Page 35 of Scored

“Gail,” I answered. “Your ex-daughter-in-law.”

“Oh, hell’s bells,” Theo said. “That girl knows how to suck the fun out of things.”

My chest vibrated with laughter. “Oh, Theo. I think I love you.”

He put his arm around me and squeezed. “We love you too, honey.”

“What did I miss?” Ashley asked as she appeared next to us.

“Nothing,” Fin replied. “Let’s eat some steak.” He nudged me. “Or salad.”

Rupert was waiting by the SUV as we left the hotel and stepped into the colder evening breeze.

CHAPTER 14

Vee

Dinner was delicious and unnecessary when we were about to enter a fully catered suite. The festivities outside Lambeau were in full swing when Rupert brought us back to the hotel. To be honest, even though the Coopers weren’t playing, the excitement was electric, the cold air invigorating, and the crowd captivating. An usher guided the five of us up to super suite 5022, a larger suite than I’d been in at Lambeau Field with my family. The windows looked out to the fifty-yard line. While it was considerably smaller than our family suite, it was nice.

Lisa squeezed my arm as we were welcomed by the waitstaff. “This is so exciting.”

Various food options lined the far counters. And a server was quick to offer us drinks.

I scanned the room, wondering if the infamous Gail Graham was present. When I looked up at Fin, he shook his head. The relief was unexpected and overwhelming. My lungs filled with warm air.

“Fin Graham,” a tall man said. With dark hair and piercing blue eyes, he wore the same green as the multiple emblems around the suite.

“Shit,” Fin said, “Patrick Linken.”

The two vigorously shook hands.

“What are you doing back in Titletown?” Patrick asked. Before Fin could answer, Patrick pointed to Fin’s sling. “See you’re still taking a beating.”

“One of the best centers in the league is retired.” Fin motioned toward me. “Patrick, this is Maeve Hubbard.”

His smile grew. “The Maeve Hubbard.” His expression sobered. “I’m very sorry about your father.”

I held my smile in place. “Thank you. Now how do you two⁠—?”

Fin interrupted, “Pat was my center for three seasons here. And now you’re doing what?”

Patrick laid his hand over his stomach. “First, after hanging up my helmet, I lost some weight.”

“Some?” Fin said. “Man, you’re half of your former self.”

“You know bulk is important when you’re on that O-line risking your life for the QB. It’s not so great when you sit behind a desk. I’m the Microsoft representative for Green Bay.” He turned to me. “When Jess contacted me, telling me Maeve Hubbard wanted to come to the Packers’ game, I was happy to oblige.” He leaned his shoulder into Fin. “I didn’t know you were bringing this guy.”

Jess was the Coopers’ representative.

“Thank you, Patrick.” I motioned to Lisa, Theo, and Ashley. “More than him. This is Fin’s family. You see, the Vikings’ center is Fin’s brother.”

“I forgot he was in the NFL. He used to play for New Orleans.”

“He did,” Fin said. “Thank you for the passes. If I’m not playing, I’d rather not be out there.” He jutted his chin toward the windows.

“Oh, I know,” Pat said. “Let me introduce you to our other guests.”

After we met our new twenty or so viewing mates, Patrick said, “Enjoy the game. I hope you’re not too disappointed when the Packers send Minnesota packing.”