Chapter 57

"Scott. I haven't heard from you in a little while. How are you?"

"I'm fine, William. I was hoping for a couple of minutes of your time. If it's not a good time, would you like to call me back later when it is more convenient for you?"

"Now will be fine. I have nothing I can't push back for another thirty minutes. Is everything ok with you, Pat, or Steph?" William's voice had a bit of worry to it. No matter how long that horrible Monday was, it still leaked into his thinking when something would happen that was out of the ordinary.

Steph's dad and mom talked the previous evening after Steph left for her date. Their hearts broke over Steph's reaction to possibly moving from their home of twenty-four years. Scott remembered bringing Steph home for the first time. This was the only home that Steph knew. After talking with his wife for about three minutes, he knew Pat didn't want to move either. For Scott, that was all it took. He knew at that moment he wasn't going to accept the transfer.

Willliam had tried for years to get Scott to come to Thatcher Shipping to work for the company. Scott was a genius at accounting. He just had this ability with numbers, especially planning projects. Scott liked William. They were all friends. He just liked his current job. He still does, but now things were changing when his only daughter was hurting.

"William, my company is wanting to move me."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Scott. Are they requesting you to move now?"

"They were, but I told them I wouldn't move with Steph in high school. Especially with this being her last few months of high school."

"Were they amendable to that?"

"They were."

"That's good, Scott. I must admit, I hate to see you and Pat move. Elizabeth won't be happy with the news. She loves you, especially Pat."

"We love that child of yours, too. She and Stephanie have been friends forever."

"They have. Does Steph know?"

"That's why I'm calling."

"What's going on?"

"You have been after me for years to work for you."

"I have, but I could never lure you away from your company. Not surprising with your loyalty."

"Thank you. Well, is the job opportunity still open?"

William paused for a moment. He has been after Scott for so many years. He just finally gave up on trying to persuade Scott to change jobs.

"Wait…are you telling me you are strongly considering my plea for you to come here?"

"I am. Stephanie was very upset about moving. When Pat and I began to talk about it after Stephanie left for her date last night, I quickly realized that Pat didn't want to move either. While I like my job, I want to look at another opportunity if it would allow me to stay here."

"You're hired, Scott. You come here whenever you can."

"You don't want to interview me?"

"Of course not. I've known you for years. Can you come in today?"

"Sure. Are you sure about this?"

"Scott, I have been trying to get you here for years. When can you start?"

"Thank you, William."

"No need to thank me. You will be a great addition to our team."

…

Viola smiled as she and Ted walked down the sidewalk. They were dressed up for their Valentine's Day date. Ted thought Viola was unspeakably beautiful in her dress. He loved her hair down. Viola thought he was just too handsome in his black suit. She squeezed his hand just to let him know how happy she was. She had no idea where they were going. She just didn't care. Just a couple of years ago, she would have been consumed with knowing that fact. Now, she was just perfectly content being in Ted's presence. Her thoughts went back to her phone conversation with her mother just a few hours ago.

"But mother…"

"Viola, you forget that I was a young lady at one point in time. I'm not that old, and I don't remember what it feels like to be in love."

"Mother, I didn't say love."

"Viola…" Grace's tone was filled with motherly knowledge. "I have known you your entire life. I know what you are thinking long before you even think it."

"How do you always do that?"

"I'm a mother, dear. Now that you have matured, I believe Ted is the right guy for you. He hasn't changed you. I do believe, however, that he has helped progress your change. You don't care about the place you're going because it's not about the location…it's about the person you are with."

Viola smiled. Her mother was correct. She had changed before Ted showed up on the first day of Biology class, and she agreed with her mother that Ted had helped progress that change.

"And how do you know all of that, mother?"

"I'm a mom, sweetheart. You'll understand one day."

"Ted, this is the best Valentine's Day – day after – date I have ever been on. This evening is perfect." Viola's voice was dreamy.

"We haven't even gotten to where we are going. We have just begun the date. It's five minutes old."

Viola stepped closer and tightened her hold on Ted's arm. Her mother was absolutely right. The destination isn't important. The location is completely irrelevant when you are with your person.

"You are the man on whose arm I walk is the greatest gift to me. Nothing else matters to me."

