Andy Squared Read Online Free PDF Page B

during the fifteen-minute break between halves, but movement caught his attention. He turned as his coach started talking about strategy and saw Ryder waving. He grinned and gave him a small wave, and then stopped.
    What am I doing? I need to be focused on Coach, not waving at Ryder like an idiot.
    He turned back to listen and tried to keep his thoughts on the game and far from the green-eyed Texan sitting in the stands. Why he entered his thoughts at a time like this Andrew had no idea.
    The second period flew by, and Andrew was put on the field again in the last fifteen minutes. He quickly scored a goal by dragging his right foot across and cutting back with his left. The move got him past the other side’s defense and he took the shot. The ball sailed right into the open net, and he ran back to his cheering teammates. The score remained tied until the last five minutes, when one of Hanson’s forwards snuck the ball past Nielsen and scored a goal. Andrew and his teammate Michael tried to even the score and raced across the field, but the clock ran down before they could make it and the game ended.
    Loud cheers came from Hanson’s side, and disappointment crushed Andrew. So damn close . The way the game had been going, he had been sure they were going to win. He joined the rest of the team on the field to shake hands with their rivals. Coach Matthews was as deflated as they were, but he congratulated the team on playing a great game.
    â€œIt has been a privilege to work with you this year. Seniors, this may have been your last year, but you gave it your best. I’m proud to have worked with you. For those of you playing in college, I better get invitations to some of your games!”
    They laughed and slowly parted ways. Ryder came down from the stands and walked toward Andrew.
    â€œThat goal you made was amazing!”
    â€œNot really,” Andrew said, shrugging. “The goalie screwed up; he left the net wide open. I had a free shot.”
    â€œYou’re being modest,” Andrea said from behind him, a second before she jumped on his back. “You totally nailed that shot and you know it. Our early-morning practice really paid off.” She held on tight and Andrew reached back to support her weight and keep from being strangled. “Did you see who was watching the game?” she squealed with excitement in his ear.
    â€œKind of hard to do that when I was playing, Andy.”
    â€œThere were scouts! I’m sure of it! I think there were four or five of them sitting in the stands. They were watching you!”
    â€œOh come on. Are you sure they were scouts?”
    â€œWho else wears suits to a soccer game?”
    â€œParents just getting out of work?” he asked.
    She flicked his ear and slid off his back. “On a Saturday morning? You’re more of an idiot than I thought.”
    â€œFine, but I’m sure they were looking at Hanson’s captain. Or Pete.”
    â€œAgain with the modesty. Cut the crap. They were watching you. Just wait. You’ll have offers. We both will. Hey, Ryder,” she called as she jogged backward to her teammates. “Are you sticking around to watch my game? Andrew always does, for support.”
    Ryder glanced at Andrew. “I don’t see why not. Your father got me caught up with the terms and such. Are you a forward too, Andrea?”
    She nodded. “Yup. But I play midfield too, like Charlie, if one of the girls is out.”
    â€œThat’s pretty cool.”
    â€œShe could also play as the keeper; she’s good enough.”
    â€œBut—”
    â€œBut,” Andrew glanced at Ryder and cut off her protest. “But she likes taking the glory, and you don’t get that from standing there and saving shots.”
    Andrew joined his parent in the bleachers. Ryder moved up and sat with them, apologizing to those around him as he squeezed in close to Andrew.
    Throughout the girls’ game, the