My gaze slides from Coach Sharpe to Coach Miller. “Do I have any other choice?”
“This is a gift, Miss Cruz.” Coach Miller pauses, giving her words time to sink in. “I suggest you take it.”
That’s what I thought.
I nod slowly, hoping I don’t come to regret my decision. “I’ll do it.”
“Good.” Coach Sharpe rises. “I’m sure I don’t need to remind you that the Wildcat’s identity is a closely guarded secret. You are not to tell anyone you’re filling in.”
I nod again. This promise, at least, is easy to make. Because no, I definitely don’t want anyone knowing it’s me inside that fur suit.
Coach Sharpe scoops up the massive blue and white duffel bag at his feet and hands it to me.
“The costume and scheduling binder are inside with everything you need to know, but if you have questions, contact me directly.”
Scheduling binder?
What the hell have I gotten myself into?
He grins down at me, a wide smile transforming his face. “Don’t you want to open it up and take a look?”
I drag the zipper back to reveal the grinning mascot's head, and I’m nearly bowled over by the smell of rank athletic socks.
Karma, you dirty bitch.
10
PARKER
“Idaho hada big season last year and they’ve got a lot of returning starters,” Coach says, pacing back and forth across the front of the weight room where the entire team is gathered. “Expect a tough game tomorrow. We can’t afford to underestimate them. Not if we want to bring home the W.”
He continues to rail about the home opener, but my eyes are locked on the clock above his head. The minutes tick by on what feels like the longest team meeting ever. We always have a brief download after strength training, usually to discuss the afternoon practice schedule, but Coach has been going for a solid twenty minutes and he isn’t showing any signs of stopping.
Welcome to D1 football, where your days are scheduled to the minute.
I shift my weight from one foot to the other.
This goes on much longer, I’m going to be late for class.
Hell, I still need to shower and dress.
Reid bumps my shoulder. “You good?”
“Yeah.”Aside from being anxious as fuck. “I’ve got a nine o'clock.”
He nods. “Same.”
On my other side, Coop snorts. “Since when do you worry about being late for class, Parker?”
It’s a fair question. I’m usually a pretty laid-back dude, but not today.
“Since now,” I mutter, willing Coach to hurry the fuck up.
Maybe I can skip showering to save time. This morning’s workout wasn’t too brutal. I subtly sniff my right pit and…Not an option.
“Maybe I should raise my hand and ask a few questions?” Coop suggests, flashing his trademark grin. “I’m not sure I entirely understand the Idaho strategy. Might need Coach to elaborate.”
“Don’t you dare.” I shoot him a dark look. “We’ll never get out of here.”