Ted had never felt loved like he did at that moment. His precious girlfriend had a unique way of touching his heart. This moment just again proved to him that she was his forever. Over the last few days, he held firm to taking her to a fancy restaurant. She wanted to show her how much he cared for her, how much he loved her. With her upbringing, he had it in his mind that she expected such a fancy place to eat. He was trying to live up to the thought of what she expected.

Viola's statement reminded him that it wasn't about him. It especially wasn't what he thought she wanted. He needed to listen to what she actually said and not what he thought she expected. He had enough from playing at the fancy restaurant last night to take her to a really nice place to eat. He realized how silly and stubborn he was being.

Ted stopped walking and turned to face her. He took both of her hands in his and gently, but with purpose, pulled her closer until they were completely touching. I love you, Angel."

"I love you, Ted." She smiled. "So, I guess the nickname is staying?" She flirted.

"Absolutely." He smiled as he leaned in to kiss her. The kiss was gentle and loving.

"Now, I don't want to stop this, but I'm assuming we have a reservation to keep."

"We did." He smiled at her, confused. "We have a change of plans."

"What are you talking about?"

"Come on, Angel." He stated as he turned her around and began to walk in the same direction they had just come from.

…

Jack pulled into the parking lot of Hamilton West, his high school's rival. Tonight was the beginning of the district basketball tournament. The regular season ended with Jack's team in first place. Hamilton West was a close second. By the scheduled rotation between all the district schools, the district tournament was set to be played at Hamilton West's gym this year. This big tournament will set the stage for the state playoffs. Instead of playing Hamilton West, Jack's team was scheduled to play Jackson County. They have played twice this year. Hamilton East won both games.

Jack looks for Elizabeth and her family but doesn't see them. He grabs his gym bag and backpack and looks around—just to look around. It is a beautiful campus.

"You ready, old man," Shane asked as he approached Jack.

'Says the young pup who rode with his mommy." Jack sassed.

"I can't help it. I'm not sixteen yet."

"Keep drinking that milk, and you might grow a little."

"Big night tonight."

"Yeah. At least I don't have to wear my inflatable toy."

Shane couldn't miss Jack's smile. He followed Jack's gaze and noticed a big black SUV pull into a parking spot. Elizabeth tried to open the door before her father parked the large vehicle.

"Hold on, dear. At least let me stop the car."

"Hurry up, father!"

"Calm down, dear. You saw him at school today. It's only been a couple of hours." He shook his head. "You never have been a patient person." William chuckled.

"I'll see you later."

Grace reached for William's hand. She smiled at the teasing of her husband and daughter.

"I remember those days very well."

"Grace, sweetheart, I still miss you when I'm at work all day. I still can't wait to be home with you."

"You're such a sweet man."

…

Elizabeth and Jack waited for their friend group to show up before walking into the school. It was important for the guys to walk in together. The parents found the same place to sit the last time they were at this school. The guys went to the concession stand to get their normal snacks. The girls went to the restroom and were standing by the wall waiting for their boyfriends.

"Elizabeth! Elizabeth!"

Elizabeth turned around when she heard a familiar voice.

"Susan! What in the world?!"

The little girl from Frank's church walked as fast as she could with her walking boot. She was excited to see her new friends.

"How are you?" Susan asked as Elizabeth opened her arms for a hug. She really did like this little girl. Steph, Connie, and Rosey all smiled at the bright, smiling little girl.

"I'm good. How's your leg?"

"Good. I get this off tomorrow." She stuck out her foot with the walking boot.

"That's great news. What are you doing here?"

A middle-aged lady stepped up beside Susan. "Hello. I'm Amy, Susan's mother."

"Hello, Amy. I'm Elizabeth."

"Princess Beth?" Amy asked.

"Good grief." Elizabeth sighed.

Amy looked at her daughter, a little confused.

"Jack calls her that. She doesn't like it. Anyways, I like Elizabeth much more than Princess Beth."

"Me too."

"Amy and Susan, these are my best friends." Elizabeth introduced each of her friends and nodded toward them. They all instantly liked Susan. She was bubbly and had the best smile.

"Amy, would it be ok if Susan sat with us?"

"Well, look who it is!" Jack said with a huge smile as he and the guys approached the group. "You came."

"Jack!" Susan stated as she released her hold on Elizabeth and went to Jack. He picked her up and gave her a big hug.

