Page 70 of Flag On The Play
“Next week,” I reply. “We’ve got a string of away games this month, though. It’s been a grind.”
Nova looks over at me. “You’re killing it though.”
My mom raises an eyebrow with a grin. “He tell you he got player of the week last game?”
Nova’s head whips toward me. “You didn’t tell me that.”
I shrug. “Didn’t want to brag.”
“Since when?,” Nova teases, nudging me. “That’s amazing, Finlay.”
Mom beams. “It is. He used to throw tantrums when he lost at peewee football. Wouldn’t talk to anyone for days.”
“Mom,” I groan.
Nova laughs so hard she nearly drops her teacup. “I remember the days when you were a sore loser.”
“I’ve grown,” I say with a smirk. “Mostly.”
Nova looks up at me, her smile fading just a little. Something more tender slips into her expression. “You really have.”
Her words hit deeper than she probably realizes. Because yeah, I have changed. And it’s because of her.
Later, when we’re getting ready to leave, Mom pulls me into a hug and whispers, “She’s good for you. Your father always thought so, too.”
I nod, pulling back with a small smile. “I know.”
Nova hugs her goodbye, too, promising to come back for peach cobbler any time.
We head out to the car, and once we’re inside, Nova leans across the console and kisses me. It’s soft, slow, sweet.
“I’m really proud of you,” she says.
I look at her, my chest full of things I’m still learning how to say.
“I meant what I said today,” I tell her, reaching to tuck a piece of her hair behind her ear. “About you being the missing piece.”
She smiles gently. “I meant it too. I love you, Finlay Reed.”
And for the first time in a long time, I feel whole.
CHAPTER 21
NOVA
The stadium is buzzing with electric energy and late-season tension. Fans are on their feet, jerseys everywhere, and the scent of popcorn and overcooked hot dogs hangs in the air. I clutch my soda and yell louder than I ever thought possible when Finlay’s number comes into view on the field.
“He looks damn good in those pants,” Roxy mutters beside me, elbowing me with a wicked grin. “I mean, I know he’s yours, Nova, but credit where credit’s due.”
“Do you even know what position he plays?” Delaney teases, raising an eyebrow.
Roxy scoffs. “Hot. That’s his position. Very, very hot.”
I roll my eyes, laughing. “You two are idiots.”
Finlay’s mom, Emma, laughs from her seat next to me, clutching her scarf a little tighter around her shoulders. “You’ve got wonderful friends, Nova. They make the game more fun.”
“I try,” Roxy says, throwing Emma a wink.
