Page 55 of The Goat in the Bedroom
“Did you see that?” Tempest asked. “He found you immediately.”
“He's looking for his family.”
“Mija, he looked right at you,” AbuelaNovela said.
“Every good play, he looks for you,” Sara Jayne added. “That's not friend behavior.”
“It's absolutely friend behavior. Very supportive friend behavior.”
Nana leaned over from behind me. “He's not looking at all of us, dear.”
“He's acknowledging his support system. Very healthy.”
Jules studied the field while handing out trays of nachos. “He's playing like he's been getting laid. Have you two been?—“
“No!”
“Huh. Could've fooled me.” She stared at me pointedly. “That kind of energy usually comes from somewhere.”
“Maybe he's just excited about his first professional game?”
“Is that what you kids are calling it today? Excited?” Et tu, Grandma De le Reine? Really?
Jules raised an eyebrow. “Sure. That's definitely it.”
Flynn made an incredible tackle, and Tempest jumped up screaming. I jumped up too when Gryff made another key block, and I realized I was cheering louder for him than anyone.
“Just roommates though?” Tempest asked with a smirk.
“Best friends can be enthusiastic supporters.”
“The lady doth?—“
“I will throw these nachos at you.”
In the third quarter, a massive defensive tackle from San Diego, built like a mountain, broke through the line and hit Gryff hard. He went down and didn't immediately get up.
I was on my feet before I realized it, my hands pressed to my heart, a sound escaping that might have been his name.
He rolled over, pushed himself up, and immediately looked toward our section. Found my face. Gave me a thumbs up and that grin that meant he was fine.
I sat down, shaking.
AbuelaNovela leaned over and patted my hand. “¡Solo bésalo ya!”
“She is happy he is okay,” Tempest explained.
“Sí,” I agreed.
After the game, families were allowed down on the field. The moment Gryff saw us approaching, he bypassed his grandparents, his agent, even Flynn, and came straight for me.
He was sweaty and glowing from the win, his hair stuck to his forehead, and he looked so happy I couldn't help but smile back.
“Did you see that block in the third?” He was practically vibrating with excitement.
“You scared me when that mountain of a man hit you.”
His expression softened. “Were you worried about me?”
