It took every ounce of my being not to tug at my dress. I could see the slight curve of my breasts. Even though it didn’t show much, I still taped it down because the last thing I needed was for my boobs to spring free under the spotlight. Max stood next to me on stage and lifted my hand as we accepted our fate as homecoming king and queen.

“Thank you, Oak Grove!” Max pointed to his crown, then to mine. He bowed deeply to me. “And thank you, homecoming queen Sutton McCoy! Not only did we win tonight, but look at you, sis. Damn.” He turned back to the crowd and pointed at me. “This is our quarterback!” The crowd whistled and hooted.

I blushed under the heavy, bright lights that illuminated us on the pop-up stage. Max led me down the stairs for the obligatory dance. He was still taller so even though he wasn’t as smooth slow dancing, it was nice that I had to look up at him.

“I’m glad you won.” Max was my favorite player on the team. I felt like we would stay friends long after high school was over.

“I’m glad I won, too.” He laughed and twirled me. “Can you imagine me here with Avon?”

“Absolutely not.” Max was dating Becca, a freshman in college, who refused to attend any high school functions. I couldn’t blame her. I didn’t want to be here either.

“Thank God you got the votes. Here’s to the football team crushing everything,” he said.

When the dance ended, he hugged me and whispered, “It’s nice to see you smile and have fun again.”

I hugged him. “Thanks, Max, for being a good friend, especially during the breakup.”

He sighed. “That was brutal. And don’t even get me started on that douchebag she’s dating. Too bad I’m not on defense. I’d break his leg.” His words were harsh, but they made me smile. Max had my back on the field and off.

“First loves. Ugh. Am I right?” If I didn’t joke about it, I’d cry and Hayley would hate it if I ruined her stellar makeup job.

“Well, she’s missing out because you’re on fire and one day she’s going to regret hurting you,” he said.

Chapter Four—When Past and Present Collide

Present

I’d spent the morning looking at films of players out on the field still trying to make our roster. Pre-season started in a few weeks and we were going to have to seriously slash names off the list. Players weren’t exactly fighting to play for us, but the ones here had fire and something to prove. I liked being the underdog team because there was only one way to go.