"I get this silly thing off tomorrow!"

"That's great news. Amy, my parents are inside if you would like to sit with them."

"That would be great."

"Amy, would it be okay if Susan sat with all of us? When Jack leaves to get ready, she could stay with us." Elizabeth nodded toward her girlfriend's group.

"Oh dear, I'm sure you don't want to have a young girl around you all. Enjoy your group."

Elizabeth leaned closer to Amy. "I'm certain if Susan was just a few years older, she would steal my boyfriend. That smile is dangerous. I want to keep her close."

Amy laughed as Elizabeth smiled at Jack and Susan.

"She does love Jack."

"And he loves her."

"Jack had invited us to come and watch him play. This is the first time we have the opportunity to come."

"Great. Ma and Pa are in the stands. If you want, you can sit with them."

"Thanks, Jack."

"And if you are alright, this little cutie will sit with me so I can keep an eye on her."

"She would love that more than you think."

"Me too." Elizabeth smiled.

…

The two games they played in Jackson County were good games. Hamilton East won each game by eight points. Cory and Steven dominated both games. Hamilton West won the first boy game of the evening. Everyone thought another showdown would occur between Hamilton East and Hamilton West. Jack's team would have to win this game and another one. If Hamilton West did the same, they would meet in the district championship game in three nights. Everyone was hoping to see another rematch. The two previous games were great games to watch.

The guys were going through their normal warmups. Susan was on cloud nine, sitting with Elizabeth and her friends. They made her feel part of the group, including her in all the conversations. Amy watched from a short distance, enjoying the beaming expressions on her daughter's face.

The atmosphere was different. It was more amped and louder than normal.

"This is exciting," Susan stated.

"It is." Elizabeth answered. "Oh, there you are!"

Adam and his mom, Linda, just walked into the gym and was coming down the stairs. The teen group was a couple of bleachers in front of their parents.

"He was nervous we were going to be late."

"Well, Jack already has his snacks all ready for him." Elizabeth stated as she pointed to two Skittles bags and a coke.

Adam gave Elizabeth a hug. Everyone gave him a hug.

"Adam." Elizabeth stated as she placed her hand on his shoulder. "This is Jack's and my friend from his church. Her name is Susan. Susan, this is Adam."

"I've heard about you." Susan stated with a smile.

Grace and Charlette hugged Linda and then introduced her to Amy.

"I thought you weren't going to make it."

"I had to work over. He was wearing a path on my floor by pacing back and forth." She nodded toward Adam.

"I bet." The ladies laughed.

…

Ted and Viola sat down at a small table. She knew he had been here before because the hostess and several waiters and waitresses knew him. She would call the place a 'hole in the wall' type of restaurant. She couldn't give a definitive definition for that term, but she thought this would be a living example of it. The walls were brown, with so many pictures on them that it was hard to see the color of the walls in some parts of them. The place was aged for sure. The floors were old hardwood floors with countless scuffs and scratches.

The stage was a small corner stage to the left of the open room. It was raised about ten inches above the floor, which was the same type of hardwood. The front of the stage was probably ten feet across. Again, it wasn't fancy.

Viola felt overdressed for this place. It wasn't a dump, but no one in the little restaurant was dressed up anywhere close to how she was.

"The food here is better than this place looks."

Viola smiled. She was grateful the place didn't smell.

"I trust you. How many times have you been here?"

"Oh…I don't know. I would say a lot. I have two friends that come here often to play."

"Part of their practicing?"

"For Tom, yes. He is a music major. So, he has to practice for his major. He is concentrating on brass instruments, specializing in the saxophone."

"Really?"

"Yes. Jared, just come here to play. He isn't studying music but loves to play. This place has an open stage. You may play up to forty-five minutes, longer if no one else is waiting to play."

"That sounds really nice."

"For the most part. Some people don't play very well, but the vast majority of those who play do a really nice job. Both Jared and Tom are supposed to play tonight. I come here to support them, but mainly, I want to listen to good music. They are both really good at their instruments."

"What does Jared play?"

"The violin," Ted ordered their drinks and an appetizer. "I come here about once a week or so. It's just a place where I come to chill and relax. I also get to listen to music without having to create it."

"I never thought of that."

