shook his head, his eyes wide. “I didn’t know this still existed. I feel like I’m on a movie set.”
Cody grinned and looked around him, at the celebrating and rejoicing, and even at Cheyenne still grinning ear to ear up in the stands. “Yes … I’ve felt that way all season long.”
They made a plan to talk more the next day. Hans even hoped to fly Cody to New York for a weekend to meet the rest of the Sports Illustrated staff. Again Cody could hardly take it in. He agreed, and they parted ways. Cody finished talking with parents and well-wishers from the town, and finally an hour later he and Cheyenne drove back to Indianapolis. DeMetri was staying the night at Joel Butler’s house — where most of the team was meeting to watch Remember the Titans and get pumped up for the play-offs.
Cody was glad the team wanted to spend time together. Better than going their separate ways when they had so much to celebrate — and certainly better than partying the win away like so many football players around the country would do after a game like tonight’s.
The ride home was quiet, and Cheyenne admitted to having a headache. “I’m sorry, Cody. I’m so happy for you … really. Maybe I need more sleep.”
“Don’t be sorry.” He smiled, hiding his concern. “I want you to feel good, Chey.” He held her hand and let her sleep the rest of the way home. When they reached her apartment he walked her to the front door and kissed her goodnight. “Get some rest.”
“I will. Thanks, Cody.” Her smile tugged at his heart. “You were amazing out there. Your guys … the town … Larry’s sister.
All of it.”
“You forgot one thing.” He backed up a step, not wanting to keep her when she didn’t feel good. He gave her a final smile. “You were there, Chey. I felt your support every minute.”
She grinned, clearly grateful for the compliment, and then she waved once more and went inside. When the door closed behind her, Cody climbed in his truck and drove home to his apartment. Once he was inside he stepped out on his small patio, sat in his folding lawn chair, and stared at the stars. Cheyenne was amazing. He was blessed to call her his girlfriend. She deserved a guy who would cherish her and treasure her and maybe he was that guy. In time he would have to think about taking their relationship to the next level. That was the right thing to do.
Cody breathed deep and leaned over his knees. He had so much to be thankful for. His football team … the town of Lyle … the love from Cheyenne … his mother’s progress … and his faith. So much.
Cody absently twisted the friendship ring he still wore on his finger. He still loved what it stood for, the Bible verse it contained. There was no reason to take it off, really. Besides, never mind about the past. God had blessed him completely and fully — beyond his expectations. He had learned much these last months … lessons that would last a lifetime, he was sure.
What more could he possibly ask for?
BAILEY DUG HER LADLE INTO A VAT OF GRAVY and poured a scoop over a mound of mashed potatoes. Then she passed the plate to the bearded guy on her right. It was his job to add several turkey pieces, and then at the end of the line of volunteers a homeless person would be given an early Thanksgiving dinner.
It was the Monday night before the holiday, a perfect time for Bailey and her castmates from the new Bible study to serve at the mission in downtown Manhattan. The crowd of hungry people filled the room, more so than Bailey expected. The work would last another few hours at least, and Bailey was grateful. This sort of faith in action could truly change the lives of her castmates.
And they were open to change now. They met Monday mornings at Starbucks across from the J. Markham Theater. Francesca had expressed her disapproval a few times, but she had also admitted that since it wasn’t an official Hairspray Bible study, there wasn’t much she could do. Somehow, Bailey still had her job.
She ladled another scoop of gravy over another mound of mashed potatoes. Gerald worked on her left, making pleasant conversation with the people who passed through their line. Gerald had the kindest heart of anyone