“Yes, I told you I was sorry, and I am. Can’t we just let it go and be friends? I know I was being an asshole, I’ll be the first to admit it. But I can’t exactly go back and change that now, can I?” he snapped.
Payton sucked in a deep breath. Right. He wanted her to forgive him. One look in his eyes, and she was putty. Damn it. Why’d he have to be so cute? “All right—let’s start over.” She stopped walking as they approached the door of the locker room and held out her hand. “Hi, I’m Payton Carter, I go to Aller Falls high, and I’m the Tigers starting quarterback.”
“Chance Montgomery—I just moved here. And I’m a pretty kick-ass receiver.”
“So you think you’re good?” She grinned. “Maybe you ought to let me be the judge of that.”
“Well, I’m all right, but you know the quarterback makes me look damn good.” His lips twitched.
“Yeah, I do, don’t I?” She put her helmet on and listened to him laugh before rushing out onto the field. The crowd welcomed them with cheers and shouting. Payton spotted her dad up in the stands, and right beside him sat Neal’s grandma. She nudged Neal, who’d come up alongside her and pointed out Mrs. Visser.
“She came,” he said with surprise and gave her a quick wave.
“Well, let’s make sure we give her something to cheer about.” Payton took up her place on the sideline, waiting for the announcers to introduce the players. Once they’d gone through the list of names, she and Chance went to the middle of the field for the coin toss.
“Mount Kefor captain, you’ll call it in the air,” the ref said before tossing the coin up.
“Tails,” the boy said.
“Tails it is. Would you like to kick or receive?”
“Receive.”
Payton and Chance rushed back to their teammates. Taking a deep breath, she glanced over her shoulder and saw her brothers sitting up in the stands. As she shifted her gaze, she noticed Craig was with them. Maybe Marino or Bradshaw had conned him into coming along. But either way, her pulse quickened, nervousness sinking into the pit of her stomach. Not wanting him to see her staring, she turned away and found Jake hanging out in the student section of the bleachers with his friends. When he spotted her, he gave a loud shout and began waving a sign with her name on it.
Her cheeks went hot. “Man, he’s embarrassing,” she muttered to Neal.
He laughed. “At least you’ve got a cheering section.” Neal reached into one of the netted bags on the side of the field and pulled out a football. “Do you want to start warming up your arm?”
“Sure.” She needed to do something to quell the storm of butterflies in her belly. She was always a wreck waiting to get onto the field, but once out there she seemed to forget everything but playing the game. Half the time she worried she’d screw up and let her team down. Or that her coach would realize he’d made a mistake choosing her as the quarterback and bench her. Unlike the guys, she felt she had a lot more to prove—to show she deserved to play.
“The Mount Kefor Bulldogs go up 7–0, scoring their first drive out,” the commentator said. The numbers on the scoreboard clicked up. “Now let’s see what the Tigers do with their first set of downs.”
“Okay, I’m going to fake the handoff to Johnson. I want Montgomery and Visser to go with the Griffin play. I’m going with the long count.” She gestured five.
After securing her chin strap and mouthpiece, Carter let her eyes roam over the field.
“Blue thirty-four, blue thirty-four, hut … hut … hut … ” She didn’t get the last two counts in before one of the guards jumped offsides.
“And that’s a five-yard penalty on number seventy-six, still first down,” the commentator said.
“Same play, on two.” Payton squatted down behind Matt, her hands held out to receive the snap.
“Pretty girl needs some love,” one of the opposing team members called out.
“I’d screw her, but only if she took off her helmet.” Another one smirked behind his facemask.
Payton rolled her eyes.
“How about shut the fuck up,” Matt growled from the line.
“Easy, boys, let’s just play,” Payton said. “Blue thirty-four, blue thirty-four, hut … hut.” She dropped back and faked the handoff to Johnson. She rolled out of the pocket to find Chance wrapped up in double coverage, so she located her second target and let the ball go. Visser leapt up, coming down in bounds with the ball. He rushed forward, gaining a few extra yards before being hit hard and brought down.
