“It’s like in the Village back home. We don’t necessarily know each other, but New Yorkers share a thing,” Harper said.
“Except the people are different,” Dot said. “A different kind of nice, though.”
“As in,notnice!” Mary said. “Just like in the movies.”
Tommy bought a round of burgers for everyone, including Mary.
“Where do you put it all?” Harper asked.
“I can’t help it. I’m hungry!” Mary said, caught up in the fanfare.
“I’m glad it isn’t going to be too cold today,” Dot said. “I feel like all I’ve ever heard about is the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field.”
“I love it when it’s snowing and blowing. There’s nothing like a football game in a snowstorm,” Tommy said. “Gives us an advantage, too.”
“Except for our recruits out of the SEC,” Jake said. “Give me Big Ten linemen all day. They know how to play in this.”
“True.” Tommy nodded.
“I’m glad we got such a nice day though,” Harper said. The sun was shining, and the sky was a bright blue. A light breeze blew off the lake. Everyone had left their work and worries behind for the day, and it all felt perfect.
“Let’s take them over to Kroll’s before we go into the stadium,” Danny said. “That way they’ll get the full experience.”
“What’s Kroll’s?” Harper asked.
“It’s this great place. Kind of a dive. It’s been in business since the mid-1930s. It’s a must-see place for anyone visiting Green Bay.”
They arrived and the diner was already packed with the Pack.
Jake led the way and muscled his way up to the bar. The others crowded in behind him. They had to yell to hear each other. “Spotted Cows for everyone, okay?” he asked.
Dot didn’t like beer too much but nodded. “When in Green Bay...”
Jake passed the pints from the bartender to the group. “Cheers!” They clinked their glasses together and took a pregame sip.
“Go Pack Go!” a chant started in the bar. They joined in.
Dot looked at Mary and Harper. “Would you ever have imagined this a year ago?”
“You mean when I tried to hit on a gay guy and Harper was chased around the Oyster Bar by her boss? No.” Mary shook her head, laughing.
“Despite that night at the fair, this has been one of the best years of my life,” Harper said.
“Mine, too,” Mary said.
“Mine, three,” Dot completed their circle.
“WHAT ARE WEdoing?!” Harper yelled at the Packers. It was just the first quarter, but she and Tommy were going to lose their voices. Green Bay was down by a touchdown and had just fumbled going for it on fourth down.
“Wow, she’s really into it,” Dot said to Danny, leaning toward him.
“Tommy’s created a monster.” He kissed Dot’s cheek, and she scooted closer to him, her thigh pressing hard into his.
The Packers rallied on the next drive and were up by two points going into the second quarter.
“The uniforms are so old-school—they’re like off a vintage postcard,” Harper said, deliberately breaking a rule.
“And I was just noticing the cute butts!” Dot added, and Mary whistled toward the field.