"Yeah…I love music, and I love playing. I also love relaxing and just listening to it as well." He reached for her hand on top of the table. "Music has always been a huge part of my life. I hope you will enjoy this?"

"Ted, I'm with you."

His smile melted her heart, while her expression melted his. After ordering their meals, they snacked on the appetizers. She went with his recommendation and ordered a hamburger. He promised their hamburgers were simply the best.

"Hey man, it's great to see you." A guy came up and patted Ted's back. "I wasn't expecting you tonight. I thought you were going to that fancy place with your girl?"

"Change of plans. Tom, this is Viola. Viola, this is my friend Tom."

"Nice to finally meet you. I have heard so much about you."

"Really?" Viola laughed as he looked at Ted while she accepted Tom's hand.

"All good, I assure you," Tom stated. "I've never seen him like this before."

"Tom!" Ted warned. "You don't have to tell everything."

Hey, I've gotta go. I'm already pushing being late."

"Play well, man."

They watched Tom step on the stage and open a small case he was carrying. He pulled out a beautifully polished saxophone. He pulled a stool from the back corner of the stage. He sat down and propped his left foot on the footrest of the stool while his right foot rested on the stage floor. He stretched his neck from side to side and then brought the saxophone to his lips. He hesitated for a moment before placing his lips around the mouthpiece.

"Get ready, Angel, he's going to blow your socks off."

…

The game began with Jack's team on defense. While Jack grew to appreciate the inflatable ankle brace he wore for so long, he was so grateful to finally play without it. He finally felt his ankle was one hundred percent. His strength, speed, and endurance were all back to normal. His guy was running all over the court, trying to get open. The ball went down low to Steven's guy. He played good defense and knocked the ball away before his player was able to take the shot.

Jack walked the ball up the court. He called the play. It was a play they called all the time. He was to dribble the ball to the right side of the court. Sam was to be in the corner on his side, with Cory on the block closest to him. The other players were on the other side of the court. If Jack's player stayed close to him, he was supposed to pass the ball down to Cory. Then, he could take the shot or pass it to the open man. If Jack's guy dropped down to prevent the pass to Cory, then Jack was to take the open three. Jack picked up the ball, and his guy immediately dropped it on Cory. Cory's guy was behind him, and Jack's guy was just in front of him. Instead of taking the shot like he should have, he tried to lop the ball over the front guy.

Cory jumped and caught the ball but was immediately double-teamed front and back. Jack's guy reached up as he landed and knocked the ball away from Cory. The defense recovered the ball. Coach Franklin yelled out as Jack ran up the court to play defense. "Jack! Take the shot!"

"He should have shot it," Thomas stated.

"Yeah. He was trying to set Cory up." William nodded.

"It just wasn't there. He needed to take the shot." Grace stated.

"Yeah," Charlette muttered.

Within the first four minutes of the first period, the previous play occurred two more times. Jack was trying to force the ball down to Cory and Steven. Each time, there was a turnover.

Joe ran up the court beside Jack. He placed his hand under Jack's chin and raised his head.

"Head up! Take the shot! They are collapsing and daring you to shoot the ball. Make them pay for their challenge."

Jack nodded his head.

"Malachi…get in."

"For who coach?"

"Who do you think?"

The next dead ball, Malachi ran onto the court and nodded to Jack. He lowered his head and jogged off the court. He accepted the towel that was offered and took his seat.

"Come on, Jack! You must see that you're open. Take the shot!" Coach Franklin stated with frustration as he walked past Jack. He nodded his head in agreement.

The team had an intriguing makeup. Within the locker room and by anyone on the team, they all knew Jack was the unquestioned leader. From the time Coach Franklin told him that the team was his, he was the leader. When he spoke, the team listened. The team was quick to follow him. The odd thing is…anyone outside the immediate team couldn't tell who the leader was. One game it may be Jack who took control. Another game may be Cory or Steven. Another game may be Sam or Joe. Each player stepped up when it was needed for them, too.

Jack took a drink from his Gatorade bottle. He remembered the two previous games against this team. Steven and Cory were dominant. Their players couldn't guard them. Jack was so wrapped up in that memory that he didn't see his guy dropping to double the men. The other team's coach knew his guys couldn't control Cory and Steven. So, he made the decision to double them and make the outside guys hit long-range jumpers. Elizabeth watched as Jack slammed the towel to the floor. She could easily see his frustration.

