Page 74 of The Closed Off Captain

He glances over at me. “Yeah?”

I smile to myself. “He played for the Green Thunder back in the sixties.”

Gunner shoots me a look. “No way.”

I nod, my smile staying in place. “Yeah. He played for them right out of high school.”

“How long did he play?”

“Only three years. A knee injury took him out of the game.”

“I can’t believe you never told me about him. That explains why you and Grandma May are both so passionate about the Green Thunder.”

“Yeah. I’ve watched footage of him playing hundreds of times.”

“That’s amazing.”

“It really is. Did you know they didn’t wear helmets back then? Can you imagine?”

He shudders. “No. You’ll have to show me footage; I’d love to see it.”

“That would be fun. All right. Enough about me. How about you? What's the story of your dad, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Not much to tell. He decided he wanted a different family. Left my mom with Greyson and I when we were young. My mom struggled as a single mom. She worked too hard but did the best she could.”

“She’s a great mom,” I agree.

“Yeah, she’s the best. She’s struggled with depression a lot over the years and still does at times.”

I think about what he’s not saying. “You had to help raise Greyson.” It’s not a question. When he doesn’t disagree, I knowI’m right. Suddenly, so much clicks into place in my mind. Gunner working as hard as he does, leading the team as captain.

“My mom sacrificed so much when we were growing up. She worked more than she should have, and we never had enough of anything. Somehow, we got by. But now, I can help take care of her and give her what she should have always had—a home, a good car, food in the fridge.”

“I get it.” I look over at him. “You’re a good man, Gunner Coftman.”

“Wow. My first name, and we’re not even near my mother,” he says dryly.

“You earned it,” I say, patting his arm.

“We’re almost there. Want to stop here to grab food?”

“Yes. This is perfect. You stay in the car; I’ll run in and grab something for us.”

“I can come in,” he argues.

“Yeah, and then we’ll never get out of here. Just let me grab stuff; it will be faster this way. Anything in particular you want?”

“Whatever you grab is fine; I trust you.”

I turn to look at him, and he’s already looking at me. Something passes between us; I’m not even sure what it is. I nod and reach for the door handle. “I’ll be back soon.”

“I’ll watch for you and pick you up.”

“You don’t need to. I’m fine. I can just—”

“I’ll pick you up, Chloe.”

Realizing I’m not going to win, I open my door and climb down. Just as I’m about to close my door, he stops me. “Here.” I glance at his card.

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