“Twenty-yard play. Not bad.” She patted Visser’s shoulder when he came back to the huddle. “Montgomery, they’re marking up on you, but I think if you cut back toward the center you’ll lose them in the crowd. We just need to get another first down.” After picking the next play, they went back to the line once more.
“Red ninety-nine, red ninety-nine, hut,” she called out. She heard the crush of pads slamming together as her line attempted to block. But this time the defense bowled over her front line, and she scurried to get away. Payton grasped the ball as tightly as she could to keep from fumbling. The other team was closing in around her. She needed to get out of bounds and quickly. She managed to get up the field two yards then felt a helmet whack into her side, sending her down hard. Pain shot through her as she slammed into the ground, her face mask hitting the turf.
“And Carter is hit hard from behind,” the announcer said. “It’s a miracle she held on to that ball, folks. She appears to be getting up slow.”
“That’s what I think about girls trying to play football,” the same guy who’d been taunting her earlier spat, his cleat coming down near her head.
“Fuck off,” she said under her breath. “I’ll show you what a girl can do, asshat. Next play we’re getting a first down.” Chance came over and helped her up.
“You okay?” he asked as they walked back to the huddle.
“Yeah, I’ll live.” She adjusted her shoulder pad, tucking it back under her jersey. Shit. She needed to play smarter. “Sorry, guys,” she told them when they circled up. “Same play. We’ll work it out this time.” Payton damn sure didn’t want the other team to get the best of her. No matter how hard they hit her, she had to be tough. This was her game.
This time out, she got the ball off right before being nailed to the ground. But she saw Chance catch the pass and make his way up field to get fifteen more yards, giving them another first down.
“Carter!” the coach shouted. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” She gave him a thumbs-up.
“Arizona fifty-six,” he said, calling the next play.
Coach wanted the reverse play. They hadn’t used it much this season, so hopefully it’d work. The team lined up once more. After the ball was snapped, the play unfolded perfectly, and the Tigers managed to get the touchdown and extra point, which tied the game back up.
By halftime, both teams had fourteen, and the Tigers made their way into the locker room.
Once inside, Payton took a seat between Neal and Matt, resting her helmet on her lap as she sucked in a large gulp of water.
Coach Youngman paced back and forth in front of everyone, his clipboard in hand. “You guys are letting your quarterback take too many hits. Carter’s resilient, but she’s not invincible. I want better protection, got it? We can’t be screwing things up tonight, not if we want to stay in the running to win division. We’re on home turf here, this is our game. Let’s show them.”
Everyone nodded while chugging water or wiping sweat from their faces. “All right then, let’s get back out there and show ’em who’s boss.”
Payton groaned. Why did the halves always go so fast? Clutching her helmet once more, she followed her team back out onto the field.
“Carter.”
Payton turned to see Marino shouting from the fence. She ran over to him. “Hey, what’s up?”
“Listen, you’re taking a beating out there. Chesler isn’t getting covered on the outside. I think you need to go to
him for a couple plays to loosen up the coverage on Montgomery and Visser.”
“Thanks, I’ll give it a try. And, Marino, I’m sorry for last night, I didn’t mean it.”
He chuckled. “I know. Now get out there and show those ass-wipes how a Carter plays ball.
“Carter, let’s go!” her coach yelled from the sidelines.
She grinned. “I better get in there before he has a heart attack. I love you!”
Payton hurried back over to the team. “Sorry, Coach, Marino was just giving me a couple pointers.” She rolled her eyes, and the guys laughed. Their receiving team went out onto the field to wait for the kickoff, and she stood patiently waiting to get back out there. Once the whistle blew, they were off and running again.
First play out, Payton found Chesler wide open and threw the pass to him. It brought the chains up for a ten-yard gain. For three plays in a row she hit Chesler, until the Bulldogs finally had to start sending people over to cover him. Now she was ready for the big play, which had both Visser and Montgomery crossing at the center of the field.
