"Actually," Mira said to Caydance, "I don't enjoy watching football games, but I do like watching the men. I mean my husband," she said demurely. They were sitting in the stands of the Huygens football field. Because Durango had noticed that other D3 teams had hotdog stands, on Presidents Lawn, the kitchen was grilling free hotdogs, and in the stands, student volunteers --including Big Dog's track-star girlfriend -- were serving soda in plastic containers. Will's boyfriend was in his usual place near the goal post.

Computer science students with assorted instruments -- now officially the Huygens Band -- were playing the fight song for which they had composed both the music and the lyrics. In the stands, students were singing along: "The Swifts glower, when the IC Chips have the power." Mira winced.

Not only were River's parents in the stands, but also their presence had been assured by accompanying restaurant staff. Not far from where Mira and Caydance sat, Yuri sat with Natasha. She was wearing a black San Francisco Art Institute T-shirt and pink short shorts that exposed long shapely legs. Excerpts of conversation in Russian were audible. The Swifts won the toss. From the way they moved rapidly down the field, Caydance understood the meaning of a phrase that Griff had recently been muttering in his sleep: "Hurry up no-huddle spread."