Page 19 of Remember Me

“This isn’t just pressure. This is the Super Bowl.” Jackson let out a low whistle, shaking his head. “No big deal or anything.”

“Yeah,” I said with a shrug, even though I could feel my pulse ticking up my neck. “Just another game.”

But I knew it wasn’t. As if the Super Bowl wasn’t enough pressure, I’d decided to add even more.

Thea snorted. “You keep saying that like the rest of us aren’t about to throw up from nerves. We saw mom and dad in the box before we came down here. Dad was showing old high school footage of you to whoever would listen and mom was pacing to the point that I thought she’d worn a hole in the floor.”

“What about Aster’s family? Are they there yet?”

Thea’s face softened. “Mom said they were on their way when we were leaving. I assume they’re here now.”

“Good,” I nodded, more to myself than anyone else. Things were thankfully going to plan. Aster’s family being here was one of the most important parts of the puzzle today.

I wasn’t going to screw it up. Not like last time.

“They’re so excited to watch. We all are, and whatever happens out there, you’ve already made us proud.Allof us,” Thea said with her hand clasped on my shoulder. There was more behind her words, and I knew it, I just didn’t want to acknowledge it.

I nodded, swallowing hard. “Thanks. That means a lot.”

She stepped in closer, her voice soft this time. “But you’re going to win.”

“Hope so.”

“I mean,” she continued, lifting her lanyard again, “I’d hate to waste this outfit on a losing interview. And I’ve got a speech ready for your post-game moment.” She blinked a couple of times with an opened mouth smile. I was almost certain she wastryingto wink but still hadn’t learned how to. “You know,themoment.”

I raised a brow. “The moment?”

“Way to be subtle, Pyro.”

She ignored her boyfriend; her smile turning smug. “Look, just play your heart out. Leave it all on the field. And when the clock runs out?” She leaned in, her eyes locking with mine. “Don’t waste time, Tanner. You already know what matters most.”

Aster.

She was the first thing that came to mind when I thought about all the things that mattered to me because if it weren’t for her, I’d have nothing. My dreams would’ve died sophomore year along with my grades. Thea would’ve been kicked out of Covey too because her place was contingent on mine.

Everything.

Aster changed everything and I’d been working hard over the last few years to prove to her that taking that chance on me was worth it. I’d screwed up the first time I considered it. I wasn’t going to screw up this time.

Win or lose, I was going to ask Aster Paige if she’d marry me.

“She's going to say yes, you know,” Thea whispered.

“You don't know that for sure.”

“Well, you’d better hope after six years you’d be more confident about the answer than that,” she said.

“Pyro’s got a point,” Jackson piped up, offering his two cents. “For what it’s worth, I think it’s about time. You two were practically married from the moment she started tutoring you, and I think you would already be married if you didn’t have that little blip in college. Trust me, bro. You got this. The game and the girl.”

I felt a small smile tugging at my lips despite the nervous energy coursing through me. “Thanks, guys. That... means a lot, but I’ve, uh, got to meet Devin in one of the conference rooms to talk strategy,” I said, glancing at my watch because looking at Thea was causing me far too much discomfort. She knew. Jackson knew. Hell, I was pretty sure our entire family knew I was going to propose when I bought a $2 million dollar suite for everyone after going half-sies with Devin on the one next door.

It was the most reckless thing I’d ever done, but having Aster’s family there to celebrate was important. They’d been there through our toughest times and now I wanted them to be there at our biggest win…. Hopefully.

Thea glanced over at Jackson. “Yeah, we need to get going too.. Pre-game interviews and all that.”

“Right.” I nodded, suddenly feeling the weight of the day ahead. “Hey, Thea?”

She paused, looking back at me.

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