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“Showoff,” Coach Ripley muttered with a smile, patting my back as I jogged by.
My grin only grew. I couldn’t help it. What we players were doing on the field—it was challenging and fun. But all the people in the crowd? They were there for a show, and I was happy to give it to them.
Before we left the stadium, I glanced back to the stands, seeing April next to Sadie. I swore she was looking at me too before she glanced away.
* * *
We won the game, but barely. All of us guys were exhausted, but grinning ear to ear. Maybe it was just because I was a senior, but this win felt better than most.
Not least because of who I knew was in the audience.
And by that, I meant my family.
Of course.
They came down to the field, carrying the dieGO signs. Mom hugged me first. “Mijo, serias increible.”
“Gracias,” I replied, kissing her cheek.
“Yeah!” Mateo slapped a fist into his palm. “You pummeled that one guy right into the ground. I bet he still has turf in his face mask.
Dad chuckled and gave me a quick hug. “Estoyorgulloso de ti,mijo.”
My throat clogged every time he said it. “Thanks, Dad.”
Marisol and Adelita told me good job as well, then Mom herded everyone away, saying, “We’ll let you celebrate with your friends. See you later.”
I waved and then more people congratulated me. Some guys on the team, a few freshmen girls with blushing cheeks. Kenzie and Deena, though they were more excited about the stunt we pulled off.
But April and Sadie didn’t come by. I spotted them standing on the edge of the crowd, both looking uncomfortable and talking only to each other.
I extricated myself from the girls telling me good game and walked over to them. Sadie seemed surprised to see me walking toward them, but April’s hazel eyes were dark as she traced my every step.
Sadie looked between the two of us, a small smile on her narrow lips. “Good game, Diego.”
“Thanks,” I said, my eyes still caught on April. The blue shirt wasn’t an Emerson shirt—it had the Air Force logo on it. It was like a subtle slight to remind meI’m not cheering for you.
“Nice shirt,” I said to April.
She folded her arms over her chest, covering the design. “I just came for your phone number.”
I couldn’t help but smirk. “The line was back there.”
She made a disgusted sound and turned to leave, muttering something about failing the class being better than this.
“I’m joking,” I said, “although I wouldn’t expect you to catch a joke. That would require a sense of humor.”
She leveled a glare at me, while Sadie looked amused. Fair. April was really cute when she was mad at me.
“Do you have your phone?” I asked. “Or am I supposed to send a smoke signal with my number?”
April got it out of her leggings pocket.
“Hand it over. I’ll type it in.” I extended my hand, palm up.
“As if I’d trust you to come anywhere near my phone. Tell me your number and I’ll text you.”
I raised my eyebrows. “As if I’d trust you to text me.”
