Page 143 of Whispers and Wildfire
“Are your parents coming?” I asked.
“Oh yeah. They go to all the games. Especially since Owen started playing last year.” He pointed at a spot in the stands. “There they are.”
It wasn’t just his parents. The Havens practically took up an entire section. Josiah and Audrey sat just behind Paul and Marlene. Josiah had their daughter Abby in his arms. Next to them were Garrett and Harper with little Isla.
Zachary and Marigold sat next to Paul and Marlene with their baby, Emily. And behind them were Annika and Levi with all four of their kids.
Just behind the Havens, the Bailey clan took up several more rows. In the middle of all five families and their kids was Gram Bailey, the matriarch of the bunch. She had a big Tilikum Timberwolves foam hand and was already waving it around.
None of the Baileys had kids in high school yet, but Tilikum was a tight-knit community. Win or lose, the stands were always packed.
We made our way over and claimed seats. Moments later, Nathan and Sharla showed up, Lucia, Zola, and Nico adding to the chaos of excited children. My parents were with them and my mom was decked out in a Tilikum Timberwolves T-shirt and knit hat.
“What is all this?” I asked, gesturing to her swag. “You don’t have any kids or grandkids who go here.”
“What does that have to do with anything? They’re my home team. I can still represent. Besides, we’re all practically family.” She gestured to the rows of Havens.
“Practically family?”
She patted my cheek. “You know what I mean.”
I rolled my eyes as she and my dad found spots. Luke just grinned.
“What are you smiling about?” I sat down and he took the seat next to me.
“Nothing.”
I nudged him with my elbow.
“I heard from Andrea earlier today. Did I tell you that?”
“Is she coming back to work?”
“She’d like to.”
“The timing is perfect. I have to start recording next week.”
“I know.” He put his arm around me and scooted me closer. “But I like having you there.”
“You just want to be able to keep an eye on me.”
“I do, but I like having you there either way.” He kissed my temple. “I’m going to miss you.”
That made me smile. “I’ll miss you too.”
I would miss him, but it was for the best, especially long term. Voice acting was what I loved, and it would be good for us to have our own things—give us a little space from each other. I had a feeling we’d appreciate our time together even more.
And we’d be less likely to try to kill each other over something stupid.
It wasn’t long before the announcer’s voice boomed over the sound system, welcoming the crowd to the game. He announced the opposing team’s starting lineup to cheers fromthe visitors’ section and polite applause from the home crowd.
Theo stood on the sidelines with his clipboard in hand. He tucked it under his arm to clap for his team as the Timberwolves starting lineup was announced.
The home crowd went wild, standing and clapping for each athlete. When he got to the last student, I almost had to plug my ears.
“Number thirty-three, Owen Haven!”
Our entire section, from the Havens in front to the Baileys behind us, erupted in cheers and whistles. The noise only quieted for a moment, until they announced head coach Theo Haven, and we cheered again, just as loud as if he’d been the star athlete on the field.