“Red twenty-eight, red twenty-eight, hut-hut.” She stepped back, watching as Atkinson threw a block, sending one of the nose tackles sprawling across the field in front of her. She released the ball and watched as it seemed to go in slow motion, finding Montgomery wide open. He threw his hand up and stiff-armed the cornerback who had come up to tackle him, causing the guy to fall off to the side.
Chance crossed into the end zone, and the fans went nuts, complete with the Carter family air horn and cowbells.
She cheered, hopping up and down. “Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about!” Payton threw her fist up into the air and raced down after the team.
“Nice pass, Carter.” Chance swatted her on the backside.
Holy shit. Did he just do that? She stood there for a second, dazed, then figured she better line back up. The offense got into position for the extra point, easily bringing it in.
“And the Tigers go up, 21–14 … thanks to the beautiful pass by Payton Carter to Chance Montgomery. Boy, did they make that run look easy.”
As she hurried back to the sideline, Payton felt a hard shove from behind and turned to find one of the guys who’d nailed her earlier. He was glaring.
“You think you’re hot shit, don’t you?” He shoved her again. “That was a lucky play.”
“Play’s over.” The ref blew his whistle and came to stand between them. “Get back to your sideline.” He gestured to the Bulldog player.
Payton’s heart thudded loudly in her ears. Her fists clenched at her sides. God, why was this guy being such a jerk?
The player shoved around the ref and knocked Payton to the ground. Within seconds, Visser, Atkinson, and the whole offensive line rushed from the sidelines, but Coach Youngman charged over and started grabbing his players’ jerseys.
“Visser, get over there now—let the ref deal with this.” Youngman’s face turned deep red, like a cartoon character ready to explode. “I want him ejected from the game, ref.” Coach Youngman pointed to the Bulldog player. “He disobeyed your warning, and the play was over.”
“I’m quite aware of my warning, Coach.” The ref scowled but ripped a yellow flag from his pocket and tossed it on the field.
The Tiger fans erupted in cheers.
The Bulldog coach looked upset as he came over as well, his eyes narrowed, his posture rigid. “What’s the matter? The little girl can’t handle a small push?”
“It was well after the play ended—unless Mount Kefor has different rules up in their stadium?” Coach Youngman shouted.
“Enough! That young man is done. There will be a fifteen-yard personal foul added on to the end of the kickoff.” The ref picked his flag back up and gestured for everyone to get reset.
“Carter, you all right?” Coach walked with her to the sideline.
“I’m fine.” She waved him off as Visser came up beside her and squeezed her shoulder. “You two need to be careful,” she whispered to Neal and Matt. “You guys could’ve been thrown from the game too!”
“We’re damn sure not going to let them rough you up like that,” Matt said, glowering. “Besides, your brothers would kick my ass if I didn’t stand up for you.” He grinned.
The rest of the game was pretty high-strung, with both teams fighting to get the win, but in the end, Aller Falls pulled out the victory, with a 35–28 score.
“Great game, Carter,” she heard the guys calling out to her as she left to go change in the girls’ locker room.
Once she was dressed, the coach called them all in together. “You played like a real team tonight. I know there were some heated moments out there, but I’m glad you kept your heads together. I want you to know that the Lawson game in two weeks is probably going to be a lot worse than this one. And under no circumstances do I want tempers flaring.” His glance strayed to Visser and Atkinson. “Now, I won’t keep you kids any longer, I just wanted you to know you’ve done your coach proud.”
With that, they exited the locker room. As soon as Payton stepped into the cool night air, her brothers swarmed around her, all talking at once.
“Man, I was gonna jump out of those stands, but Dad told me no.” Brad’s face contorted in rage. He looked like he could punch something.
“I’m fine. Good grief.” She rolled her eyes, bumping in to Neal, who’d come up next to her to find his grandma amongst Payton’s family.
Marino nodded at him. “Hey, thanks for getting our sister’s back out there.”
“Not a problem.”
“You both played so well.” Mrs. Visser gave them a warm smile. “I have to say there were a couple times I was worried for you.”
“Gram, we’re fine. Look, no bruises—well, visible ones anyway.” He winked, putting an arm around his grandma.
