“It’s a popularity contest,” I mumble. Josie tries to jab in my stomach but my shoulder pads prevent her from reaching me before I grab her arm. “What it is, Josie? Do you think any other senior couple stands a chance with me and you and Mason and Katelyn in the running?”
She rolls her eyes but she knows it. I’m captain of the football team and she’s captain of the cheerleading squad – again it’s the popular vote.
“Please hold your applause as I announce this year’s coronation court. This year’s freshman prince and princess are: Garrett Plice and Simone Santoro.”
This is the part of the process that takes forever. Securing the nomination and voting was the fun part. Right now we have to watch each couple or ‘non-couple but only a couple for this moment and a single dance tonight’ take their spot on the podium.
“Our sophomore prince and princess are: Aiden Hansen and Riley Wade,” the Principal announces. She beams with each name as if she had a hand in making sure they were chosen.
“Our junior class prince and princess are: Ryder Whitley and Maddy O’Sullivan.” Ryder is on the football team. He’s our tight end and is quicker than shit. No one gets by him. He started dating Maddy over the summer after talking to her all of last year. He finally got up enough nerve to ask her out. I’m sure Mason and I ragging on him didn’t help much, but it’s all locker room talk.
“Our senior class prince and princess are…” I wish this moment wasn’t happening. It’s between us and our best friends. It’s not going to matter who wins; either Mason or I will be consoling our girls. I’ll be sad if it’s not Josie and me because I know how much she wants this. I faintly hear their names being called. It’s when I see Mason and Katelyn walking toward the podium I know.
“And this year’s king and queen are Liam Westbury and Josephine Preston.”
Josie and I make our way to the center where crowns are placed on our heads and she’s given a dozen red roses. Looking out into the crowd, her parents, the Powell’s and Mrs. Bishop, Katelyn’s mom, are all standing and cheering. They’re trying to take pictures from the stands. Mine are sitting front and center, with their heads down no less.
All the girls are waving to the crowd as we’re being ushered back to our cars. Our driver opens the door and I help Josie in, keeping my hands on her waist. I can’t wait to see her in her dress tonight. She’s kept it a secret just so she can surprise me tonight.
We loop one more time around the track before we’re through the gate and back into the parking lot. I hop out, holding her hand so she can step out of the car.
“I love you, babe,” she says, kissing me quickly so I can get back to the field. I wink and smack her on the ass as I leave to catch up with Mason.
Once inside the locker room, Coach goes over our strategy for the second half of the game. He wants to run a lot of pass plays and stay away from the ground attack. I feel Mason sigh next to me. I know he doesn’t like to think about the record, but I do. It’s always on my mind. It’s going to happen. The only way it won’t is if coach benches me.
“Coach, the receivers are going to have to show me their numbers if they want the pass. I can’t get a mark that isn’t there.”
He nods and repeats what I just said before excusing us back to the field. I lightly bump Mason with my shoulder hoping he waits for me. Because of tonight’s activities our half time has been about an hour long so we have to warm-up again. I stay back and wait until everyone leaves the locker room.
“What’s up?”
“Nothing, man.”
“I call BS. Is this about the record?”
He shrugs.
I put my hand on his shoulder. “It’s gonna happen. I promise you.”
Mason attempts a smile but it ends up being half-assed. “Are you getting looks?”
He shrugs again. “Mostly II’s. A couple lower I’s, but nothing big.”
I don’t want to tell him what’s waiting for me at home. I’m sure he knows and I’m not one to pour salt in open wounds. “They’ll come around, especially after you clinch that state leading rushing yard. You’re close. It’s going to happen.” That earns me a smile as we walk out of the locker room. I slip my helmet on just before our tunnel ends. I don’t want him to see the expression on my face because it’s my problem to bear, not his. I’ll get this done for him. It’s the least I can do.
Chapter 11
“Where are you going?”
Why I stopped in the hallway to adjust my tie is beyond me. I survey my dad through the mirror. He has a cigar hanging out of his mouth, which means my mother is either passed out on the couch or she’s out with her friends. It’s the night before the Beaumont Homecoming Parade and while she may be a drunk, she’s every bit the socialite and wouldn’t miss being with the women gathering to watch the floats come alive. Maybe she doesn’t drink when she’s not at home, although I can’t blame her for her stupor sometimes.
“Homecoming,” I inform him as I step away from the mirror. I don’t want to look at him, let alone stand near him.
“And you think you’re going?”
“Yes, I’m going,” I answer without hesitation. I walk into the kitchen and pull Josie’s corsage out of the refrigerator, smiling as I examine the tiny pink roses. This is our last homecoming in high school and it’s all too bittersweet. I shut the door to find Sterling scrutinizing me. He breathes deeply and when he exhales and I can smell Scotch on his breath, lovely.
“Are you thick headed or just stupid? Help me figure it out here, son, because I’m certain I told you to get rid of that trash.”