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“This is Johnny May, live from the South Mountain Football Boosters Fundraiser! It is a beautiful September Saturday, and if you are out by Oak and Main, please stop by and check out the vendors and car wash. Proceeds for this year’s event will go to all after-school activities, including this year’s musical. Some breaking news here at WRXT: We have just been informed that our very own South Mountain football team will be participating in the musical in various roles. It should be something special, as Gunner Weston will be carrying the lead role…”

**********

Gunner shook his head and walked away from the radio booth.

I’m not the lead.

He flexed his hands and moved through the vendor tents.

Hailey’s the lead.

“Gunner!” Tony walked toward him with a huge grin, instantly easing the fire that was growing in his belly. “Great game last night, Gunner! You boys played great. ”

The smell of pizza sauce and cheese was redolent as the two came together in an embrace.

“Thanks, Tony. Thanks for sticking with us.” He pulled back, but Tony refused to let him go.

“Are you kidding me, kid? We would never give up on you guys.” The smile remained, comforting Gunner with its sincerity. “As long as we have you on the sideline, kid, I know we have a chance.”

God damnit, Tony.

Gunner’s smile faltered.

“Well, Coach Bianchi has done a good job too.”

Tony winced before his big Italian smile returned.

“Yeah, of course.”

Gunner stood quiet for a second before grabbing the man’s shoulder.

“Trust me, Tony.” They turned and faced the tents. “We’re all going to get through this.”

Together.

Tony sighed.

“I trust you, Gunner.” He hugged the boy again with one arm. “And if you trust him, well then, I trust him.”

Better.

Gunner knew that Tony had loved his father. They were like brothers and had started the football Boosters together. Like the rest of the people in town, Tony was still healing, and he was not going to trust Coach Bianchi easily .

I understand that.

They all had questions about his background and why he would just up and quit a great coaching job like the one he had in California. If he could only tell them the real story, they would understand. They would see the man Gunner saw in their meeting, broken and suffering, needing the support of this town. However, it was not his place to tell, and the only way he knew how to help right now was to win football games.

“Remember,” Tony yelled as he headed toward his tent, “you get whatever you want---on me today! My treat!”

Gunner flashed a thumbs-up before a hand on his back spun him around.

“Mom, Peyton!” he exclaimed, hugging them both.

“Baby, look at this!” His mother was smiling ear to ear. “Everyone came out!”

They sure did.

Gunner rested his arms on their shoulders, kissing his sister on the forehead as they peered out at the fundraiser.

“Yeah,” he agreed, taking it all in.

The large parking lot was already full of people. Smells of pizza, popcorn, and cotton candy were everywhere, reminding Gunner’s stomach that he had forgotten about breakfast.

“And what is this that I hear?” His mother had a sly grin that she directed his way. “You are going to be the star in the musical now?”

Stop.

Gunner shook his head .

“And you got your sister and all your friends in it, too?”

He kicked the asphalt in front of him.

“I’m not the star, Mom.”

Peyton squeezed her arms around his back.

“Of course you are! And the male lead in this musical is perfect for you!” She laughed. “I always thought you resembled a monster.”

Right.

He knew she was joking, but the words still hurt. The way he had acted over the last five months made him feel like a monster. One game was not going to change that, and he knew it.

“Well actually, Hailey Bianchi is playing the lead, I’m just---”

Peyton jumped and jabbed his chest.

“You mean the coach’s daughter?!” Gunner squinted up at his mom, who was still grinning. “Now I know why you got us all to do this.”

Enough.

His face was on fire as he stuttered through his response.

“Listen, it’s not that, it’s just…Ms. Summers said dad…and I---”

His mom rubbed his forearm.

“Your father would be so happy, Gunner. About all of this. I loved the theatre growing up, and we never missed one of Ms. Summers’ musicals.”

Stay strong, Mom.

He could see a hint of sadness in her eyes as she spoke about his father, the grin fading from her face.

“Yeah, well, Mrs. Weston, I hope he would be proud of us too!” Andy joked as he made his way over with JT and Emilio.

“Boys!” his mother shouted, a smile lighting up her face. “He would be so proud of all of you!” Gunner nodded to the approaching group. “I heard you have all joined in on the musical this year!”

Emilio clicked his tongue and peered up into the clear sky.

“Yeah, well, not like I had much of a choice.”

Juelz came sprinting up behind Gunner’s mother and embraced her.

“Mrs. Weston!” she yelled, spinning her around.

“Juelz! You look wonderful, sweetheart!” His mother’s glow had returned. “Juelz, are you going to take care of my Peyton for me on stage?”

