Page 66 of Hometown Halftime

Knox rolls onto his back. “I’m done. Tap me out. This is the funniest thing I’ve seen all year.”

I push back to standing and drag a hand down my face. “I need everyone to know I regret being helpful.”

Kinsey rises beside me, cheeks flushed, eyes bright. “Too late, Coach Stretch.”

The room erupts again.

Haddie claps her hands in victory. “Oh, that’s sticking.”

“Don’t you dare put it on a T-shirt, Haddie,” I say, pointing a finger at her.

“That’s a good idea,” she replies, eyes bright. “Those would sell out!”

The rest of the class limps toward the finish line in a blur of laughter, and one last near-disaster involving Luke and a protein bar display.

By the time Lila guides everyone into the final resting poses, the energy in the room has thankfully calmed down.

After class is over, everyone lingers for a while. People are chatting, hovering near the snack table, and dropping extra cash into the donation jar.

Haddie and her crew swarm me on their way out.

“Excellent instruction, Coach Stretch,” Martha Jean says, patting my arm.

Haddie adjusts her visor. “Keep us posted on any future classes.”

“I’ll…keep that in mind,” I say.

Knox appears the second they’re out of earshot, slapping my shoulder. “You’ve got a fan club now.”

“I hate this town.”

He grins. “No, you don’t.”

He’s annoyingly right.

Brynn loops her arm through Kinsey’s. “That was the best money I’ve spent all month.”

Kate bounces Luke while Evie eats a banana. “You guys raised a ton. Haddie’s group alone could fund new warmup suits.”

Cam smirks at me. “You should thank your fan club, Weston.”

Gradually, the barn empties. Kinsey gathers the sign-in sheets and carries them to the table.

“Well, Coach Stretch…”

I cut her off, “Nope, not my name.”

“It is today, you poor soul.” She leans against the table, hips cocked, eyes dancing. “But you survived it. I’m proud of you.”

“I’m glad my suffering brought you joy.”

“It brought the whole town joy.” She tilts her head. “You were a good sport.”

“I tried.” I exhale. “We’re still on for tonight, right?”

Kinsey smiles. “Yeah, Rookie, we are.”

“Great, I’ll pick you up at six. Our reservation is for seven.”