It was a post pattern, and Cole made a perfect catch from Cassidy, gaining twenty-four yards, a big first play for the Traders that had everyone on their feet cheering.

In typical Riley fashion, everyone cheered, even Tara, though she muttered “dammit” under her breath.

Liz laughed. “Going to be a tough game, isn’t it?”

“I love Cole. He’s family. He’s Savannah’s fiancé. But right now he’s my husband’s opponent. So while I want him to do well . . . I don’t want him to do well. It’s a dilemma.”

Savannah turned around in her seat. “You can go ahead and boo and curse, honey. It won’t hurt my feelings because I’ll likely do the same thing every time your husband hits a completion for the Sabers.”

Tara laughed. “You’re on.”

And so it went, and by the end of the first half Mick’s team was up by a touchdown. Everyone got up to stretch, mingle, and refill their drinks.

“That was intense,” Tara said. “But Mick’s doing well.”

“He is. Damn him,” Savannah said. “But Cole had that awesome touchdown catch.”

“He did,” Tara said with a smile. “Damn him.”

“I might have to sit between the two of you during the second half,” Jenna said. “If it’s close, you might start emptying your purses and throwing your cell phones at each other.”

Tara laughed. “I don’t think we’ll come to blows over a football game.”

“Doubtful,” Savannah said. “We just want our guys to win. But they’ve both lost before, so I think we can take it no matter what happens.”

“What? There’s not going to be a girl fight in the suite?” Gavin asked, coming over to put his arm around Liz’s shoulders.

“I’m afraid not,” Tara said.

“I’m so disappointed. And I have my camera phone ready to take pictures and video.”

Savannah rolled her eyes and shot Tara a look. “Men.”

“Agreed,” Tara said, moving away with Savannah to get a drink.

Liz poked him in the ribs with her elbow.

“Ow. What did I say?”

She laughed and put her arms around him. “Enjoying the game and family time?”

“Yeah. It’s a pretty good game, too. I honestly don’t have any idea how it’s going to turn out. The Traders have a tough defense, but Mick is strong in the pocket and the Sabers have got offensive weapons that just can’t be beat. And then there’s Grant Cassidy, who has a wicked accurate arm and lots of choices on who to throw it to. The Traders’ receiver corps is stout this season, which makes it hard for the defense to cover.”

“I think the key to this game is going to be who has the strongest defense, and which of the quarterbacks has the best arm.”

Gavin squinted at her. “Care to lay some money on the outcome?”

She laughed. “Not on your life. I have players on both teams and I’m not betting on the outcome of this game.”

“Wuss. I’m going to hit up the guys. I know they’ll get in on the action.”