She smiled and slid in next to Gunner.

“Well, Mrs. Weston. I think your daughter is going to be wonderful. I’m so happy that she was able to get some of the cheerleading team to join us and lend a hand.”

Peyton was now wrapped around Juelz as they started talking about the role she would be playing.

“Fellas?” his mother asked, pointing at them. “What are you going to be playing?”

Oh boy.

Gunner was unsure how they would respond. After all, he had only roped them into the musical late last night.

It was Juelz’s idea to spring it on them at Tony D’s after the win. While they had reluctantly agreed, he was worried that when the adrenaline of the game passed, they would come to their senses and back out.

“Well,” Andy said, stepping up, “I’m going to be the candlestick.” His eyes were on Juelz, who gave him a flirtatious grin.

The perfect role for Andy.

It had been years now that Andy and Juelz had been together in secret. Gunner considered that a loose term at this point, as they were terrible at hiding it. He knew Andy was waiting for the right time to tell Emilio, but so far, that time had not presented itself.

“I’m playing the feather duster. Andy and I get a chance to dance together,” Juelz said softly, her cheeks growing red.

“Yeah, well.” Emilio shook his head and pushed in between them. “I’m playing the clock or whatever. Gunner said I have a pretty big part, so you know…” He shrugged his broad shoulders.

Safe for now, Andy.

“And JT?” His mother looked over at the wide receiver, who was nervously shifting from one foot to the other.

“I am, umm, the dad, I guess.”

His mother clapped loudly.

“That’s a great part!”

JT smirked, a little embarrassed. He was never one to be the center of attention.

“Well, you know, Mrs. W---”

She reached up and grabbed his face, kissing his cheek .

“I know you all are extremely talented, and not just on the football field, JT. You are going to do a fantastic job.” She tilted her head over to Gunner. “What about Ty?”

Yeah, Ty.

Gunner hesitated. He had not seen his best friend since the pizza parlor the night before.

“I’m the bad guy, Momma Weston!” Ty glided around the corner, a bottle of water in hand.

“Ty!” she protested as he picked her up.

“Can you believe they gave G the lead part and not me?” He winked over at Gunner and set her down.

“Well, you have a big part too! As well as some fantastic singing and dancing. I cannot wait to see how you put your own spin on the character.”

“Yeah, I guess we will see.”

Gunner could hear the sarcasm in his best friend’s voice. The glare he exchanged with Ty continued until his mother broke the awkwardness.

“Well, it was great seeing all you kids. I am so proud, and I can promise.” Her eyes beamed at each teenager in the group. “Coach would be so proud, too.”

I hope.

Gunner gave one last hug to his mother, who then started away with his sister.

“So,” Ty mumbled, “what’s this really all about?”

Come on, Ty .

Juelz punched him in the shoulder.

“Don’t be a jerk. You know what this is about!”

Gunner appreciated the support and again locked eyes with his best friend.

“Just trying to do what I feel is right, Ty. Just trying to help out a little.”

The two continued their heated glare. The tension had grown, and the rest of the group clearly felt uneasy.

Gunner knew he was dodging the talk he needed to have with Ty. They were best friends, and Gunner had some explaining to do. But right now was not the time for this childish game.

“Hailey!” Juelz shriek diverted Gunner’s focus.

She came.

He took a step forward, unable to hide the wide grin that was creeping onto his face.

Man, she looks great.

Hailey moved with elegance everywhere she went. She always looked amazing, and today, he was instantly struck by how beautiful she was in the bright midday sun. Her hazel eyes were sparkling as she joined Juelz, and the yellow sundress she was wearing led his mind to wander again as his eyes followed each subtle movement.

Stop it!

He quickly inhaled, his smile faltering as he looked away.

He knew she was different, and it was not just the way she dressed or spoke. She had an easy confidence that intimidated every boy in school, and she was clearly one of the smartest students in their class. Most girls had given Gunner whatever he wanted. They knew he was the quarterback of the football team and a Weston. They would never have questioned or snapped at him like she had that night in the auditorium.

In that moment, Hailey had shown him who he really was, and even though it hurt, she was right. He knew she would never go for a guy like him, at least not anymore. A guy like him had destroyed her family. He could see that every time her eyes met his.

“I see,” Ty said next to him. “Just doing what is right, huh?”

Damnit, Ty.

Gunner could feel his hands clench as he glared back. The tense moment stretched until the voice of the radio DJ called Ty’s name.

“Sorry, boys.” He backpedaled with his hands out. “I have to give the people what they want!”

Jerk.

