Chapter 28: Footballers
Sunday afternoon football rules in Vanmer. The local grocery stores close early. Church functions revolve around kick-off time. Fans start tailgating in the Vanmer Stadium parking lot at nine o’clock in the morning, which goes on all day long.
During the fourth quarter against the Trenton Titans, Jory’s handsome face shines on the wall-size monitor beside the scoreboard. Champion horns blast a playful tune from car-size speakers around the stadium’s interior. A smile surfaces between the quarterback’s scruffy cheeks as he stands on the sideline.
I bubble up with joy inside. My face feels like it’s on fire. I sort of melt in the stands, recalling every time my body has pressed against Jory’s. Woozy, lost, and numb, I sigh with a sense of contentment, pleased to se
