Thanks to all of you who are still reading this. That means a lot. Just so you know, 11 years ago today I lost one of the most important men in my life. My paternal grandfather. It was, and still is hard without him.

Chapter 10: Romance

When the board meeting came around on Thursday May 5th, Lizzy was more than prepared for it but this time Bash insisted on coming with her. She didn't like it but knew he wasn't going to take no for an answer. "And before we close out, Ms. Jacobs has an update on the baseball teams' fundraiser," Dean Buckley said.

"Thank you, Dean. Members of the board, just over three weeks ago I came to you with a proposition. You agreed that if we could raise half the money and won our season with no more than eight losses you would donate the other $25,000. We've done that so it's time to uphold your end of the deal. But there's one more thing, the deal also states that if we raised three quarters of the money, that you'd take the extra 12,500 and get us new uniforms and gear before playoffs start in two weeks," Lizzy explained.

"What's your record?" Tom asked her.

"16 and 2, which is essentially a guaranteed win. Even if we lose every game over the next two weeks, we'd end the season 16 and 8. The deal was we win our season, 16 and 8 is a win, we raise half the money, we did, and we lose no more than 8 games. Which we haven't and won't."

"Wait, what's this about new uniforms and 3/4 of the amount?" Tom said.

"Page two, the last paragraph. 'If the two teams can raise 3/4 of the amount by the deadline you'll take the extra 12,500 to buy new uniforms and gear before the playoffs start.' Tom, you really should read contracts before you sign them. Todd Bartlett of Bartlett and Sons is awaiting your phone call. He's the one that quoted 50,000 and gave me the designs for the stadium. This is his contact info. And a copy of the contract you signed. Please, don't force me to take legal action." Tom's jaw tightened and Lizzy knew she may have come off a bit harsh.

The board looked at each but nodded. "And construction must begin before the end of the school year?" The lady at the end of the table asked. She had been scribbling on a notepad throughout the meeting so Lizzy figured she was the board's secretary.

"Yes. That way by the time winter hits, the field is done," Lizzy said.

"Thank you, Ms. Jacobs," Tom said.

The meeting ended and Lizzy found Tom in the hallway. "Mr. Riley, I wanted to apologize for the way I came off in there. It wasn't fair even if I was just trying to make sure that we got what we deserved," Lizzy explained gently.

"I understand, Ms. Jacobs. I know your father and I know he'd be proud of how you handled the negotiations, now, if you'll excuse me, I really must go," Tom said.

"Is everything alright?" He looked shaken and a bit upset.

"My son Rick was in a car accident. He's going to be alright, bumps, bruises, and a sprained ankle, but—"

"He's your son, you're worried."

"Exactly."

"Send him my best." Tom nodded then headed off.

"So," Bash said, stepping up beside her, "When were you going to tell us we only had to raise half of what was necessary to build the new stadium?"

"I wasn't."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly what I said. How long has it been since we got new bats, baseballs, or gloves?"

Bash looked at her confused. "What's that got to do with anything?"

"According to the Minnesota High School Athletic Association's baseball rule book, the school is supposed to pay for all bats, baseballs, batting helmets, baseball and batting gloves, and catcher's padding. Brick uses the bat his dad bought him, we don't have a batting helmet small enough for my head, and we haven't gotten new baseballs since the start of the season; they're supposed to be new every five games. I knew you guys would stop at 25,000 and we needed the extra."

"You didn't have to lie to us though."

"I never lied to you. I told you that I came to a deal with the school board. I told you that they had a condition that we had to win the season for them to donate the rest of the money. I never told you that they wanted us to raise three quarters of the amount."

"I asked what kind of deal you made and you told us that we had three weeks to raise three quarters of the money required to replace the field. That was a lie."

"No, that was in the contract. Like I told them. Look, I mislead you, but for a good reason."

"If you could lie about that, what else can you lie about?"

"Lots of things," Lizzy told him, "but that doesn't mean that I would."

"Lizzy—"

"Bastian, I had to do what needed to be done."

"Yeah," Bash sighed then left her.

With the fundraiser done and over with Lizzy could focus on the rest of the things on her plate. The top thing on that list was her schoolwork followed by looking after the team. After the game on Friday, Lizzy entered Charlie's and Adam's room and collapsed on Charlie's bed.

"Someone seems exhausted," Charlie said, setting down his pen and spinning his chair to look at her.

"Ya think? Even with the prep I had last year going into the state championships, this year seems so much harder."