Gunner stared after his best friend until he sat down with Johnny May, who was about to do the interview.

“Guys…” Gunner said softly to the others.

“Don’t worry about it, G.” Emilio grabbed his shoulder tight. “We know.”

Gunner nodded and felt JT and Andy slap him on the back.

They know.

**********

“I just don’t think it will work.” Bridgette was obviously not on board with Juliana’s proposal .

This is a fair, not a fundraiser.

Hailey was trying to concentrate on the conversation at hand, but the mass of people moving around her was distracting. Her eyes flashed between the vendor stands, each thrumming with people. The smells of pizza and popcorn were making her hungry.

“Hailey?” Juliana said, grabbing her attention. “What do you think?”

Me!?

Hailey had just been briefed on this plan, and while she knew Juliana wanted this to work, it sounded downright crazy to her.

The football guys would never go for this, and quite frankly, the idea was uncomfortable for her. Not just because she hated football and her dad coached them, but because the thought of working closely with Gunner honestly frightened her.

She had not been able to stop thinking about his face when she went home the night before. Her dad had been so happy as he recounted all the great moments of the game. But every time he brought up Gunner, her heart would skip, and she had spent most of the conversation struggling to catch her breath.

“I don’t know…” Hailey was trying to figure out how to put it into words. “I mean, I don’t know the boys like you do but---”

“They’re football players, Juelz!” Bridgette crossed her arms, agreeing with Hailey for the first time since she had arrived. “They don’t care about our musical!”

Brad, with whom Hailey had a few classes, approached from behind with a bag of cotton candy.

“Hi, Hailey!” He smiled and waved .

Brad!

Unlike Bridgette, Brad had warmed up to her quickly. He also seemed much happier since he had been told he no longer had to play the lead male role.

“I know these boys, and I know---” Juliana glanced over Hailey’s shoulder. “Gunner! Boys!” She jumped forward.

Gunner.

Hailey froze as Juliana ran past her.

“Juelz!” His voice made her squeeze her eyes tight. “I can only imagine what you’re talking about right now.”

She could feel him stop next to her, his silhouette blocking the sun.

“Well,” Juliana replied, now standing next to the group of football players. “We were just talking about how excited we are for the musical.”

Hailey peeked over at Gunner, who nodded, a sarcastic smile on his face.

He’s not buying it.

“I’m sure that’s what it was.” He gave a small wave to Hailey, who merely dipped her head. “Look.” He moved to the center of the group. “I know we’ve had our differences in the past. But we would not have volunteered for this unless we were ready to give one hundred percent.”

Bridgette’s eyes were not on Gunner; instead, they had shifted directly to Juliana’s brother.

“Are you sure they volunteered?” she responded snarkily, but Gunner refused to waver .

It was clear that he was the leader of this group. He always seemed in control of the situation. As she watched him move, she realized Ms. Summers was right: He was not afraid of the spotlight.

Amazing.

“Boys?” He twisted around to them, his palms outstretched.

The other football players nodded in unison.

“Coach W. would have wanted us to do this.” Juliana’s brother had stepped to the middle, and Hailey thought that she saw Bridgette twitch. “So, we’re going to do this.”

“See!” Gunner chuckled and put his hand on Bridgette’s shoulder. The tug from the night before returned, and Hailey had to look away.

Get over it, Hailey!

“We can’t do this without your help.” He lowered his voice. “Bridgette, I have listened to you sing for the last three years. You’re extremely talented.”

Oh man, he is good.

“We may be just a bunch of dumb jocks…” Gunner smirked at Hailey, and her cheeks grew red. “But we know what it means to work hard. With your help, I think we can make this musical something special.”

So good at this.

The group went quiet. The sound of patrons shuffling by suddenly seemed very loud.

“I’m in!” Brad screamed, raising his hand and bringing a laugh from Gunner.

God, he has a great laugh .

“That’s the spirit, Brad!”

Bridgette seemed less convinced, but she appeared to be done with this topic.

“Whatever,” she said, flipping her black hair.

“It’s a start!” Gunner clapped.

I hate that he’s so likeable.

“Well, right now,” Juliana started pushing the boys away, “we need to work on this fundraiser before we start losing customers!”

Brad’s face was glowing as he shook Gunner’s hand; however, while Bridgette may have initially agreed with Hailey, the new glare Bridgette sent her way was more in line with what the typical interaction had been since her arrival.

She still hates me.

“Hailey.” Gunner’s voice snapped her around. “I have your books from the other night. If you want to grab them? My car is right over here.”

My books!

He pointed toward the parking lot, and her eyes widened.

