Before it does, a tall guy with shaggy hair jogs up the metal steps toward the row where we’re sitting. I recognize him from the photo I saw in Jace’s room. As soon as he spots the guy, Jace stands, and they clap each other on the back in greeting.

“Dawson!” the guy exclaims. His friendly, easy-going manner reminds me of Anderson. “Had no idea you’re in town.”

“It was a last-minute trip,” Jace explains. “Other team got the flu, so our coach gave us a few days off.”

“I’m so glad you’re back. Man, you should hear Morgan griping about you,” the guy tells Jace. “Carrie and Melissa were talking about you, and that really set him off.”

“Ask him if he’s been moved up to second string yet,” Jace suggests, and both guys laugh loudly.

“Did you hear about the Williams wedding? Should be like a mini-reunion with you in town.”

“Yeah, I’ll be there,” Jace replies.

“Awesome. Mike better kick some ass with the whole family here to watch.”

The guy’s eyes leave Jace for the first time to skim over the Dawson family, finally coming to rest on me. They widen in surprise, and he glances at Jace. “Long-lost cousin?” he asks.

“You’ve met all my cousins,” Jace responds. “Vivienne, this is one of my best friends, Sam Evans. Sam, this is Vivienne.”

Sam holds out a calloused hand. “It’s really nice to meet you, Vivienne.” He smiles warmly as we shake hands. His face shifts to a mischievous smirk. “You should know, many a girl has tried and failed to be sitting where you are. You must have an endless source of patience to be willing to put up with this guy’s bullshit.” He winks at me.

“Now I remember why I didn’t tell you I was back in town,” Jace tells Sam, punching his shoulder lightly.

“Yeah, yeah,” Sam replies. “I guess I’ll leave without sharing the story of how you got nominated for Homecoming King freshman year in just a towel for the sake of our friendship.”

“Great idea,” Jace affirms.

“I’d love to hear that one at the wedding though, Sam,” I chime in with.

Sam sends me another smile before he bounds back down the stairs after greeting the rest of the Dawsons.

The game begins right after Sam’s departure. Jace murmurs explanations of everything that’s happening throughout the game, correctly assuming I won’t know what’s going on otherwise.

However, his attempt to help me follow the action actually has the opposite effect. I’m so distracted by his proximity that I have absolutely no idea what is happening in the game. The frequent celebrations around me suggest Fulton is winning, which is confirmed each time I glance at the scoreboard. The higher the number, the better is a concept I understand.

The game ends as a blowout. We flock back into the parking lot amidst a crowd of celebration. Everyone seems eager to get home to eat with their families, so there’s much less socializing as we walk back toward the car.