Free The Playmaker (A Big Play Novel Book 1) by Jordan Ford Page B

sacking the quarterback any chance they get and not letting the Bears gain a single yard.
    “We’re going to go out there tomorrow night and we’re going to beat them fair, beat them good, and be the best damn team in Idaho.”
    “Yeah!” Tyler punches the air and starts chanting, “Raiders! Raiders!”
    We all join in…except Mack. I catch his eye and we share a silent look. He nods at me, clenching his jaw and turning for the locker room. The guys follow their captain off the field as we all mentally prepare for one of our toughest games of the season.

 
    #13:
    Blue and Orange All The Way
     
    Tori
     
    Dad needs me at Briggs. Can’t make the game. Have fun!
    I frown at Amy’s text and drop my phone on the bed.
    Poop.
    Flopping down on the end of my mattress, I stare at my open closet door, eyeing the scrambled pairs of shoes on the floor. I’d been in the throes of choosing between my black and pink Skechers or my tan flats. The shoe choice kind of dictates what I throw on the top half of my outfit. Now I’m not sure I even want to go.
    A Raiders game without Amy right beside me. That’s like stupidly scary. This will only be my third one, and who will I sit with if I go alone?
    I nibble my lip, fighting disappointment and a sharp twang of anger. How could my bestie ditch me like this? She knows how important these games are to me.
    “Don’t be a dork, Tori.” I sigh, picking up my phone and texting back a breezy message. It’s not fair for me to dump my fear on Amy. If her dad’s short-staffed, she’s always the first one he calls. The poor girl works like a Trojan for her father.
    Still, I’m feeling like a bird about to be thrown from the nest as I contemplate the thought of attending the game, and bonfire, alone. Colt’s expecting me to be at both. I really have to show, but he probably won’t even notice if I’m not there.
    My second sigh is heavier than my first.
    Operation Fall for Tori is going well, but it’s not a flawless plan. Colt is expecting me to go tonight so I can cheer on Mack.
    I should just bail. I’m seeing Colt tomorrow for another coaching session, and that one-on-one time is way more important than vying for his attention tonight.
    I nod. My decision to chicken out is the safest one to make, but it leaves me feeling like crap. I was kind of looking forward to watching Colt play. Football is way more exciting than I expected it to be. I love the tingle in my stomach as they set for the play, then the crunch of pads and helmets, the thrill of watching the running backs run and dodge the other team’s defensive line. The swell of the crowd as the Raiders make progress down the field, and the explosion of excitement when they score. It’s so amazingly cool.
    I should go.
    No, I can’t go on my own. It’s too lame. It’s too frightening.
    My phone dings. I grab it, expecting to see something from Amy, and nearly fall off my bed when I see Colt’s name on my screen. A smile lights my face.
     
    Don’t wear anything black or red. No Bears colors alowed. Blue and orange all the way!
     
    “Go Raiders!” I giggle.
     
    Have fun waching the game. I’ll see you at the bonfire, pixy girl.
     
    I grin at his spelling mistakes, my heart inflating as my eyes snap back to my open closet. Looks like I’ll be wearing the tan flats. Jumping up, I snatch the shoes off the closet floor, hopping around as I pull them on my feet. I then grab the bright orange scarf hanging on the back of my bedroom door and loop it around my neck.
    “Perfect.” I smooth down the light knit fabric, my insides skittering.
    Pressing my hand to my stomach, I pull in a slow breath then yank my door open.
    “Okay, let’s do this, Tori Jane.”
    Voices catch my attention as I scamper down the stairs. I peek my head into the living room and my smile grows even bigger. “Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Burgess.”
    “Hello, lovely Tori.” Colt’s mom tips her head at me, spreading her arms so I can give her a hug.
    I