"Alright, old man…" Shane stated as he sat down next to Jack. He picked up the towel and handed it to Jack. "…tell me what you saw."

Jack accepted the towel. He let out a deep breath. "My guy sank down on Cory."

"Yeah…"

"I tried to lop the ball down to Cory, thinking he would get fouled."

"With a guy in front of him and behind him?"

"Yeah…"

"It would have to be a perfect pass, and I'm not sure a perfect pass would have worked."

Jack only smiled at this young guy. This was like the conversation he had with Shane when Jack was out with the injury.

"Where was your guy?"

Jack nodded at him. "Nowhere close."

"And the other two times?" Shane smirked, remembering the previous conversation as well. He leaned back on the chair when he also noticed Jack's recognition.

"The same as the previous ones."

"Yeah…and what should you have done?"

Jack tossed the towel to Shane and smirked. "You know, you're annoying when you're right."

"Yeah, but the important thing is that I'm right."

"Just remember you are still a young guy." Jack playfully warned him.

"Maybe so, but I'm still right." Shane buffed out his chest. Then he nudged Jack's shoulder with his. "I was trained well."

"Thanks, young pup."

Jack took one last drink and set the bottle on the floor. Then he stood and walked toward the front of the bench, past Coach Franklin.

"Is this, ok?" Jack asked as he nodded toward the court.

"Depends…who am I getting?"

"Me." He stated with a bit of a bite to it. He tapped the top of the scorer's table and took a knee, waiting for the next dead ball.

…

"Wow…you have a very talented friend."

"I told you. Jared is just as talented."

Ted stood as Tom walked to the table. "You played very well."

"Thanks, man."

"I didn't know the third piece. That was sweet."

"It's an old piece. I just added a little flare to it."

"Very nice," Viola stated. "That was incredible."

"Thank you," Tom stated as he sat in a chair beside Ted. "So, you are this young lady I've heard so much about."

"Tom!" Warned Ted.

"Don't worry Ted…I won't tell her everything you said about her."

"Goodness." Viola's face turned a little red in embarrassment.

Tom sat back and watched his friend and this new girl. He may not have known her, but he could see the look on his friend's face. Ted was in love. By the looks of it, the young lady was in love, too. He was happy for his friend. He always felt his friend hide behind a piano. It was his safe place.

"Any good stories about this guy?" Viola asked.

"Woah…Angel, don't make me regret bringing you here."

"I thought you were taking her out to that fancy place on Fifth Avenue?"

"I was." Ted exhaled. "I wanted to impress her, but she taught me to just be me."

"That's the best version." Tom gained a smirking grin. "Remember that time during our freshman year when you…"

"No, I don't, and you don't either." Warned Ted.

"Man…that chick really wanted you to take her home to meet your mom. She was relentless."

"You didn't want to?" Viola asked.

"Heavens no. She wasn't even a girlfriend."

"That's true, but she really wanted to be." Tom let out a loud laugh. "She stalked you for weeks."

"Please don't remind me."

"Ted here said he will never take a girl home until she's the right one. I think that girl scared him to death."

"Really?" Viola asked with a knowing grin.

"Yeah…what's that grin for?"

"Tom, we are going to his home this Friday after classes."

Tom cut his eyes to Ted. He was shocked that his friend was going to take this new girl home after swearing he would never take just any girl home.

"What?" Ted stated as he picked up his tea.

"You're taking her home to meet your mom and two sisters…wow!"

"Is it that big of a deal? He's already met my parents."

"Really?!" A confused Tom stated.

Viola and Ted nodded their heads.

"You are as special as he told me," Tom whispered. "Ted would never even entertain the thought of taking a girl home to meet his mother, especially his little sisters."

"Really?"

"Yeah…so you are as special as he said."

Viola smiled at the thought of what she meant to Ted. According to Tom, Ted would never take a girl home. However, he asked her to go and meet his family.

…

"You good?" Sam asked Jack as he stood beside him to receive the pass from out of bounds.

"Finally got my head on straight. Now, this is mine."

Sam passed the ball to Jack to begin to play again. As Sam ran up the court, he yelled out the play. "Iso 20 Miami."

