“I’m pretty sure, every time you’ve been on this field or any other, someone has kept an eye on you.”
“Barbarians, a band of barbarians!” I cross my arms and turn to find Shaw and Nicky.
They’re off to the side, and Shaw is talking directly in Nicky’s ear. The quarterback coach is with them, listening closely. After a few minutes, I see the side of Nicky’s mouth tip up, and he pats Shaw on the back. Shaw says something else, and Nicky’s head snaps to the side, his eyes landing on mine.
His grin grows into a smile, and he jogs over. The crowd above us starts to go wild, thinking they are headed to them. Mathis puts his hand on my lower back and guides me forward, so we aren’t so close to the raving fans.
“Hey!” He kisses me quickly on the cheek and slaps Mathis on the shoulder.
“You okay?” I search for signs of worry or tension.
“Yes, made some adjustments in the locker room. Went over some plays we’re more comfortable with the other receiver. It’ll get there. Shaw straightened me out, too.”
“Good, I’m ready to see you light up like last week.”
He puts on his helmet and gives me a wink full of arrogance. “Don’t worry, it’s coming.”
He jogs back to the team, and Shaw joins us again.
Whatever they did worked, because the second half is a totally different ball game. Nicky and his receivers are in sync and find their rhythm. Shaw and Mathis analyze every play as I join the crowd going wild, not taking my eyes off the field.
“What the fuck?” Shaw hisses, and I spin to see him staring at his phone.
“What’s wrong?”
“Sasha and her family showed up at our suite. Apparently, Claude got his own invite to a private suite, and they decided to stop by ours to watch the game. Dad sent me a text to warn us.”
Dread washes through me. She’s the last person on earth I want to see today.
“How does she know you’re even here?”
“I don’t know that she does. When I called her yesterday on the way back, I was vague about my plans. She never mentioned coming to the game.”
“Well, I’m staying here. She’s not going to ruin my day.”
“I agree, she’s not going to ruin mine either. I’ll go be polite then get rid of her.”
“I’m staying with Bizzy. I have no interest in seeing that woman or her family,” Mathis states with hatred.
“You have no choice. I wasn’t leaving her down here alone.” Shaw looks at his brother like he’s stupid.
“I’ll be back soon.” He kisses me quickly, then bends to my ear. “Don’t get any ideas and promise our families we’ll hang out after the game. As soon as I get you home, we’re going to celebrate New Year’s naked with those strawberries and lots more champagne.”
My whole body shivers as I watch him walk away, and Mathis cusses besides me.
“What’s wrong?” I ask innocently, trying to hide my smirk.
“That shit has got to stop.” He clips in disgust.
There’s a deafening roar in the stands, and we all watch as a receiver sails past on the field toward the end zone. He doesn’t make it, but the excitement and energy of the game returns.
By the middle of the fourth quarter, we haven’t heard from Shaw, nor has he returned to the field. Any other time, I’d worry, but I know he’s taking care of things in the most politically correct way he can.
Nicky has the ball and shouts out his play calls then looks over and locks eyes with me. I watch the cocky, boyish grin form on his face through the facemask and brace. Mathis sees it, too, and moves closer, placing a hand on my elbow.
I hold my breath as Nicky falls back and looks for a receiver, right then the perfect hole opens up. He runs for it. His teammates block on each side as Nicky hustles down the field and into the end zone for a touchdown.
A high-pitched shriek sounds through the air, roaring over and over, and I finally realize it’s me. I’m screaming like a banshee, jumping up and down and pumping my hands in the air like a madwoman. Mathis is beside me doing the same. I grow hoarse as I take off running down the sidelines behind the reporters and into the corner, so I can get a better look at Nick celebrating in the end zone.