Chapter 22
EMMIE
Clearly, it had been a long time since I’d been to a football game. I thought the preseason game was loud but that was almost like child’s play compared to right now. My ears were already ringing, and the announcer hadn't even said the Titans’ name yet.
Next to me, Josie and the others didn’t seem fazed. Being professional hockey players, they probably dealt with something similar. I made a mental note to ask Mateo about it later.
The brief knowledge I had of Wyatt, Trevor, and Bryton’s careers came from Erin. I probably should have searched them up before now to at least have something to talk about with them.
As the announcer droned on about the opposing team, Josie flipped her sign over so I could see what was handwritten.
Mateo Boone is my favorite!
Hearts covered the rest of the poster, as well as Mateo’s jersey number.
“Wait, you guys made posters?” I raised a brow, trying and failing to hide how adorable I thought that was.
“We did,” Josie beamed. “Every game we come to, we bring them with us. It started back when Mateo was playing in university.”
“They all say something different?”
“We have Mateo is my boyfriend, Number 11 has the best ass, and That’s my QB,” Josie answered.
“That’s amazing,” I laughed.
“Next time, we’ll make you one, too.” Josie said it so casually, like I was already part of the group.
“I’d… I’d like that.”
“Here they come,” Wyatt said, drawing my attention toward the field.
I barely heard the team's name called through the speakers as the crowd erupted with cheers. Across the field, a sea of fans stood as the first bit of players ran from the tunnel onto the field.
I swore the concrete shook from thousands of fans yelling for their home team. I joined the others and stood. My eyes scanned the players coming out, looking for number eleven.
I caught glimpses of Jake and Perry but no Mateo.
It wasn’t until screams sounded next to me that I saw the last player coming through the tunnel.
Beside me, Mateo’s entire family screamed, the girls holding their signs high above their heads, the guys letting out bellows.
An ear piercing whistle made me cringe, and a quick glance over confirmed it was Landon who did it.
I watched the group next to me for a moment. They were loud, boisterous, and a little crazy with their cheers but nothing topped the proud looks on every single one of their faces. They didn’t care that people were staring as they yelled for the youngest Boone.
The ache came sudden and sharp. I didn’t have that. No big family. No row of familiar faces in the crowd, shouting themselves hoarse for me.
I tore my gaze away and turned back to the field. I forgot how to breathe as Mateo jogged forward with his team, helmet tucked under his arm, jaw set, and shoulders broad beneath the weight of his pads.
The sun hit his number, and suddenly, he didn’t look like Mateo. Quiet confidence rolled off him in waves. He looked untouchable. Unshakable. Like he was here not just to win but to show everyone why they were Legacy champions.
The roar of the crowd swelled at the sight of him. It was deafening, but excitement grew inside me. It was infectious, and I found myself mirroring the fans, clapping and yelling alongside everyone.
Mateo drew closer to the sidelines and where we were all seated. His head turned to face the stands, eyes seemingly scanning the crowd. That sharp whistle met my ears again, and it did its job at drawing Mateo’s gaze toward the group.
Josie, Lydia, Tasha, and Mila waved their signs, jumping up and down with excited grins. I watched Mateo smile and shake his head at what was written. Even though he was down below us quite a few feet, I could spot the happiness on his face at seeing his family here.
My hands clapped on their own as I watched him. I’d seen him in his uniform during preseason but this…this was indescribable. The way he walked like he owned the field, like it was his kingdom. It was by far the hottest thing I had ever seen in my twenty-five years on this earth.
His gaze swept along our section before locking onto me. If I hadn’t already been watching him, I would’ve missed the way his lips parted and his eyes widened just a fraction. For a split second, it was like the rest of the stadium disappeared.
I gave him a small wave, trying to not draw too much attention my way, but at the same time, I truly didn’t care who saw. It became abundantly clear I was falling for Mateo.
His grin was soft, but it felt like it was meant just for me. With a wink, he jogged toward his team, leaving me there with my heart beating wildly in my chest.
A quiet aw came from my side before it was quickly muffled.
I settled back in my seat with burning cheeks, glancing to the side to find a few pairs of eyes on me.
Josie looked giddy, like she was seconds from launching out of her seat.
Lydia, Tasha, and Mila stared at me with what I assumed was excitement, like they were trying to keep quiet, too.
Even Evelyn looked at me with curiosity.
