The fans went crazy. The decibel level inside the stadium was off the charts. Vicki and I exchanged a hug, as did Zack and me.
“He needed that win so badly,” Zack said. “Leigh is flipping out right now.” He glanced up at the blue sky.
I’d learned at the start of the game that Zack had been dating Leigh. Mr. Bridges had said Zack and Leigh were tight, but he hadn’t mentioned that they were boyfriend and girlfriend.
“She is,” I said to him.
The marching band played as reporters gathered down on the field, trying to get to Ryker, who was being mauled by his teammates.
“Haven, thanks again,” Zack said. “If you’re ever up to it, you can come to one of our football games.” He wagged a finger between him and his friend, Chris.
The pimple-faced blond smiled. “Your friend can come too.”
Vicki was staring at the field, oblivious to the high schoolers. I had no doubt she was focused on Lucas.
I thanked them for the offer before both of them followed a horde of fans out of the stands.
Vicki nudged me. “Look.”
I scanned the field to find a reporter interviewing Ryker and Lucas. Then their voices blared through the jumbotron.
“How does it feel to be back?” the male reporter asked with his microphone in front of Ryker’s lips.
“It’s been a little surreal, but I’m happy to be playing again,” Ryker said. “I credit this win to my teammates. They were the ones who won this game. Our defense was tight, and they had my back out there.”
“But you were sacked,” the reporter said. “A first for you.”
“And a last,” Ryker added, then he glanced out at the stadium. “I want to say thank you to you guys.” He waved his hand around while he held his helmet in the other. “Thank you for being patient. Thank you for all your well wishes and sympathy messages. I can’t tell you how humble I am and what it means to me.” Then he looked up at the sky, blessing himself. “This is game is for you, Mom, Dad, Leigh, and Randal.”
Tears burned my eyes.
The remaining fans cheered.
Then Lucas leaned down toward the mic. “Cal, if I may. On behalf of the football team, we would like to remind fans that we have a fundraiser coming up. This year, we’re doing an auction, and the proceeds will go to benefit the Chelsea House for Battered Women. It will take place at the Marriott Hotel in town four weeks from today. You can find all the information at the Chelsea House website.”
“And what are you auctioning off?” Cal asked.
“A night out with your favorite football player or favorite sorority sister or senator’s daughter,” Lucas replied.
“Sounds like something that could bring in a lot of money for a great cause,” Cal added. “You mentioned a senator’s daughter?”
Ryker leaned into the mic. “Yes. Haven Hale. So I’m sure the event will be a success.”
My blood gelled.
Vicki whipped her head around to look at me. “You said no to him. Why is he announcing your name?”
I was going to kill a quarterback.
My phone went off. I didn’t have to look at it to know it was my father. I let the phone ring as I clenched my fists at my sides. And as if Ryker knew I was there, he looked right at me.
It wasn’t hard to find Vicki and me. The others around us had left with the exception of a handful of women who were probably waiting for Ryker and Lucas to walk off the field.
A couple of other reporters and their cameramen followed Ryker’s line of sight.
I tapped Vicki on the arm. “We should get out of here.” A senator’s daughter was headline news, especially if the daughter was involved in an auction where she was up for grabs.
Vicki hesitated.
