Page 31 of Quarterback Crush
“You too,” she said. “I know you’ll do great.”
“Thanks, it means a lot,” I said, holding out my fist which she bumped lightly. I smiled at her delicate, fairy-like action. “Let’s hope we’ll be celebrating in a few hours.”
“For sure,” she said. “Good luck out there.”
“Hey...” I paused but her mouth was irresistible and I kissed her. I felt an initial hesitation, but then her lips melted against mine and what I intended to be a quick good luck peck turned into more. Turned into Coach Gregor clearing his throat behind me.
“Ahem, Blackwell.”
Maya pulled away with the speed of a cornerback covering a receiver. Not just from the kiss, but she scuttled away and left me to face Coach alone.
“On the bus. Now.” Coach’s head nodded toward the bus.
“Yessir,” I said, but I didn’t move. No, I watched Maya join her friend and head toward the second bus that the cheer and band were traveling on.
“Now, Blackwell,” Coach hollered, probably thinking I was being arrogant, but I couldn’t take my eyes off of Maya, smiling as she backpedaled, being pulled along by Rose.
“A good luck kiss,” I said to Coach. “Can’t begrudge me that.” Coach grumbled something under his breath. “Thought you were all about superstitions,” I countered with a laugh.
Coach shook his head with a deep frown and I jogged ahead to the bus, my heart racing with a perfect combination of excitement from kissing Maya and pre-game nerves.
For all of Coach’s attention to detail, the one thing he couldn’t control was the weather. The drizzling rain had been forecast, but it came earlier than expected. With the slippery ball and unstable footing making it a challenge, we adjusted our game plan. We set up some pretty good run plays, focusing on ball security and minimizing fumbles. It was a low scoring game—but we got there with a 14-7 win.
With the team celebrating, strangely Coach was the calmest I’d ever seen him, like he was in a trance, in disbelief.
“We did it!” I threw up my hand for a high five. “We’re going to the finals!”
Coach dismissed my raised hand and squeezed me in a lung busting hug. “Marvelous performance,” he said, his voice cracking, “marvelous, Blackwell.”
“It was a great game,” I babbled, “team played awesome,” while awkwardly patting his back. This kind of emotion wasn’t one Coach displayed at all.
“We can do it Blackwell. I believe in you. This championship is ours.”
“Must’ve been the good luck kiss, sir,” I said, trying to lighten the moment, fearing he was about to sob on my shoulder.
Coach pulled back and chuckled, of which I was grateful. “You have my permission to kiss her again.”
“Thank you sir,” I said, resisting the urge to roll my eyes.As if I needed his permission!
Freed from his embrace, I scanned the crowd, seeking out Maya. I hadn’t watched any of the cheering, though I was aware of their presence. It was remarkable how they carried on, at one stage wearing clear ponchos with the rain beating down on them. If it was slippery for us, they were also under testing conditions. I hoped no one had fallen or hurt themselves.
After the handshakes and post-game interviews, I pushed my way through, catching a glimpse of Savannah standing under an umbrella. Her hair looked perfect like she hadn’t gotten wet. She took a step toward me, virtually blocking my way.
“Wow! What a game, Ollie,” she said, holding the umbrella higher to shelter me. “You were amazing.”
“Thanks,” I said, and knowing phones were being aimed at us, smiled. “Great effort by the squad. Thanks for the support.”
“You’re welcome,” she said, grabbing my arm with her free hand. “We’re in the finals!”
“Thanks,” I said again. I didn’t want to forcefully withdraw her grip and continued to smile pleasantly. “One to go.”
“It’ll be massive,” Savannah said, and then she cocked her head, baring her too-white teeth. “Ahhh, such a shame Maya won’t be there.”
“What?” I jerked away from her.
“Such a shame she fell. I don’t think it’s broken, but it’s a nasty sprain.”
“What? Where is she?”
