I remember Nathan is behind me, his family couldn’t be here, and I realize how much it must suck to have no one here. I turn to him and wrap an arm around his shoulders and pull him into the circle before dropping my arm. “And we’ve got another shot to get back here next year.”

“It was a hell of a year. One you should both be really proud of,” my dad says in his official Valley president voice, but then softens as he says, “Don’t spend too much time celebrating before you get back to work for next season.”

Nathan smiles at that and holds up his arm and we bump fists. We make the rounds, saying hello to teammates, families, and anyone else that wants a moment of our time – which seems to be everyone.

When I can sneak away, I check my phone. Still nothing from Kitty. With about a million people patting my back and congratulating me on my contribution to the victory, it’s her words I want more than anyone else. She’d sent me a good luck message before the game, her and Christian’s faces pushed together, and I could tell they were both wearing their Valley shirts.

Nathan walks up as I’m staring at the picture and willing Kitty to call or text. “You ready to party?”

I nod. “Yeah, ready to get out of here for sure. I need to say goodbye to my family.”

Nathan points to Shaw and Malone who stand by the door. “Want us to wait for you?”

“Nah, go on. I’ll catch up.”

My mom and sisters are nowhere in sight, but I spot my dad and make my way to him.

“We’re taking off. Thank you for coming. Means a lot.”

He places a hand on my shoulder. “You’ve grown into a good man. Hard working, smart, loyal. Nowhere else I’d rather be. Valley president or not.”

Touched by his words but feeling awkward as hell at all the attention my talent and character has gotten tonight, I change the subject. “Where’d Mom and the girls go?”

“The ladies room. If it’s anything like the trip they made at halftime, I wouldn’t expect them back anytime soon. Go,” he motions with his head. “We’ll see you back home.”

No further prompting is needed, I duck out and dial Katrina as soon as I’m far enough from the noise I think I’ll be able to hear her.

“Hello?” she answers huskily, obviously woken from sleep.

“Hey.”

“Congratulations.” I can hear the smile in her voice.

“Thanks.”

There’s silence for too long, but I’m at a total loss. For someone that called her, I’m doing a shit job at talking. All the things I want to say and none of them feel right via phone.

“I was gonna text or call, but I figured you’d be celebrating with the team.” She yawns.

“Still could have. You can always call.”

“Christian drew you a picture. I, uh, promised him I’d get it to you when you get back.”