The boy smiled. “Sure, Flash. I’ll let Dorset know.”
Mitch, not Flash.“No, he’s still Coach Dor—” The boy had already turned and raced away.
Mitch hurried to catch him before he dropped theCoachin front of Dorset. That would not go over well. He found half the boys on the field ready to scrimmage, trying out a new offensive play, while Deacon, Stan, and Dorset worked with the other half.
Paglitelli tossed him shoulder pads, a pinnie, and a practice helmet. “Deacon said you’d show us a few moves.” Since Mitch had started wearing sweats and sneakers to practice in order to help demonstrate techniques, it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to suit up.
He had a great running play in mind, one that had him open and ready to run down the field thanks to a timely block and the quarterback’s fake handoff. They’d gone over it a few times, and Deacon had been working with the QB to get the timing down right.
Mitch stared at the equipment then figured, what the hell? Why not? They were just a bunch of high school kids. How much damage could they do?
As he put on the equipment, he felt a familiar rush of excitement he’d missed for too long.
With a smile, he joined the kids, who hooted with enthusiasm. Cheers for Flash went up, and then he took the line on the other side of Simon.
The boy nodded at him, then settled into position.
“Okay, guys, watch how we run this,” he heard Paglitelli call from the sidelines and saw Deacon join the group.
His brother smirked at him. “And try not to kill Flash on the first play.”
******
One week later
Simon lit up, his face full of joy as he recounted their practice that afternoon.
Becca stared at him, listening, so happy she could smile for hours on end and not stop. But she pretended not to care too much, not wanting to let Simon know how she’d worried about him. His moods had been all over the place since turning fourteen. It had already been alongfew months, dealing with his ups and downs.
But then, her uncle had said she and Nora had been the same exact way during their teens. With any luck, this phase would pass.
“And then Mitch faked like he had the ball, and like, four guys jumped on him.” Simon laughed. “I think we surprised him. The first time he played with us, he ran circles around us. But now we’re on to his moves. Coach Deacon says we’re doing great. After last week’s win, I bet we can take Eagle Creek on Friday. Yeah, us Cougars aren’t so bad after all.”
She started. “So, Mitch, ah, Flash, was playing with you again?”
Simon nodded and shoved half a slice of pizza into his mouth. He tried explaining a play, but she shook her head.
“No, please. Finish your dinner. We can talk after.”
He laughed, showing off more masticated cheese than she wanted to see. Ever.
“So, what’s going on with you and Jenna?” she asked once he’d settled down.
“What do you mean?”
“Are you two friends again?” Simon and Jenna had been best friends since kindergarten. Only recently had some friction risen between them, but darned if Becca could find out what. Even Jenna’s mom had no idea.
“We weren’t not friends.” He shrugged. “It’s cool.”
“What’s cool?”
“It.” He made a face at her. “Gosh, Mom. Chill. I’m good, I’m not cutting classes, and I’m kicking tail on the team.” He beamed. “Flash thinks I’ve got some skills on the field. He’s going to show me some things at practice tomorrow in a one-on-one.”
“Good.”I think.“Just be careful, okay? I’m still not sure letting you play is a good idea. Do you have any idea how many kids suffer from concussions and broken bones playing that game?”
He groaned.
On a roll and unable to stop herself, she added, “Why not ask Coach Flash how many boneshe’sbroken during his illustrious career?”
