Applause breaks loose and someone whistles. Isaiah isn’t even part of the team anymore since he medically retired last year, but everyone knows who he is, and most remember when he was captain of this team.
“Yes,” Coach chuckles. “That was a tremendous relief, but it won’t be enough.”
A lightbulb goes off in my mind, becausehey... I have lots of money!
I turn to Dane, who’s stretching his hammies, and slap his shoulder. Wordlessly, I shoot him a super subtle, brother-only communication through our minds.
“Ow,” he hisses. “What was that for?”
I’m about to whisper in his ear, but Coach cuts me off. “JoJo, save the side convos for after.”
I wince. “Sorry, Coach.”
He sighs before continuing his speech,but I zone out, thinking about how I have the easiest solution to our problem. Why didn’t I think of this sooner? I chuckle to myself because it’s just like a back to swoop in and save the day, isn’t it?
As everyone packs up their bags to head home, I pull Raf and Dane to the side. “Guys, why don’t I just give the team the money we need?”
Raf gives Dane a look I can’t decipher as a long pause settles between the three of us.
“You haven’t talked to him yet?” Raf asks Dane.
“Talk to me about what?”
“Listen, bro.” Dane pulls at the back of his neck. “We know you have the money to do this for the team, but we don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Why not?”
“Coach and I discussed current players and who should realistically move up to the Premiership, and who should remain and only play for our tourney team.”
The Philadelphia Men’s Rugby Team is large. It’s composed of three teams: Division 1, Division 3, and a wheelchair rugby team. But during the summer, after regular season play is over, we turn into the Philly Fathers (a.k.a. the Daddies)—a social, sevens, tournament-only team. We wear ridiculous jerseys and drink on the sidelines. Think of people partying on a pontoon boat that’s blasting yacht rock. That’s kind of the vibe we bring to the table—er, pitch.
“Only the tourney team? Wait, what happens to the D1 and 3 teams?”
Raf shrugs. “They’re being dissolved, dude. Didn’t you listen to Coach?”
Oops.
“If you want to keep playing Division 1,” Dane says, “you’ll need to join another club.”
“Why would I join another club? I’m going to play with you guys in the Premiership.”
Dane sighs, “No, you’re not. That’s what I was trying to say. Coach and I don’t think you’re serious enough for that level.”
“But I’m one of the fastest players on the team! I can play any position!”
“But you’re not committed, dude. You’re always late to practice, you don’t listen, and you fall back on the plays you have the muscle memory for.”
Raf places his hand on my shoulder. “Being in great shape isn’t gonna cut it.”
I study him. “How are you even going to make Premiership work? You’re a CFO for two companies and a father.”
“And yet,” he drawls, “I make it to practice on time.”
I groan.
“Truth is,” he continues, “I’m probably going to quit one job.”
I turn back to Dane. “Come on...”
