A murmur moved through the stands.
Adrian looked almost startled.
Then proud.
That tiny expression made something inside me hurt.
Noah said:
“His name is Adrian Cole.”
Several people turned.
Bellmere remembered names too.
Adrian rose slowly.
Not fully.
Half-standing.
He lifted one hand.
Noah looked toward him.
“For fourteen years, we didn’t speak.”
“He left when I was four.”
The gym became completely quiet.
Adrian lowered his hand.
Noah continued:
“Three months ago, he contacted me.”
“He told me he had changed.”
“He said he wanted a chance to know me.”
“That’s why I invited him tonight.”
I could feel Adrian holding his breath.
So was I.
Noah paused.
Then:
