No one says a thing.
“Yesterday you did not look like a team who wanted to play in the championships. You were unfocused, sloppy, and you failed to do the things we’ve worked on all season long.” He paces now, moving the whistle back up to his lips. “We will not beat Pacific if we show up the same way. They will take every opportunity we give them, and they will score.”
He gives us a few seconds longer to catch our breath before the whistle sounds again.
We run sprints until people start getting sick. My stomach cramps at the sound of Barrett retching. Though it serves him right. He was such an asshole last night.
After a quick water break, we go through our normal drills, then break into two teams to scrimmage.
I’m glad we seem to be working together better today. I don’t know if the team is inspired by Dad’s words or just fearful of running more.
Dad is eager to point out every mistake, so I know when he falls quiet in the last ten minutes that we’ve finally found our rhythm again. Thank fuck.
The whistle blows and Dad walks out onto the field. “Pacific on Monday. They’ve had a longer break than you. They’re going to be rested and ready to play. They’ve also had longer to study our game. This is not the time to lose focus. Get some rest this afternoon. Practice tomorrow at the same time.”
We huddle up and put our hands in. Dad looks to me.
“Knights on three,” I say. “One, two…”
“Knights,” we all say in unison, dropping our hands.
I’m looking forward to a shower and lying around on the couch today. Between the game and practice, my body aches.
“Where’d you and Lacey disappear to last night?” Austin asks, falling into step beside me.
“We took one of Doyle’s four-wheelers out for a ride.”
He smirks.
“Shut the fuck up.” I’ve said too much. Everyone knows that’s code for going off to hook up.
In truth, we did a lot more than that. We talked andstared up at the stars. Yes, we also kissed until my lips were chapped and my dick was so hard it hurt, but that isn’t what it’s about with Lacey.
“I didn’t say anything,” Austin insists, still smirking.
A smile tugs at my lips.
We stop next to our bags. Rowan comes up from behind us and plops onto the ground beside his stuff.
“So are you two official now?” Austin asks me.
I shrug one shoulder. “We haven’t really talked about it.”
“But you like her enough to date her, right?”
“Of course I do.”
It must come out a little harsher than I intended because Austin laughs. “Easy, Cap, just making friendly conversation.”
I try again, a little calmer. “Yes, I like her, but it’s still new. No reason to rush things.”
In truth I like her a lot. She’s smart and funny, and when I’m with her, I feel happier than I can remember. Last night was the perfect example. After that run-in with Barrett I was ready to get out of there, but a few minutes of talking with her and I felt better. And by the end of the night, I’d all but forgotten about Barrett, the game, and everything else.
“I’m happy for you,” he says.
I nod my head in thanks.
Austin takes off his cleats and tosses them on top of his bag. “What are you guys doing tonight?”
