Page 5 of The Game Plan
As I make my way toward the side of the building, I feel eyes on me. Keeping my head down, I don’t look around. I’m not ready to see familiar faces and hear the whispers. When I told everyone I wasn’t returning to the Delta Zeta house, I blamed finances. It wasn’t a lie. Even though these girls were supposed to be my sisters, I wasn’t prepared to voice my truth…that I was going to be a mom.
With a deep breath, I flex my fingers on my hands, willing the anxious energy to leave. My brain screams at me to turn around and do this another time, but my heart beats wildly with encouragement. I know I need to do this.
Scanning the crowd, I find him in the spot we said we’d be in. Only, he’s not alone. Both of his parents look at him—pride, admiration, joy, and love shine in their eyes. His mom fusses about, fixing his tassels and making sure everything is perfect. Her features remind me so much of Bret. Even from here, I can tell they both have the same eyes and smile. Whereas Coach Campbell stands still, waiting to be directed. He might run the field, but it’s clear his wife runs the rest. She’s currently moving his arm into place for the perfect picture.
I can’t help but stand there and watch, hiding in the shadows. My chest squeezes at the realization I’ll never have that. Not only do I have no idea who my dad is, but I have no idea where my mom is, either. Even if I had been walking across the stage today with my social work degree, she wouldn’t have been here. I’m sure my aunt and cousin would fly down, but it’s not something I would have asked them to do.
Since coming to CTU, I’ve accepted I’m on my own, and I’m truly okay with that. A long flutter takes flight in my belly, and I remember I’m no longer alone. I smile at the notion, rubbingthe spot where I felt the flutters. As I turn my attention back to Grant and his family, Crew Riggsby, Grant’s sister’s boyfriend, captures my attention. He’s staring right at me, his eyes bulging out of his head like a cartoon character.
My breath catches in my throat as I watch him nudge Bret. Her gaze sweeps the sidewalk before locking onto mine. Confusion furrows her brow, and I see the exact moment she notices my bump. Her chest hitches, and I swear I can hear the intake of air. So many things happen in a matter of seconds…
Bret mouthswhat the fuck, or at least I think she mouths the words. I’m too far away to hear. Mrs. Campbell turns and scolds Bret while Grant looks at his sister as if she’s grown two heads.
But it doesn’t take long before he follows the path of her gaze. A rush of emotions slams into me, and I take a hesitant step out of the shadows. As Grant turns his full attention my way, I register the look of shock on his normally grumpy face. Even with it being his graduation, his broody personality hasn’t left.
Our feet carry us toward each other like two magnets. I hate the wrinkles creasing his forehead. I can’t even imagine what’s going through his mind. I instantly regret my decision to show up here. Look at me making another terrible decision.
“Sav.” His voice is a low rumble. A woodsy mixture of cedar and whiskey floods my senses, making my pulse hitch.
“Congratulations, Sunshine.” The words come out soft, only for him to hear. The corner of his lips quirks the same way it always does when I call him the nickname I gave him years ago. It’s always been our little secret.
In a flash, that sweet smile is off his face, replaced with a flare of anger? As he stares at my belly. “Sav…”
“Grant, honey,” Mrs. Campbell interrupts. “Who’s your friend?”
Peeking over Grant’s shoulder, I find his entire family watching our exchange. Nerves course through my veins, twisting my stomach and causing different flutters.
Grant reaches forward before flexing his fingers and placing his hand back down at his side. I crave his touch and hate how he pulls away from me. It’s expected, but it doesn’t ease the hurt any less.
His eyes flash between mine before he turns around. “This is Savannah.”
“Savannah,” his mom repeats, recognition in her voice. “This isSavannah.”
If I’m not mistaken, I believe Grant Campbell’s cheeks flush a shade of pink. Is he embarrassed? And how much do his parents know about me?
“Sweetheart.” Mrs. Campbell moves closer, and I can’t miss the way she takes me in—all of me. “We were heading to dinner. Please join us.”
My eyes move from hers, where I'm in complete shock, to Grant, who has shifted away from me. His eyes are downcast, and for the first time, I can’t get a read on him. Grant Campbell might have the world fooled, but I’ve always been able to read his every thought. But today is the first time I can’t.
“Oh no, thank you so much for the offer, Mrs. Campbell.” I pause, stretching out the blue gift bag I had dangling from my hands. “I only came to tell Grant congratulations and give him this.”
The bag hangs from my hand as an awkward silence falls over us. Grant doesn’t move, his stare searing into me. Time stands still as I wait with bated breath for him to take the gift. When I think he’s going to ignore me, I begin to lower the bag, opting to place it at his feet, when his hand flashes out and grabs the strap.
“Th–” he starts before clearing his throat. “Thank you, Savannah.”
Savannah. Not Sav. Why does hearing my full name hurt so much, coming from his lips? Lips I’ve spent hours kissing. A face I’ve spent hours memorizing.
With a terse nod and a tight-lipped smile, I wave at his family before turning on my heels. My breathing stalls, my lungs feel like they’re going to explode, and moisture gathers in the corner of my eyes…again.
“Sav.” Grant’s voice halts me in my step. Without turning around and risking him seeing my pained expression, I turn my face slightly. “Come to dinner with us.”
I shake my head and go to object before he cuts me off.
“Please.”
Two Months Ago
Graduation is supposed to be a day of celebration, and it is. Four long years have been consumed by strict schedules, endless assignments, and challenging exams. All of my hard work has resulted in a college degree, four consecutive conference football titles, and two national championships. It’s been a helluva ride at Central Texas University. And I’m proud to be following in my dad’s footsteps with a starting coaching job under his leadership.