"Of course it does. Last year you were on a varsity softball team, pitching about 80, 85 miles per hour and most of them were only used to low 70's, so it was easier. These guys though, are used to 85, 90, 95 miles per hour so you have to work harder. A simple fastball isn't fast enough."

"What do I do?"

"Focus on playing the game and not on winning. I know it's hard, but it helps."

"What? Since when do you think that way?" Lizzy asked, pushing herself up on her elbows to look at her cousin. He smirked and shook his head.

"Orion's been good for me. I wouldn't have said that last year, but we've come a long way."

"Wow, I'm glad. But you still prefer Bombay?" Lizzy asked.

"It's not that I prefer Bombay over Orion, they are two completely different coaches and can't be compared, it's that I respect his teaching methods. Bombay is a friend, Orion's a mentor; I respect both of them," Charlie explained.

"Can you go get me dinner? I'm hungry," Lizzy said.

"Lizzy ..." Charlie sighed heavily.

"Please!" Lizzy begged. Charlie only stared at her. "You can take my car," she bribed.

"Okay, what do you want?"

"Burgers?"

"Be back in a minute. Take a nap." Lizzy rolled her eyes but collapsed back onto the bed as Charlie left. She closed her eyes, convincing herself a little nap wouldn't hurt and that she'd be awake long before Charlie returned. However it felt like only a few minutes later when Charlie shook her shoulder and woke her up.

"Wha—What's going on?" Lizzy asked dazed.

"Burgers," Charlie answered, holding up her burger. Lizzy rubbed her eyes as she sat up then looked around the room. Then she spotted Adam. He was sitting on his bed eating what looked like a cheeseburger.

"When'd you get here?" Lizzy asked.

"About 10 minutes ago," Adam answered.

"I've been sleeping for more than ten minutes?" Lizzy asked.

"You've been sleeping for more than 20. Ever since I left," Charlie said, handing her the burger he had brought back for her. "Just like you like it."

"Thanks Charlie," Lizzy said. She melted as she bit into the burger. It was the perfect ending to her very long day.

Lizzy was working her way through her science homework when a sudden realization hit her. She put her pencil down and stared at the framed photograph of the D5 Ducks and then at the one of her and Dwayne, both on her desk. She couldn't believe she had let it get that bad. She wondered if Dwayne had come to the same realization but figured he hadn't since he hadn't said anything. Knowing that she had to fix it, she went down to Dwayne's room and leaned against his doorjamb watching him play a racing game against Fulton.

"Aw man, not again," Fulton complained when the game pronounced Dwayne the winner. "How is it that a kid who spent the majority of his childhood on horseback or on the ice is super good at video games?"

"My parents thought it would help me make friends. I was too good at hockey and grew up with only sisters. You almost had me there. You know, ya don't really strike me as the video game type. You're kinda—"

"Destructive? I know, but every Sunday afternoon my parents would drop me off at Lizzy's and we'd play video games while my parents had lunch with my mom's parents. They weren't too happy about me."

"Oh. Again?" Dwayne asked.

"I think Lizzy wants to say something first," Fulton said, nodding to her. Lizzy smirked and Dwayne motioned her inside. Lizzy swallowed but entered the room. "Maybe I can beat you later. This looks important."

"Fulton," Lizzy said as he stood up and put his controller next to the TV. "Did Port talk to you?"

"About what?" Fulton said.

"Me and him, me and Dwayne."

"Look at him," he told her. Lizzy turned to look at Dwayne and after a moment, she smiled softly. "And that is exactly why he didn't have to say a word. It doesn't matter who puts that smile on your face," Fulton crossed to her and tipped her chin up so she'd look at him, "as long as that smile stays there. Am I hurt that it isn't Port? Yes, but I know that what he didn't do still hurts. Cowboy is good for you. That's what matters here and Port is just trying to make sure we all remember that."

"Thanks, Fult," Lizzy said. He nodded and left the pair alone. Lizzy turned back to Dwayne then looked down at her hands. "I apologize."

"For what?"

"Not acting like a girlfriend."

"You're busy; I understand that, just like Port did."

"Yeah, but I was constantly with him when we dated, but you ..."

"Lizzy," Dwayne reached out and took her hand. She glanced up to see his burnt caramel eyes gazing at her softly. "I'm not the type of guy that needs you around 24/7. I see you every other day at lunch and every day dinner. When was the last time you went to a zoo?" It was a random change of topic but when she looked at him he seemed curious so she went with it.

"I was five. Matt and his girlfriend took me. I liked the dolphins the most but I remember that day was the day that the beluga whales left the zoo. They closed the exhibit that year. I was kinda sad but they said the whales needed better vet care and would get it in San Diego. Both whales died in the next three years. Ben promised to take me to the one in Texas but he was always so busy." She looked up at him and smiled.

