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“Poking the bear, I see,” my dad quips with a smirk.
“I’m not worried. He told me years ago he’d destroy you if I didn’t leave. I believed him.”
Anger flashes in my dad’s eyes, and he shakes his head. “You know that wouldn’t have happened.”
“I know that now, but I didn’t then.”
I’m not a kid anymore. And neither is Callie.
And judging by the conversations my dad is having with his club in the back right now, I have a feeling that Hamilton won’t be messing with people much longer. He’s about to feel the fire from everyone in this town he’s tried to cross.
sixteen
Callie
Now
The speaker cracklesin the stadium. “It’s Friday night here in Freedom Valley, and Coach Murphy and Coach Reid and the Eagles are ready to take on the Falcons. Tonight, we have Coach Reid here for a quick interview. Coach Reid, when will you be officially taking over for Coach Murphy now that he’s announced his retirement?”
“I’m not sure about that,” SJ says calmly, “but tonight, we’re here to play football. I’m grateful to be out here on this field helping the next generation of Freedom Valley claim state.” He nods as he ducks back out to the field, taking his place next to Coach Murphy.
I feel lighter being here at the game this time, and a sense of hope and possibility fills me being here in the stadium and not at odds with him.He could be yours again.The feeling in my heart reminds me.
“Well, you heard it, folks. The Eagles are here to win. Let’s go Freedom Valley Eagles!” the announcer calls.
“It was much easier to talk you into coming to the game with me this time,” Goldie muses. “I didn’t even have to break my car.”
I eye her suspiciously. “You didn’t actually break your car, did you?”
“No”—she shrugs with a wry grin—“but I know a good mechanic if I need one.”
Luckily, I don’t need a mechanic anymore. “My car is fixed, and strangely, the tires even look brand new.” I need to remember to ask SJ about that. I got my car back in perfect shape and detailed. Spotless. I need to leave Sam’s shop a five-star review.
“Oh look, here come our snacks,” Goldie says excitedly, shifting next to me on the bleachers.
One of her past students hands her our food. “Here, Mrs. Winters. I got extra mustard like you like.”
“You’re a sweet boy, Ethan,” she calls to him and turns to me.
“How do you get them to always go get you food?” I shake my head and laugh.
“Here, honey, eat up. We need our strength to cheer,” she says, ignoring my question and handing me a hot dog.
“We are not cheering,” I dryly remark.
Like a magnet, my eyes travel down and land naturally on SJ. As if he can feel the heat of my gaze, he looks back up at me and smiles, making that dimple pop, then returns his attention to his clipboard.
Goldie nudges me. “What was that?”
“Nothing.” I shrug innocently and take a bite of my food, grateful for the distraction.
“Where’s that carrot tonight?” she asks curiously, looking at me out of the corner of her eye with disdain.
“No clue, not my carrot.” I don’t even like carrots.
“That boy sure is handsome,” she says, ignoring my response. I look over at where she’s looking, and sure enough, she’s focused on SJ. He’s wearing dark jeans, his Coach Reid polo shirt, and his Eagles hat. Heishandsome.
“What’s keeping you from going all in with him?” she asks, breaking my thoughts.
