On the final game of the day, I finally get a chance to go up against Thomas Rex. He grins as we take the field.
“I’m having a great day. Are you sure you’re ready for this, Collins?” he asks, wiping his face with the hem of his shirt.
He has had a good day. I caught one of his games during our break, and he looked sharp out there. His conditioning is good, he’s fast, he sees the field well. If I were looking for a teammate instead of a competitor, I’d be thrilled.
But I have one thing going for me that he doesn’t: an all-consuming need for redemption. He was State MVP when it should have been me. His team hoisted the trophy up when it should have been mine.
“I’ve been ready,” I say as I get into position.
Rex chuckles and looks to the stands. “A little different with a bunch of coaches watching instead of fans, huh?”
I know what he means. It’s nerve-racking when you know the people watching are watching to see if you screw up instead of hoping you don’t. But thinking about the fans has my mind instantly going to Lacey. The best fan. I smile as I picture her in the blue T-shirt with my name and number on the back. The face paint on her cheek and the way she was there cheering me on. And it wasn’t just at games. She always made me feel supported. With algebra and with soccer. Talking to me about what I want to do after high school and about my mom. Even when she didn’t like me very much, she just couldn’t help but be generous and kind, and full of optimistic pep.
When the game begins, I have to shake myself out of my thoughts. Rex and his team have a nice start while I’m still getting my bearings.
I hear Dad’s voice over the others as I’m jogging up the field: “Let’s go now.”
It’s the kick in the ass I need, but every time the action stops, I find myself gazing over to the stands. The complex here has a lot more seating than the one back in Frost Lake, but I can still picture Lacey front and center. Just imagining it has a rush of adrenaline coursing through me.
The ball is kicked to me, and I dribble around, looking for an open teammate. The defense is tight, but I manage to get off a pass and then position myself low. The ball comes back to me, but a defender gets a piece of it, sending the ball into the air. Everyone else is waiting for it to come down, but I jump and hit a header into the net.
The excitement from my team feels good. They rush me, patting my shoulder and head. Rex walks over afterthey’re gone and holds out a fist to me. “Nice hops, Collins.”
We end the game tied. Not the outright win I was hoping for, but I had a good game.
After our coach releases us, I find Dad waiting for me off to the side of the field.
“Hey.” Still catching my breath, I drop my bag and kick off my cleats.
“Nice job. Some slow starts, but overall, you looked good.”
I nod as I take in the criticism with the compliment. He’s right on both accounts, which is always annoying.
“The coach from Denmark wants to chat after dinner.”
“Really?” I ask, my head snapping up to study his expression. “About me?”
Dad smiles. “Of course about you.”
I hadn’t expected that. He didn’t give me any indication throughout the day that he saw anything in me he didn’t in the others.
“I heard they’re looking to bring some people over this summer, but I’m not sure of any more details than that. Taking the meeting doesn’t hurt anything. And I already told him you plan to finish high school,” Dad says.
“All right.” I let the news sink in. “Anyone else?”
“Lots of people were impressed but most of them will go back to their teams before they make any decisions or extend any offers.”
I nod my understanding.
“Let’s get out of here. I’m starving.”
* * *
We meet up with Patrick Cooper at an Italian restaurant. He and Dad spend most of the time reminiscing about theirtimes playing together. I enjoy hearing the stories. Dad is rarely this talkative or this laid-back.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, and they’re so into their conversation that I slip my phone out to check it.
Rowan:How’s the showcase? Showing everyone up?
