Nighttime football games had a special kind of magic to them, and tonight, the energy was heightened: this was an important game, one that would determine whether or not the Eatonboro Eagles would advance to Round Two of the conference playoffs. We were underdogs, for sure; Gatbury was one of the best teams in our area.
Gia had saved me a seat, so I sat on the bleachers about halfway up from the field, mashed between two girls. I wasn’t complaining; it was especially chilly tonight, and I was glad for the extra body heat.
“So how does it feel to know it’s yourboyfriendplaying out there tonight?” Gia grinned and poked me. “Pretty exciting, huh? Are we going to see some spontaneous cheers about the Lion roaring?”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t hold your breath. I might be dating one of the team’s stars, but I’m here for the game, not just to moon over the players.”
“Oh, check her out. It’s all business. That’s our Quinn—she’s a tough cookie.” Gia laughed. “Give her a few weeks, and she’ll have the cheerleaders coming around to her way of thinking.”
“That’s not exactly my top priority.” I gazed down onto the field where I saw Sarah chatting with another girl. “And not all of the cheerleaders are so bad. Sarah, for instance. I like her.” I shot Gia a quelling look. “And if we generalize about the cheerleaders, how are we any better than they are?”
She sighed. “You’re determined to take away all my fun, aren’t you? Fine. Whatever you say. I promise I’ll try to be more open-minded.” She paused as a group of people scooted in front of us, trying to get to the last few open seats down the bench. “What’s the word on Nate, by the way? Is he doing any better?”
I bit the side of my lip. “A little. His mom texted today that his temperature was down a bit this afternoon. But he’s still pretty sick.”
“Aw, I’m sorry. Hope he feels better.”
“Thanks.”
Conversation was interrupted at that point as the announcer invited us all to rise for the singing of the National Anthem. I rested my eyes on Leo, standing in the row with the rest of his team, helmet in one hand. I could see his profile, the set of his mouth and the eager look of determination in his eyes. We hadn’t had much time during the day today, just a few stolen kisses this morning and a little chatting at lunch. I hadn’t felt any more welcome at his table, and I wondered if I’d be able to convince him to eat outside with me at least now and then. Sitting across the table from Trish was giving me indigestion.
The Eagles lost the coin toss this week, and since Gatbury elected to defer, we got the ball first. Our receiver caught it on kickoff and ran for a twenty-yard return, giving us decent field position. I clapped with the rest of the stadium as Leo and the other offensive players trotted onto the field.
But they weren’t there for long. On second and five, Matt Lampert threw one of his rare interceptions, and the Gatbury defensive back who’d caught the pass intended for Leo made it all the way to the end zone for the touchdown. When Matt reached the sidelines, he tossed down his helmet in frustration. Leo grabbed his arm, speaking to him with their heads close together.
The Eagles didn’t do anything with their next two possessions, but luckily, neither did Gatbury. Reminiscent of the Franklin Township game, just before the end of the half, Eatonboro got within field goal distance, and Beau Dunton kicked one between the uprights. Our boys trotted off the field at halftime trailing seven to three.
“It’s not looking good, girls.” I wrapped my arms around my middle. “They need to pull their shit together, or our season is over.”
“That might work out for you,” Gia observed. “Just think of all the time Leo would have to spend with you if he’s not worried about practices or games.”
I groaned. “Gia, what kind of girlfriend would I be if I wanted that? We haven’t had a real shot at the playoffs for years. I want our boys to go all the way.”
“You’re just taking this whole unselfish crap a little too far.” She shifted on the bleacher. “Is it just me, or is it getting even colder?”
“I heard we might get snow this weekend.” One of the other girls spoke with the glee only associated with the very first snowstorm of the year. “Sure feels like it.”
It did, too. I pulled my scarf a little tighter around my neck, shivering. Someone tugged at it, making me gag a little as it stretched over my throat.
“Jake, if you strangle Quinn, who else is going to put up with you on the newspaper? You know she’s the only one who can get anything done.” Gia winked at our editor.
“You’re not wrong, Gia. And hey, look at this. In appreciation of all of the hard work my wonderful team does, I brought you hot chocolate.” Jake passed the cardboard tray down the bench, and we all ooohed appreciatively.
“I take back every nasty thing I’ve ever said about you. Thanks for this.” Gia lifted the cup and took a sip.
“You’re welcome.” He patted my shoulder. “Everything going okay with you, Q?”
I smiled. “I’d be happier if the score were reversed, but otherwise no complaints.”
“Cool. I need to talk with you about our op/ed page for next week. Think you can hang out Monday after school?”
“I’m sure I can.”
“Maybe you should check with your boy toy first,” Gia teased. “He might have plans for you.”
“I don’t need to check with anybody about anything.” I stuck out my tongue at Gia and then turned back to Jake. “Thanks again for the cocoa. See you Monday.”
The second half began with Gatbury possessing the ball. They came close to scoring, but happily, our defensive line held strong, and their kicker even missed the attempted field goal.
