Watching took her back in time to her early teens, when she and her father and two brothers would spend many an autumn afternoon tossing the pigskin. Soon, playing
catch hadnt been enough for Pam, so shed organized a group of neighbors and divided them into two teams. Then shed mapped out strategies for her side, trying to make up for her size by outwitting the opponents. Much to her brothers surprise, her maneuvers worked more often than they failed. Their respect had spurred her on to try even harder.
Shed already been running then, her dreams focusing on the future Olympics. But her love of football had never died. Shed learned the game first by playing, then by watching the college teams on television, as well as the pros. Fun times, Pam thought. Times that had bonded their small family closer after the devastation of her mothers early death. Shoving her hands into the pockets of her white slacks, she leaned against a tree.
There was one big guy, a solid wall of muscle, who wasnt much on speed but nearly impossible to get past due to his size. She noticed a woman about her age with dark hair, a tall rugged outdoor-type man with black curly hair and, to Pams surprise, her friend and new roommate, Rosemary Dusold, leaping high to catch a pass, her blond ponytail bobbing. Smiling, Pam stepped out of the shade, hoping Rosemary would notice her.
As she stood on the edge of the green, she saw a wild throw coming her way. No player was out this far. Forgetting herself, she ran a few steps, jumped up and caught the ball. Acting instinctively, Pam began to run toward the makeshift goal line, hotly pursued by two or three players she heard running behind her.
Exhilarated, the ball tucked close to her body, she picked up speed. Almost there, she thought. Then she felt the hit. Strong arms settled around her waist, sliding lower to her knees, taking her down. Her tackler rolled, cushioning the fall with his lean, hard body, letting her land on him rather than on the unforgiving ground.
Touchdown! someone called out from behind as thundering feet arrived.
She fell short, yelled a dissident.
Still clutching the ball, Pam eased from the grip that held her and scrambled to her feet. Her opponent rose, too, and she found herself looking up into the bluest eyes shed ever seen. Unexpectedly, her heart missed a beat and she found herself swallowing on a dry throat.
He was several inches over six feet, with curly black hair falling onto a lean face etched with laugh lines at the corners of those incredible eyes. He smiled then, his features softening as he reached out to brush leaves and grass from her shoulder. Pams reaction to his light touch was on a parallel with the way shed felt when her gaze had locked with his. Dizzying. She took a step backward.
I hope I didnt hurt you, he said. She was lovely, with warm brown eyes and skin the color of a pale peach. Who was she? Patrick wondered.
No, Im fine.
She had on baggy white slacks and a comfortably faded green-and-white Jets football jersey with the number 12 on the back. I see youre a Joe Namath fan.
I was. She couldnt seem to stop staring into his eyes.
Strangers in Tylerespecially strangers who joined in impromptu gameswere uncommon. There was something familiar about her, Patrick thought, but he couldnt put his finger on what it was. That was a great catch.
Thanks, Pam said, giving him the football.
Im Patrick Kelsey. He offered his hand.
Politely she slid her own hand into his grip, feeling the calluses on his roughened skinand the warmth. Hello, she replied. Before she could say more, Rosemary came alongside.
Pam, Rosemary greeted her. Glad youre here at last.
Pam withdrew her hand and turned to smile at her friend. Me, too.
Hey, everyone, Rosemary went on, this is Pam Casals, a friend of mine from Chicago whos come to stay with me for a while. Pam, this is Kathleen Kelsey and Terry Williams and Al Broderick. The big guys Brick Bauer. Watch out for himhes going to be our next police chief. Thats Nick over there and youve already met Patrick.
Patrick frowned. Youre Pam Casals?
As Pam nodded, Rosemary chimed in again. Shes going to be working at Tyler High with you, Patrick. Pams the new football coach.
So Ive heard. Welcome to Tyler.
Though his words were welcoming, his tone had cooled considerably. Pam couldnt help wondering why. Thanks. Are you one of the teachers?
Gym teacher. Also basketball coach. Glancing at his watch, he tossed the ball to Rosemary. Sorry to break this up, but Ive got to run. See you all later.
Nice to meet you, Patrick, Pam called to his retreating back.
Yeah, you, too, he said over his shoulder.
Dont let Patrick worry you, Kathleen said as she smiled at Pam. Hes my brother and I know
hes a little moody, but hes a great guy. Glad youre with us, Pam.
Thanks, Pam said quietly. So she would have the pleasure of working with the moody Patrick Kelsey. Terrific.
Calling their goodbyes, the others left to go their separate ways. Rosemary fell into step with Pam. Come on. My place is only a couple of blocks from here, she said. Impulsively, she slid an arm around Pams shoulders and squeezed. I think youre going to like Tyler.