. “Tyler’s got the arm, and he’ll find me.”

“I’ve got to ask you the question on everybody’s mind…”

I know it’s going to be about Raven and Haddy, and a pair of arms encircles my waist, surprising me. I didn’t expect Raven to do such an open display of affection out here on the field in front of everybody, but we’re all pretty amped.

“Great game, babe!” My insides wither at the sound of her voice. “The boy is back, and you’re all in trouble!”

“Mikayla.” I clasp her forearm, taking it off my waist and moving to the side, out of her embrace. “What are you doing out here?”

“What?” She laughs, whipping her shiny dark hair behind her shoulder. “I’m always out here for my boo!”

She’s dressed in a form-fitting red dress that hugs her hourglass figure. Her lips are velvet red, and she puts her arm around my waist again, hugging her body close under my arm.

“What are you asking, Steven?” She turns to the reporter. “Predictions for the year ahead, as if we need them? Championship ring right here!”

Her voice is loud and laced with laughter, and I feel like I’ve been caught by an octopus. I can’t get out of her tentacles.

“Actually, the question is who was the mystery woman in your box? The one with the baby?”

“Some family member from Newhope?” Mikayla blinks up at me, and my jaw clenches.

“No.” My voice is flat, and again, I try to get her off me.

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