Page 120 of Your Play to Call
Nine.
The ball is snapped to the quarterback.
Eight.
He tries to scan the coverage down field, locking in on the right corner.
Seven.
The defense moves to the right, reading the quarterback’s eyes.
Six.
Someone gets free to the right of the quarterback.
Five.
The quarterback pitches the ball. To Zack.
Four.
Zack hops back, like he’s going to pass the ball. There’s no way he’s going to throw it, right?
Three
The quarterback blocks for Zack, giving him the second he needs.
Two.
Zack passes the ball. WHY DOES ZACK PASS THE BALL?
One.
The ball sails to the left corner of the end-zone
Zero.
Tripp catches the touchdown!
Game over.
Cosmos win!
Cosmos blue confetti falls on the field, thick and glittering. Seth and his team follow close to Wendy and me while we look for Tripp.
The Upstate Cosmos are the first NFL expansion team to win the Super Bowl—it’s unbelievable. My voice is hoarse from screaming, my heart beats too fast, and a smile is plastered to my face.
Wendy sees Tripp and starts to jog. He swallows her up in a hug. They spin a little and I see her face in complete awe of the game, her son. Wendy’s facial expression is what most of us are feeling.
I give them a minute because they deserve it. Seeing them embraced like this, makes me so happy for them, especially since itwas never easy.
My hand sits on my chest, soaking in this moment, and I’m not the only one. Cameras click and reporters try to get a word with Tripp and Wendy.
Then, Tripp sees me. His eyes, which I swear are Cosmos blue right now, make my heart stop. I can feel my mouth pull into a jubilant smile as Tripp steps towards me.
He reaches for my waist and picks me up. I laugh and put my hands on his shoulders before I kiss him. This kiss is full of promise, pride, love, and certainty. He sets me down and wraps his arms around my low back.
“I can’t believe that happened! I’m still shaking!” I say to him before kissing him again, leaving pink on his lips.