“Good game, Carter,” Craig said, catching Payton’s eye.
“Thanks. I-I’m glad you got to come watch.”
He stood staring at her then turned to flag Marino to come with him. “No problem. I’ll see you around.”
“Yeah, I’ll see you.” Geez, when did she become so lame around him? Ignoring the blush she knew had crept up her neck, she watched him walk away with her brother.
“Now why don’t I get the Vissers home so they can kick back for a bit?” Mr. Carter ushered Payton, Rice, and Neal out with him. The rest of the boys were going to ride together, which left plenty of room to stretch out in the large SUV.
“Man, I think I have a bruise on my back.” Payton yawned, letting her head plop back against the seat.
“You really worried me out there tonight … You got hit harder than usual.” Neal leaned closer.
“They were gunning for me, but I’ve been expecting it all season. The ones I’m worried most about are the Lawson Lions in two weeks. I may end up coming off the field on a stretcher.” She chuckled.
“That’s not funny.” Neal shifted his gaze to hers, his brow furrowed. “Don’t joke about shit like that.”
“Sorry.” Soon they pulled up to the familiar little white house. “I’ll see you at school tomorrow.” Payton waved.
“Yeah, Friday—finally.” He smiled, grabbing his gear.
Exhausted, Payton was glad to finally be heading home. All she wanted to do was bask in about twelve hours of sleep …
Saturday morning, Payton was up early. She lay in bed for a few minutes, rubbing her eyes. Her brothers had had a late game the night before that’d gone into overtime. And of course she had work today.
Payton climbed from bed, grabbed her work uniform, and headed in to take a quick shower. The one thing about getting up early on the weekend was being able to enjoy the silence. And not fight to get into my own bathroom, which my brothers constantly tried to monopolize or grab the last waffle or favorite cereal. Once clean, she dried her hair, slid into her clothes, then made her way upstairs.
“Ready, kiddo?” Her dad glanced up from reading his paper to catch her wiping the sleep fro
m her eyes.
“Yeah, but I’ll need like a gallon of coffee to get me going. What time are the boys coming in?”
“Probably about eleven or twelve. I think they’re working until seven or eight because tonight they’re going out clubbing or whatever you kids call it.” Mr. Carter chuckled. “I haven’t quite figured out why they’d want to go, since none of them can dance.”
Payton snorted. “Really, Dad? They’re going to pick up girls.” She trailed him out to the car and climbed in next to him
“Hmmm … Maybe I need to have ‘the talk’ with them before they go. Remind them to behave.”
“Ew, Dad. Just no.”
Her dad laughed. “Okay, no talk. Oh, but heads up, I think David, Craig, and one of the other kids are spending the night.”
Craig? Okay, she couldn’t worry about what’d happened at school and the whole homecoming fiasco. She’d have to get over it. He was her brothers’ best friend, which meant he’d still be hanging out with them.
When they pulled up to the restaurant, Payton saw that Lily had just parked as well.
“Morning.” She smiled and grabbed her large travel cup of coffee.
“Hi.” Payton fell in next to her. “So you’re the one the boys conned into pulling an early shift?”
“Oh, I don’t mind. It’s not like I’ve got much going on anyway. If I wasn’t here, I’d just be at home in front of the TV or crocheting.”
After they took their coats off and got their things in order, they moved through the restaurant, refilling the condiments and such. Payton even went back and started getting the stuff ready for the salad bar. But when it came time to deal with the pop dispensers, she groaned. They were a pain in the ass. Whenever she could, she made Rice and one of her other brothers do it. It always took both her and Lily to handle it.
“Not that I want to be nosey or anything, but rumor has it you turned Craig down for homecoming.” Lily glanced at her.
“Let me guess, my brothers told you?” Payton peered out the window while wiping down one of the tables. “Yeah, he did ask, but they probably neglected to tell you that it was a setup. They totally conned him into asking me. Hell, they could’ve paid him for all I know.”
French Fries with a Side of Guys Page 13