Jenna stopped screaming a slew of profanities and looked at me. Her body was shaking from laughter. “You do know he will get hit, right?”

I shook my head. “No. I just thought he threw a ball to a guy who ran and would hopefully get across the line before the other giants tackled him.”

Jenna shut her eyes and slowly shook her head. “Oh, sweet baby Jesus.” She popped open her eyes and said, “I have a lot to teach you. Will you be my friend?”

I knew she was joking, but still, something inside me was jumping up and down. “Only if you promise not to make fun of me. This is actually my first football game, ever. I told you, Gabe’s dad was in a band.”

Holding her pinky out she said, “Pinky promise.”

And, just like that we were friends.

I am happy to report that the Saints won, thirty three to twelve. When the game was over Jenna said, “Follow me. Gage told me to bring you to the family room.”

“Family room?” I asked. I made sure Gabe was holding my hand tight as we weaved in and out of people.

“It’s where the family and friends of the players can wait for them to shower and change.” It was too loud and she probably wouldn’t hear me so instead of replying I just followed her. She stopped when we reached a large metal door. She typed in a code and opened the door.

The large room was buzzing with people. “Jenna, I didn’t think you would be here.” The tall, gorgeous blonde was looking Jenna up and down.

Jenna turned to ice. Her warm eyes where like stone. “Gage and Trent are my friends. Besides, I thought Trent tossed you to the trash, again.”

“Don’t be silly, darling. We both know Trent and I will end up together. Why stop the inevitable?”

Jenna was either choking on vomit or really despised this girl. I’m going with the latter. “We both know Trent will never marry you. Don’t kid yourself. He’s using you for one thing and since your so obviously willing to drop and bend for any man, why wouldn’t he keep you around for that?”

This was getting interesting. Gabe, thankfully, had made his way to the large snack table in the corner. I watched as Jenna and the girl I dubbed ‘football floozie’ went back and forth. I was waiting for someone to step in but both women were smiling at each other. To the general eye they looked like two friends catching up. They were anything but.

“Excuse me, is there a Gabe Holland in here?” A lady wearing a headset asked.

Gabe jumped up and down. “That’s me!”

The lady paraded her away across the room to my son. I was not about to let him go alone. “Excuse me. I’m his mom. Why do you need him?”

She held her finger up and closed her eyes, listening to her headset. “I know. Tell him to chill. I have the boy and his mom. We are on our way.”

“Sorry about that. Mr. Tucker has requested you and Gabe be brought to the media room.” She turned and started walking back to the door she had just came through before waiting for my approval.

Glancing at Jenna to make sure she hadn’t punched football floozie in the face, she smiled at me and waved. She must have known Gage had this planned.

“Now that we are out of that madness, hi, I’m Amy. I am one of the team assistants.”

Gabe and I both said hello as we followed her down a cinderblock hallway. I could see a room at the end that was filled with people and cameras. At the front of the room was a long table with a giant New Orleans Saints poster behind it.

“If you two don’t mind going right over there and taking a seat I will inform Mr. Tucker that you are here.” She pointed to a few chairs off to the side.

Who I’m assuming were the coaches were sitting at the table feilding questions from the reporters. Seemed intense. The constant flashing was giving my already pounding head a strobe migraine. It looked like we were in a nightclub.

There was a hand on my shoulder. My skin was burning. “How did you like the game?” Gage asked more to Gabe than me.

“I was screaming. Did you hear me?” Gabe asked, excited.

Gage gave a lopsided grin and said, “I sure did, buddy. Why do you think I played so good?”

“Mommy was yelling too.” Gabe ratted me out.

Gage took a seat beside Gabe and smirked. “She did?”

Gabe was kicking his feet back and forth. “Yes. She was worried you were going to get hurt. She was yelling at that defense who was trying to sack you.”

Sack? I thought it was a damn tackle. Geez, I really didn’t know anyting.

Gage put his arm on the back of Gabe’s chair, letting his fingers rub slightly on my arm. “Did you inform her that they were supposed to try and sack me?”

Shaking his head, he said, “Nope, but your friend Jenna told her. She’s pretty.”

Gage laughed. “She is. She is my very best friend. We have been friend since we were younger than you.”

“That’s a long time. I think you need a new best friend.” I was praying my son did not say I could be his new friend. I sighed in relief when he said, “I can be your new best friend. I’m the coolest kid my mom knows, huh mom?” I nodded.

“I am in luck. Jenna will be leaving soon and my best friend spot will be open. Good thing we met.”

“…And the star of tonights game, Gage Tucker.”

Camera’s turned in our direction as Gage ruffled Gabe’s hair and stood. The flashing comenced. It followed Gage all the way to the table at the front of the room.

“Mr. Tucker, after having a rough year, could you please tell us what had you playing so well tonight?” An older reporter asked.

Gage looked in our direction. “That’s easy. It’s all because of my best friend, Gabe.” He winked then turned his attention back to the reporters. “My offensive line held the other guys back, giving me freedom to play around and scan before just throwing the ball and hoping it landed in the right guys hands. I had a few runs, but we all know I am a passing kinda QB.”