If they were like Erin in any way, I wasn’t leaving this game without them knowing exactly who I was to Mateo.
I turned my focus back to the game, pretending I didn’t feel their questioning glances.
As conversation went on around me, I searched through the players below and caught sight of my dad. He turned around as if he felt my eyes, finding me almost instantly.
Seeing the way Mateo’s family was, even for just a brief period of time, instilled the fact I needed to talk to my dad and try to fix things.
He was the only family I had, and if I was honest with myself, I missed him.
Missed the way we were before he took this job and figure skating became my life.
Maybe at lunch tomorrow we could make a step in the right direction.
I waved and smiled. He returned both before taking hold of his playbook and putting on his headset. The softness disappeared from his expression as he sunk back into coach mode.
Knowing the game wouldn’t actually start for another ten minutes or so, I settled back in my seat. The others were occupied, so I sent off a quick message to Erin, telling her I was seated right next to Mateo’s family. As expected, I received a response in zero point two seconds.
Erin: Holy shit. Do they know?
Me: Only Josie. So far, the others don’t.
Erin: You’re so lucky being around all those hot hockey players. Sneak a picture of Wyatt for me, please.
I shook my head at her text. That would make things even more weird.
Me: I’m trying to get them to like me, not get a restraining order.
Erin: I really should have come with you to the game.
Me: No shit. Then I wouldn’t be here alone!
I sent multiple middle finger emojis.
Erin: At least you can make a good impression before meeting tonight. Show them how amazing Emmie James is.
I could do that.
“Hey, Emmie.” The sound of my name being said made me drop my phone in my lap, hastily turning toward the voice who said it. Tasha leaned forward and around Trevor to talk to me.
“Hm?”
“Is anyone else coming to watch the game with you?” Her question threw me, but I shook my head,
“No, just me.”
“Perfect.” She beamed a bright smile in my direction before she stood up and tapped her husband’s shoulder. “Seat change,” Tasha announced.
I watched, confused while the others didn’t even bat an eyelash as they stood. They shuffled around so Tasha could shimmy her way down the aisle. When she gestured to the empty seat beside me, I stood up so she could get by.
Tasha sat on my left side and Josie to my right. Lydia was now beside her instead of Wyatt. Mila and Evelyn stayed where they were above but close enough to still be part of any conversation.
“That’s better. Now we can talk without the guys in the way.” Tasha crossed her long tan legs, turning in her seat to face me.
I shifted, feeling a bit intimidated surrounded by these women. They were all gorgeous and insanely successful, but they were also Mateo’s favorites, which further added to the intimidation factor.
“Tell us about you.”
“Um, what would you like to know?”
“Whatever you feel comfortable sharing,” Josie said beside me.
I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say. It was like I was about to stand in front of a classroom and tell everyone three fun facts about myself.
“Emmie.” A hand touched my shoulder, and a soft laugh came next. “You don’t need to be nervous. I promise we won't bite,” Mila said from behind.
“We don’t mean to come off so strong. It’s just not often another woman shows up for us to talk to,” Tasha added on.
I smiled nervously. “That makes me feel a little like I’ve wandered into a lion's den.”
“Not a den. More like a very nosy support group,” Tasha laughed. “Think of this as an interview.”
“Interview?” I echoed.
Tasha nodded seriously. “Basic questions. Favorite color, snack, and if you’re extremely competitive.”
“You’re seated next to the most competitive family you’ll ever meet so you probably need to prepare yourself,” Josie cut in.
“Things seem calm now, but by the second quarter, someone will be yelling at the refs. By halftime, someone will be arguing about stats, and by the fourth, we’re all emotionally invested,” Tasha explained.
“Is this just the guys or?” I questioned with an eyebrow raised.
“Josie is the loudest of the bunch,” Tasha said.
“Hey!”
“Want me to revisit why we banned hockey in the apartment all those years ago?” Josie mumbled something in response as Tasha continued. “Then probably the guys. Mila is up there when it's a hockey game, though.”
“I feel no shame about it,” Mila remarked.
“And you?” I asked. The more they talked, the more at ease I felt. There was a certain air about them that just made you comfortable, like you were already part of the group.
“Me? Oh, I sit around and judge everyone while eating snacks.” Tasha shrugged. I laughed at that.
“So, where are you on the scale?” Josie probed.