Peas starts up. She struts up to Cash then leans in to kiss his helmet. They dance for a couple of seconds and the song once again changes to “Ice Ice Baby.” My sister starts shaking her ass while circling all the players. All the guys in the gym are on their feet hooting and hollering. My sister’s a real catch with most of the student body but every one of them knows she is off limits. It’s Cash and Madison for life.
When Madison makes a full circle around the players the song quickly changes to “Time Of My Life” from Dirty Dancing. Cash grabs Madison and starts dancing with her but not for long because Landon steals her away.
“What the hell is he doing?” Alexa asks, laughing.
“I have no idea when it comes to him.” Landon looks to me then to Madison and shakes his head before spinning her back into Cash’s waiting arms. It’s been a running joke that Landon can never tell us apart and clearly, sometimes I don’t think he can.
“Oh hell.” Alexa squeals.
Landon and Steven stop before us each holding out a hand to us. They bring us into the center of the gym with them.
I bite on my bottom lip before Landon pulls it free with his thumb. “I can’t believe you pulled me out here.” He buries his face in my neck as the lights dim. “Landon, what the hell is going on?” I want to run out of the gym so bad and never show my face again.
“Go with it, babe.” Landon slaps me on the ass and “Teach Me How To Dougie” plays through the speakers. I’m going to kill Madison for not giving me a warning about this shit.
I wonder if anyone would notice if I slipped out of the gym? Landon has enough personality for the both of us.
The guys attempt to teach us how to play football. And I use the word attempt lightly. They basically just said go with whatever feels right and we did.
Madison takes Cash’s role as quarterback, I take Landon’s as wide receiver and Alexa takes Steven’s as running back.
We huddle up; wrap our arms around each other like we’ve seen the guys do so many times. “Macy run down to the other end of the gym, I’m throwing you the ball.”
My eyes go wide, “I can’t catch a ball to save my life.”
She gives me an evil smile, “Landon will make it worth it if you do.”
I glance over my shoulder and Landon winks at me. Damn her!
“Fine,” I groan.
“Break,” Madison yells and then laughs like a hyena. “I’ve always wanted to do that.”
Alexa and I take our positions with the guys as our opponents. Mikey’s a tackle for the team and he hikes the ball to Madison as I take off running down to the other side of the gym. I look back at just the perfect time to catch the ball.
Landon is right in front of me when I catch it. “Holy shit,” he says, stunned.
The crowd goes insane screaming and cheering. Madison, Alexa, Steven, and Cash run over to us.
The music fades as does the lights. “How ‘bout them boys?” Coach asks and the gym once again erupts in cheers.
Madison bumps her hip with Landon’s, “You owe me twenty bucks.”
My mouth drops open, “You bet against me?”
Landon smirks, “Never, baby.” Before I can respond he kisses me and slips my sister her twenty dollars. I can’t believe this little shithead bet against me.
Coach looks down to the floor before he looks up, “Thanks to the trio for the special show.” He eyes Landon like he wants to say something but thinks better of it.
Steven, Cash, and Landon yell, “You’re welcome.” And the crowd laughs.
“Is everyone fired up for this game or what?”
The whole student body goes wild all over again.
Coach laughs. “I’ve coached here at Canby for the last twenty years and this team, this group of players is one of the best I’ve ever had with an undefeated season heading into the championship game. We need a great seed like we have right here for tonight’s game and I will assure you the boys will play and win the championship game tomorrow.”
Everyone cheers.
Landon turns me to him, “I love you, baby.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the note from earlier. He kisses it all the while watching me. He’s totally tuned everything around him out and it’s just the two of us in this gym. I