“I am so sorry about that!” She clasped her hands to her face. “I, I totally forgot about them.”

He laughed and waved her toward the car.

“Don’t worry about it.”

They maneuvered through the crowd of people, everyone congratulating him on the game the night before like he was some type of celebrity .

“I just figured you would need them for class. It’s not easy to get your hands on a copy of Troilus and Cressida in this town.”

He saw what I was reading.

She looked down sheepishly as he confidently steered them through the tents.

“Well, it is assigned reading for AP English, and I figured I would get a head start with all the practices coming up.”

Gunner turned when they finally broke through the mass of people.

“I know.” He laughed again. “I’m in that class, too. I’m with the morning group due to the AP Chemistry class I had to sign up for.”

What?

She froze by his car.

“What?” He was smiling as he grabbed the books, her facial expression already telling him all he needed to know. “A football player like me can’t be in AP classes?”

No! I mean…

She shook her head, her face heating up even more.

“It’s not that, it’s just…I said some terrible things the other night, and I, well…”

Gunner came around the car, books in hand.

“Look, Hailey.” He leaned against his hood, his muscles bulging through his tight South Mountain Football shirt.

Breathe, Hailey.

“I deserved it. I said some terrible things that night too. ”

He had locked her books in his biceps, and she was struggling to pull her gaze off them.

“You don’t know me, and I’ve been kind of a jerk. I’m constantly dropping in on you as you try to practice alone. It’s just…” he trailed off as he handed her the books. “You have an amazing voice, and I guess I was just drawn in, you know?”

Are we doing this again?

She bit her lip, grasping the books tightly as the two went silent.

“But,” he finally continued as he started around his car, “I’m glad you took those books. They’re really not for me.”

His response pulled her closer.

“So, what books do you like to read?”

Gunner had already pulled a slim volume from his back seat.

“This is what I’m reading for AP English.”

He held up a copy of All Quiet on the Western Front .

“Of course, a war book.”

He snorted and threw it back into the car.

“Well, it’s not really just about war. It’s about the toll that war takes on a man and how a person can lose sight of who they are.” He stopped and peered into the clear blue sky.

There is that look in his eyes again.

“But I have read some of the classics, too.” He was back to trying to hide the anguish but doing a terrible job. “My dad always preached that I should be well-rounded, so I read some Shakespeare, like you. But don’t get me wrong.” He slid over his car hood. “I still love a good Lord of the Rings.”

He is good.

She looked away and tried to cover the smirk that was spreading across her face.

He’s so good at this game.

“Hails?”

“Daddy!?” She twisted in surprise to see him approaching with her sister.

She came!

“Melissa!” Hailey rushed forward. She slammed against her sister and squeezed tight. “You came! I am so happy you came!”

She pulled away, noticing too late that an anxious expression was splashed all over Melissa’s face.

“Gunner.”

Crap!

Hailey twirled, her heart dropping as she saw her father moving toward Gunner’s car.

“Coach, I mean sir, I mean Mr. Bianchi…how are you today?”

Hailey grabbed her sister’s arm and pulled them closer to their father.

“Gunner!” She needed to intervene immediately. “This is my sister, Melissa.”

Gunner was clearly anxious with her father so close .

“Nice to meet you.” He extended his hand, which Melissa reluctantly shook. “You two are practically twins.”

He threw on his smile that Hailey wished she could frame, but Melissa’s protective grasp on her shoulder pulled her away.

“So.” Her father also seemed different---colder and more aloof than normal.

“Coach, I mean, sir. Hailey forgot her books on stage the other night, and being in the stage crew, I found them, so…I just wanted to return them.”

He stuffed his hands in his pockets, taking a deep breath as if he had just ran a mile.

So cute.

She had no idea why, but his nervousness was even more intriguing than his smile.

“Well, I hear it’s more than just the stage crew now for you boys.”

Gunner nodded.

“Well, yeah, sir.”

The four dropped into that awkward silence that Hailey hated.

Someone say something.

“I think it’s great,” her father finally said. “I can’t wait to see you boys singing and dancing on stage, that’s for sure.” Gunner merely smirked. “Hails, we should go make our rounds. Gunner.” The two held a momentary gaze. “It was good seeing you.”

Her father grabbed her shoulder and ushered her in the opposite direction without another word .

“You too, Coach! I mean, sir!”

Hailey had to use all her strength not to giggle at Gunner’s hesitant shout.

“So.” Melissa was a lot more relaxed now. “That’s the great Gunner Weston I’ve heard so much about?”

Hailey kicked a small rock in front of her and avoided her father’s eyes.

Maybe. I really don’t know.