Page 14 of Catch
“No doubt,” Grayson said.
He seemed so charismatic and friendly and the longer we stood chatting, the more it seemed like I was being the childish one. Lexi held my hand which didn’t go unnoticed by Parker, but nothing on her face gave me any indication that it bothered her. Parker asked Lexi questions about her therapy practice and seemed genuinely interested in everything she said. She turned those deep blue eyes on me and opened her mouth to speak when we were interrupted.
“Coach McCoy, Grayson Moats. Would you mind if we did a quick interview?” Grayson and I turned to find a local TV reporter poised and ready to film with a cameraman three steps behind her. I’d seen her on the ten o’clock prime time news. She was blond and attractive. Grayson looked at me and I nodded. The reporter wasted no time in directing us to a more private place away from the traffic by the tables.
“You two used to play football against one another, right?”
“She destroyed me in high school.” Grayson was being overdramatic, but it was done in jest and we all smiled. “I’m so fortunate to be on her team this time.” I was impressed with his acting skills. The reporter turned to me.
“I’d say it’s mutual. Grayson is an excellent quarterback,” I said.
“Are there any hard feelings between you two?” she asked.
Grayson put his arm across my shoulders. He made it seem friendly rather than invasive. “Not a single one. I’ve admired her for a long time. First in high school then in the NFL. I can’t think of a better offensive coach to take us far our first year.”
I smiled through my nerves and almost convinced myself I was having a good time. “Even when we were teenagers, Grayson was a powerful leader. I can’t wait to see what he does with this team.”
“It sounds like you two have a great history.” The reporter moved to my other side so the cameraman could get a shot of the crowd behind us. “So, tell us about your charities. Let’s start with you, Coach McCoy.”
Grayson and I said wonderful things about each other’s charity and it was easier to relax once I had something else to talk about. Grayson was engaging and the reporter was obviously smitten. She thanked us for the interview and moved on to find Jamal to do a segment on his athletic program for children.
Grayson leaned closer. “I wasn’t lying. I think you’re one of the best.”
It amazed me how different he was now as an adult. He was almost too nice. “Thanks, Grayson. I appreciate it.” I didn’t know what else to say. He either really took what Terry said to heart, or he meant it.
We walked back to our partners and Max. The moment he was visible, people started calling Grayson’s name. “Well, I hate to break up this reunion of sorts, but I need to get back to the table. Parker, I want to introduce you to a few people. Excuse us.”
“It’s so good to see you again, Sutton,” Parker said. Her voice was a little more mature, and I still got a chill when she said my name.
“You, too.”
“Come on, babe. I need food so the wine doesn’t go to my head,” Lexi said.
“You two go on ahead. I’m going to talk to a few of the players I know,” Max said.
Lexi and I slipped back into the ballroom and got in line for the buffet. The thought of food wasn’t appealing, but I had to keep up the pretenses. I ordered a white wine and welcomed another in-depth conversation about tulip bulbs and mums with Tina. I ended up eating half of what was on my plate.
Just like I was always able to do back in high school, I immediately felt Parker when she stepped into the room. I watched as she and Grayson weaved through the tables until they sat with the other quarterbacks and their dates. She didn’t engage in conversation with the wives. Every time I glanced her way, she was staring at me. Her attention released feelings I had buried. Was she happy? Was she living the life she wanted? Did she finish college? Why was I so invested?
“I think I’m going to go. That’s okay, right? If I don’t leave now, I’m going to eat all the dessert,” Lexi said. She sounded bored. She didn’t know anyone and she lasted longer than I expected.
I was freaked by the rebirth of my fascination with Parker, but I remained outwardly calm and even managed to give Lexi a smile. “That’s fine. I need to find Max and see what his plans are.”
“Maybe I should take a Lyft home. I don’t think you should leave yet,” she said.
I wasn’t going to fight her. “Do you want me to order you one?” I pulled out my phone, knowing the answer already. “It’ll be here in six minutes. By the time we get to the lobby, it will be out front.” I stood and held out my hand. We took the long way around the room, careful to avoid running into Parker again.
“I won’t be out too long.” I kissed her as she slipped into the Lyft. “Let me know when you make it home.” I stayed outside for a few moments before going back inside. I needed fresh air.
“Oh, good. I thought you left without saying bye.” Max walked out on my way in.
“I was putting Lexi in a Lyft.”
He put his hands on my upper arms. “How are you doing?”
I walked right into his arms for another hug. “It’s been an emotional night. What are your plans?”
“I’m going to hang out with you. Let’s promote your charity.” He escorted me inside and walked me to my charity table. He took a couple of photos and posted them along with a link to my website that asked for donations.