"Then how about tomorrow? You and me at the zoo."

"I'd like that," Lizzy said.

"Now, have a seat, spend some time with me." Lizzy sat down on the bed and they played video games. Lizzy finished the rest of her homework the following morning then had a hearty breakfast. At ten she met Dwayne out front and looked at him. "My parents promised me a truck next year but until then—"

"We can take mine," Lizzy said, holding up her keys. It was only a short drive to zoo.

"So where to first?" Dwayne asked after they had parked and paid the admission, Lizzy looked at the map in her hands.

"Well, we can start here with the Minnesota trail and the Tropics trail then get some lunch and hit Discovery Bay for the dolphin exhibit and show, then hop the monorail through the Northern trail."

"Sounds great."

The Minnesota trail housed animals that were native to the state while the Tropics trail featured animals from the Tropics. They walked hand in hand through the two trails. Her favorites from the two trails were the black bear and the cougar. As they headed for the food court, two girls about their age approached them. One of them was trying to hide a blush as the other one seemed to be goading her on. "Hi," the blushing one said. Lizzy tightened her grip on Dwayne's hand.

"Hey," Dwayne said, smiling and not even flinching at her grip.

"Aren't you Dwayne Robertson from the Junior Goodwill Games?"

"I am, and this is my beautiful girlfriend Lizzy," Dwayne answered.

"Hi," Lizzy said as Dwayne patted her hand with his free one, almost as if he was trying to reassure her that everything was fine and that she had nothing to worry about. She loosened her grip slightly.

"Oh, it's nice to meet you," the girl said. Then her attention went straight back to Dwayne. "I'm Jordan and this is Tiffany. Can we take a picture with you?"

"Uh sure," Dwayne answered. By the look on Dwayne's face, Lizzy knew he was just being nice and didn't think anything of taking a picture with the two girls. Lizzy on the other hand wasn't fooled. This girl, Jordan, had a thing for her boyfriend and she wasn't going to let anything come between them.

"Would you mind taking it?" Tiffany said, offering the camera to Lizzy. Lizzy looked up at Dwayne who smiled sheepishly. Lizzy sighed but reluctantly took the disposable camera and snapped a few photos of the three. Then she snapped one of Jordan with Dwayne. She refused to take any more after Jordan had turned at the last second and kissed Dwayne's cheek. Lizzy handed the camera back to Tiffany as Dwayne signed the zoo map in Jordan's hands. Finally the two girls walked off and Dwayne took her hand again.

"Thank you," he said softly.

"She was flirting with you," Lizzy told him.

"She was just being nice," Dwayne said. "Even if she was flirting, you're my girlfriend. No one is going to take me from you."

Lizzy stared at the concrete then changed the subject slightly. "Since when did you get so popular?" Lizzy asked. "I mean I know the hockey fans of Austin know you because you're a superstar but this seems to be more than that."

"It only happened recently. More so right after the games. I could barely go anywhere in Austin without being recognized. Now, it's not so bad. Certainly you've had that kind of attention before. Charlie said y'all broke a really big Pee Wee record."

"Our Pee Wee archrivals were the Hawks and for 20 years straight they won the Peewee State Championships. When Bombay coached us we broke that record. We were featured in a couple local papers, but that was it. Plus I moved shortly after we won so it wasn't that big of a deal." Lizzy glanced back down, away from his prying eyes. He'd never push her, not intentionally, but she knew he was curious. "Let's get some lunch, huh?"

"Okay," Dwayne agreed. They walked to the food court where they stared up at the menu board. Lizzy ordered nachos, a cookie and a can of soda while Dwayne stood firm on just a bottle of water. He handed the cashier money for lunch and Lizzy slipped a ten dollar bill into his pocket. She knew the only times Dwayne skipped lunch was when he couldn't afford it and she felt bad. She knew the zoo was an expensive place and that he didn't have a job while he was at school. She wished she had suggested something cheaper like the park or something. Once they got their food, they headed for Discovery Bay and the dolphin exhibit. Lizzy felt better about agreeing to the zoo when she coerced Dwayne into eating some, about half, of her nachos and part of her cookie.

They sat down for the dolphin show and Lizzy cuddled into his side. The show started and Lizzy's entire focus shifted to the show. As they stepped into the sunshine, Lizzy looked up at Dwayne. "Are you having fun?" Lizzy asked.

"Yeah. I mean it's not the most romantic date we've been on, but spending time with you is always fun."

