“Okay then. Let’s show these girls how to push themselves.” I whistled for them to end their drill, and introduced Dean. “Now, he plays football, but he’s reallytalented and can show us some insight on how to be a good player.”
“My dad says soccer is real football,” one of the girls said.
“Yeah, soccer is harder than football and has more action.”
“And running.”
“I hate football.”
I fought a grin and gave up. Watching Dean’s expression as these seven-year-olds tore his sport apart was priceless. There was no way he was used to this behavior. He usually sneezed, and people were there holding a tissue for him. I couldn’t stop myself. “The girls speak the truth, Coach Romano.”
“Wow, you all seem so tough.” He crouched so he was at eye-level with them. A spark entered his eyes, like he enjoyed this. “Soccer is more popular worldwide for sure, but football is a testament to American sports.”
“There are less games,” the tallest girl said, nodding hard. “What position do you play?”
“Quarterback. I’m the one who throws the football to score touchdowns.”
“Can you even kick?”
I snorted. “Okay, that’s enough ladies.”
“No, she has a great question. What’s your name?” Dean asked, his voice gentle.
“Maria Cabrera.”
“Okay, Maria Cabrera. How about we make a deal? We do some of Coach Mallinson’s drills, and if you focus and work hard, you can show me how much better of a kicker you are than me.”
“You got yourself a deal.”
“That I do.” He held out his hand. “A real deal requires a shake.”
She shook his hand, hard, and puffed out her chest in a beautiful display of confidence. I loved that. I loved any time Icould help a young athlete learn their value, learn what made them tough, and I held out a fist for her to bump. I would be their beacon of hope, always.
“Don’t let this guy intimidate you. Your fear is the only enemy you have. Now, let’s get to work!”
Dean stayed the entire three-hour clinic. To say that was unexpected was an understatement. I predicted me and twenty girls, not me and Dean Romano. I studied him as he picked up the cones and stacked them, sweat dripping down his face and arms. It was noon, the sun beating on us without a cloud in the sky.
I took a long swig of water and double-checked everything was picked up. The clinic was two weeks long with this age group, then I’d have a week off and repeat it with older girls. I got paid part-time wages for it, which was nice, but really, giving back to the younger athletes was part of the job. Not that I would tell my coach, but I would’ve done this for free. I wanted to be the person who I never had growing up—the cheerleader, the one who pushed you but built you up. There was a way to be encouraging and tough to help grow athletes instead of fucking them up.
“Hey, Romano, thanks for hanging around. This was unexpected.” I held out the net bag, and he placed the last cones in it. Our fingers brushed, and a silly little thrill zinged up my arm. I smelled like sweat and sunscreen had a love child. This was no time to acknowledge my attraction to him.
“No problem. This was fun. Gabby and Lilah are tough as shit.”
“Right? I love seeing their attitudes and determination. I knew what I wanted to do at this age, and I hated when adults told me it was stupid or unrealistic or not a real job. If I can help instill a sense of purpose for them, sign me the hell up.”
“Adults mean well, but they have their own ideas of what the future is, and they try to force it on us. I see it all the time.” He shrugged, a thoughtful, pained look crossing his face. “What’s your plan now?
“Uh, gonna shower all this sweat off after I take Gabby back.” I nodded toward the stands where Gabby waited.
“I’ll walk with you.”
“Oh, um, okay.”
Be cool. Be chill.
Just a normal Friday morning, walking out of the stadium next to Dean. Despite how hot it was, he smelled so good. Sweat and soap and the cologne that I wanted to inhale. I had no idea why he wanted to walk me back, or why he’d volunteered to help me. We didn’thang outjust the two of us.
Except he helped at the bar, and we hung out at the house…okay, so we never used to hang out.