Jack smiled, knowing that Sam had called for Jack to take the ball to the right side of the court and to the right wing. Everyone was supposed to move to the left side of the court and give Jack a one-on-one play against his player. As he dribbled up the court, Elizabeth moved to the edge of her seat. Susan followed her action. The look on Jack's face told her that he was about to do something special.

As he approached the three-point line, his player dropped off him and sunk just outside the painted area. Jack smiled as he took one more ripple. He stopped about a foot behind the three-point line, squared up, and shot the ball. The ball went through the net and bounced one time before the other team caught it.

"It's nice to have you back!"

"Let's go Joe. This one's mine."

Jack looked over to his bench and saw Shane. He opened his arms to his side. "Thata boy!" Shane yelled. Jack couldn't help but laugh.

Jack's player walked the ball up the court. Jack met him at half court to guard him. He played the defense he would play before the ankle injury. His side-to-side movement was finally back to normal. Jack's defense was greatly improved. As he turned right, Jack knocked the ball away. Joe picked up the ball and began to run down the court. Jack's guy switched to Joe. Jack slowed down a little and went behind the three-point line. Joe drove the ball to the painted area. Jack's player committed to him. He passed the ball out to Jack. He took one dribble to center himself. He squared up and took the three-pointer. The ball went through the rim without touching it. It was all net.

…

By halftime, Jack found his groove on offense. While his defense was much improved since his movement and quickness were back to normal, his offense caught on fire. Since re-entering the game during the first period, he took the open shots the defense was giving him. At halftime, Jack had twenty-five points. For Jack, the basket seemed like a five-foot circle. He couldn't miss. He hit five three-pointers, three jumpers, and two were layups. The defense didn't begin to come out of the painted area and began to guard Jack until about two minutes before halftime. By then, it was way too late. He was already on fire.

"That's how you play point guard!" Joe stated. "Thata boy!"

"No kidding," Sam stated.

"That's what happens when you take what the defense gives you." The Coach Franklin sassed.

Charles sat on the end of a long bench, seething at the conversation he was hearing. Actually, his anger was growing at everything. Not only were his old teammates fawning over Jack, but he was also playing extremely well. Because of Jack, the team was up eighteen at halftime. He was going to college to play basketball. But the most damaging thing was that he was dating Charles' girlfriend. The locker room was upbeat except for one guy sitting by himself at the end of a long bench.

"Alright, since Jack finally decided to listen to his coach, we are playing well. However, this is the district tournament. If you back off now, Jackson County can come back and win this game. We can't let up. Jack, if you're open, continue to take the shot. If they decide that you can actually shoot, then Cory or Steven will be open down low. Check the corners for Sam and Joe. You know the routine."

"Yes, coach."

"Jack, it's your team."

…

"Sweetheart, you have some very talented friends."

"Sweetheart?" Ted asked with raised eyebrows.

"Thought I would try it out." She shrugged her shoulders. "Don't like it?"

"I'm not sure."

"It could be worse, man. It could be Pookie Bear or Sugar Lips." Tom laughed.

"Don't give her any ideas." Tom shook his head.

Jared was playing the violin. As talented as Tom was with the saxophone, Jared was just as talented with the violin.

Viola was not only impressed with Ted's friends' talent; they were just good guys. She enjoyed getting to know Tom and looked forward to getting to know Jared. She was particularly eager to sit with Ted, Tom, and Jared together. She just knew it was going to be a good evening.

Jared was wrapping up his set. He placed his instrument in its carrying case and made his way to his friend's table.

"I'm surprised you're here tonight. I thought you were going to take your girl to that fancy place."

"Change of plans, man. We wanted to listen to some good music."

"You missed your chance. You're not playing tonight."

"Jared, this is my girlfriend, Viola. Viola, this is my good friend Jared."

"Nice to meet you, Viola."

"You too. So, do you have any good stories on this guy?"

"Viola!" Ted stated.

"Oh man…do you know about our freshman year when…"

"That's it! I believe we have classes tomorrow. We need to leave."

"Calm down, Ted. I won't tell your girl about the time you ran down the hallway of the dorm in just your underwear and another pair on your head because you lost the bet." Jared sassed.

"You didn't?!"

"Oh, Viola, he most certainly did." Jared and Tom laughed.

"What was the bet?"

"We were playing cards, and he lost. He's really bad at poker."

"I have to remember that." She laughed.