Their trip on the monorail was uneventful though they enjoyed it. After the ride they got off and headed for the gift shop. Dwayne told her to pick anything she wanted and she looked around until she found a small, stuffed dolphin. They waited in line and once it was paid for, Lizzy kissed his cheek. "Thank you so much for this. You are a truly amazing boyfriend and I don't deserve you."

"Maybe not, but I'm not going anywhere," Dwayne told her. Then he did something very unusual. He took her in his arms and kissed her. Dwayne had never kissed her in this public of a place before. He hated big shows of affection and preferred to keep his relationships private.

"Lizzy, my favoritest person in the world," Fulton approached her Monday afternoon.

"First, the word should be most favorite and second, why does that sound like you want something?"

"I just want you to come to the mall with me," Fulton said.

"Then why didn't you just say so? You make it seem so devious. Unfortunately I'm exhausted. We have a big game tomorrow and coach is on our butts about it. I just want to eat dinner and go to sleep."

"Please, Lizzy? I miss my bestest friend."

"Fine, but you're driving," Lizzy said, handing over her keys. Lizzy relaxed in her passenger seat, but it didn't take long to get to the mall. They went inside and walked around for a while until they got food at the food court. They had almost finished dinner when Fulton excused himself to the bathroom. She finished her meal as she waited and then smiled as she looked up when he sat down. Only it wasn't Fulton.

The boy across from her stared at her and for a moment she had no idea who he was. The dark hair, the steele blue eyes, his face, even his polo and slacks, nothing gave it away. She could tell he had an athletic build but she had no idea who he was. Then he spoke and her smile dropped into a glare. "Hello, Lizzy," he said. That voice, though it had changed slightly due to puberty, still had the same superiority tone to it.

"What do want McGill?" Lizzy asked, trying not to get angry. He was only sitting there, she reminded herself. So far he hadn't done anything wrong.

The boy folded his hands on the table in front of him. "I know that you don't want to talk to me or possibly even see me, but I feel like we should talk."

"And I feel like we shouldn't."

"Just hear me out, please," McGill said.

"Why should I give you that chance?"

"Adam has," he said simply.

Lizzy took a sip of her drink as she pondered his proposition. She wondered if hearing him out would be a bad thing. Perhaps it could be a good thing, but that also lead to wondering if hearing him out meant forgiving him.

"You don't have to forgive me, just hear me out," McGill pleaded softly.

"Fine." Lizzy got comfortable and trained her eyes on him.

"A lot kids in Edina play hockey. You know as well as I do that Minnesota is the heart of hockey turf for the U.S. Ask anyone and they'll all tell you if you play hockey in District Six at that age you want to play for Jack Riley. Even with the way he treats the kids, he gets results and a few of his kids have gone onto the big leagues. His actions may be questionable but he does get results, even Bombay and Adam will tell you that."

"What does any of that have to do with what you did?"

"A lot of D5's parents worked, didn't they, but they tried to be there, right?"

"Yeah, Charlie's mom made it to every game, so did Jesse's dad, in fact, a lot of parents tried."

"We didn't have that. Barely any dads showed for the games. Doctors, lawyers, the like. Coach became a father to all of us. You have a great relationship with your dad, don't you?"

"Nope, he's a lawyer," Lizzy answered, looking away from him.

"So you know what we went through. With our dads always working, Coach Riley filled that role and after Adam left for the Ducks one of us had to step up and be coach's go-to guy. That also meant however, never letting him down. When he asked, you didn't tell him no. It wasn't in your vocabulary. On top of that my Dad played for Coach Riley when he was first starting as a coach. If it got back to him that I was Coach's favorite, it'd make my dad happy." Lizzy shrugged. "I never meant to hurt Adam. Believe it or not, he was one of my closest friends. Joey and I made a lot of mistakes that game. Mistakes that, if we could go back in time, we'd never make again. I know you can probably never forgive me, I just don't want you to be mad anymore."

"Oh, I'm not mad; I just couldn't care less about you." Lizzy wiped her hands on her napkin, stood up, and then walked over to where Fulton stood at a nearby table talking to Kenny and some girl. As she got closer she saw it was her friend Emma. "Emma?"

The brunette looked over her shoulder and smiled, her blue eyes shining bright. "Hey Lizzy," Emma said.

"Please, don't tell anyone we're dating; they won't understand," Kenny said.

"Okay," Lizzy shrugged.

"Uh, Lizzy?" Fulton prompted.

"I don't hate him; I just never wanted to see him again. You knew that and yet you let him talk to me and didn't even try to stop it." Lizzy stared at Fulton for a moment then left the mall.