“Now, I feel okay. They said I could try out for another team, but my heart just isn’t in it if it’s not Denver.”
“God, can you imagine if you got picked up by Vegas?”
They give a collective shudder.
No one—and I meanno one—likes Vegas.
“Not going to happen. It’s Denver or bust. Looks like I’m the first out of all of us to retire.”
“There is more to life than football,” Jackson confirms.
Jackson knows better than anyone after injuring his knee years ago, during my rookie season. Injuries are never easy. But after battling back, I now realize it’s the best decision for me. To step away from playing the game I love.
And I’m okay with it now. Talking with Gramps and Coach Brooks made me realize there is more out there for me than just playing football. I can do so much more. Hell, maybe even coach.
And with Audrey earning her place back on the team, I know she’ll be busy traveling to competitions. Before, I could never go and watch her compete. It was always on TV or a shitty live stream.
With football out of the picture, I can be there to support her.
“Uh-oh. I know that look.” Colin points at me. “Who is she?”
“Audrey.”
“No shit, really?” Knox asks.
“Turns out absence does make the heart grow fonder.” I can’t hide the stupid smile on my face when I think about her.
If you had asked me two years ago where I thought I’d be, it wasn’t here.
A busted leg that will never heal enough to play football.
The love of my life back.
“Love will always soften the blow.”
“God, would you look at all of us? Complete saps,” Colin laughs.
“They make it easy,” Alex says.
“Not Frankie. She’ll rip me a new one if I screw up on the field.”
“The sign of true love.” Colin bats his eyelashes at Knox. “But also, she’s scary as fuck and I can’t imagine her being my head coach one day.”
“Don’t let her hear you say that. I can get away with it because she loves me.”
“Why? I don’t know.”
“You have time for a drink?” Alex asks.
“Don’t you need to hit the weight room?”
“We’re done for the day. You being back here calls for a drink.”
Jackson hops up and grabs the small bottle of bourbon and glasses from his locker. It’s nice to know that some things don’t change.
“I won’t say no to that.” I take the proffered glass.
“So what’s going to be next?” Alex asks, sipping his drink.