"I believe I have a picture." Tom sassed, pulling out his phone. "I just got a new phone, but I think it's still in my reel."

"If you don't, I have one too," Jared stated.

Ted just hung his head, shaking it side to side. "This evening has completely backfired."

"I disagree. This is the best Valentine's Date ever!" Viola smiled as she reached for Jared's phone. "Oh look, you have a cute tush." Viola laughed. The other boys, except Ted, all laughed out loud.

…

Jack ended the game with forty two points. Beginning the third period, Jackson County began the same way they began the game. They left Jack completely open. He made three three pointers in a row. When the opposing team came out to defend him, Jack found Sam and Joe for open shots. Jackson County refused to let Cory and Steven beat them. So, Jack, Sam, and Joe defeated them. Malachi and Shane came off the bench and played excellently.

They were so far ahead that the coach pulled all the starters by the beginning of the fourth period. Charles was one of the first players to come onto the court after all the starters were pulled. Coach Franklin still remembered the starters' desire not to play with him.

"That was a lot of fun!" An excited Susan stated.

"I believe you may be his lucky charm." Sassed Elizabeth.

Susan could only smile at Elizabeth's words. Steph and Connie placed their hands on Susan's shoulders. "You better come back. Man, they played great, especially Jack."

Susan just beamed. "What do we do now?"

"We wait, Susan. They have to do a few things, and then they'll be out."

"There's one more game following theirs."

"Susan, are you ready?" Her mother asked.

"Mom, may we stay so I can at least speak to Jack?"

"I know he would love to speak with her for a moment," Elizabeth stated.

"I guess, but you better not be a bear when I try to wake you up in the morning."

"I won't…I promise."

Charlette and Grace snickered. Not only because Susan was so stinking cute, but they knew that wasn't a promise Susan would be able to keep in the morning. Or at least their child never was able to keep.

"Well, look at this, my favorite girl!" Jack stated.

"I'm not sure who you are talking to. Me or this little cutie?" Elizabeth playfully sassed.

"Elizabeth," Susan stated as her face turned red. "We all know you are dating Jack."

Jack kissed his girlfriend on the cheek. The look in his eyes paused her brain for a moment. He didn't have to say the words; those eyes told her everything loudly and clearly.

Jack turned his attention to Susan. She was standing beside Elizabeth with her arm around Elizabeth's waist. Elizabeth had her arm on top of Susan's shoulders.

"There is my lucky charm. You brought me good luck today. You need to come back tomorrow." He stated as he tossed the little girl's hair. Then he bent down and kissed the top of her head.

"Definitely keeping her close," Elizabeth whispered as she watched what Jack was doing.

"You played a great game, son," William stated.

"Thank you." He stated as he fist bumped William.

"You sure did," Grace stated.

Jack leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. "Thanks Mom."

Jack embraced his mom and kissed her on the cheek. He fist-bumped his father. Then he turned his attention to Amy. "Thank you for coming tonight and bringing Susan."

"You are welcome, Jack. Since you invited her, I don't think I could have kept her away."

"Mom!" Susan huffed.

The whole group walked out to the parking lot. Jack had wanted to stay to watch the next game. The winner of that game would be the team they play the following night. He had already played them twice. Plus, it's getting a little late. Tom pulled the dad card and told Jack he could watch the previous game films.

Jack knew that Elizabeth rode with her parents. He said goodbye to Susan. She gave him a hug and then followed her mother to the car. Both sets of parents gave the young couple a few moments to be alone. Tom and Julie had already said their goodbyes.

"You know Mr. Thornton…I told you that you weren't allowed to kiss any girls outside of our group. And then you were only to kiss those cuties on the cheek." Sassed Elizabeth.

"I only kissed her on the top of her head. Plus, you were right there."

"Maybe so, Mr. Thornton, but you still broke the rules."

"I am so sorry, Ms. Thatcher. What can I do to seek forgiveness."

"Well…" She stated as she tapped her chin with the tip of her finger. She bit her bottom lip as she pretended to think. She had no idea the effects those simple actions had on him. "…maybe I can come up with something."

"I'll do whatever is necessary to obtain your forgiveness." He gasped. He stepped a little closer to close the gap between them.

"Kiss me…" She breathed through her words.

"Yes, Ms. Thatcher."