“What did you tell the girls?” I chuckled.
“That it was contaminated with a flesh-eating bacteria and we had to get a new one. Obviously.”
I barked out a laugh. “Didn’t want to keep soaking in middle-aged semen?”
“Seriously, dude,” he scoffed. “That’s morbid.”
“You clearly need someone else. Doesn’t she have cataracts?”
“She can see up close.” He waved me off. “I’m working on it.”
A knock sounded at my door before Rodney’s face appeared in the frame. “Field in ten.”
“You got it, Coach,” I called before pushing to my feet.
When I glanced up, I caught a flash of auburn hair passing my window. I froze as Trinity ambled by, deep in a conversation with Julia. I ignored the stir in my chest. The dip in my stomach like I was some pre-pubescent teenager who just saw a beautiful girl for the first time. I had played in countless games. Been up against some of the top-ranking teams, and some of the NFL’s greatest talents. But none of those things had my nerves on edge like the thought of watching her onmyfield today.
Wesley cleared his throat, his eyes darting from me to the open door. “You all right, man?”
I shook my head and stepped around my desk.
“Fine. Let’s go.”
10
Trinity
Today’s practice was intense. I’d never seen this level of athleticism up close. Most of the guys towered over me by at least a few feet and outweighed me by over a hundred pounds. But the way they moved in unison, it was clear why they had so many championships under their cleats. They worked hard, and apparently, talked shit even harder.
“Good job today.” Preston’s voice grazed over my skin, the vibration causing a shiver to dance down my spine when he walked behind me.
I’d kept my distance today. I’d spent the duration of today’s practice with Julia, learning about basic supplies we kept on the field for practice and what a typical routine was for game weeks. Her knowledge was inspiring and the fact she took absolutely no lip from these guys had me admitting I wanted to be her when I grew up.
“Meet Julia in the field house for ice baths,” Preston instructed, his voice trailing farther away.
Before I could allow my eyes to betray me and pathetically track his stride across the turf, my father started in my direction.
“Well? Thoughts on your first official day?” His eyes shone as he stood next to the water jug, a hint of pride in his eyes.
He loved this. Lived for it. It was evident in how he coached. Spoke to each player. He put his heart and soul into a practice. The feeling ofteamworkwas visible from just one day on this field and a twinge of enthusiasm rooted in my chest.
“It was great.” I couldn’t contain my smile. “I can’t wait until game day on Saturday.”
“You’ll love it. The morale. The fans.” He motions around us. “It makes you realize you have a vital role in the bigger picture. That you get to be a part of something great.”
“Sounds like we do actually have something in common,” I quipped.
I guess I never really felt like a part of ateam.Your family is supposed to be a team, but mine was dismantled before I was old enough to understand it.
His expression softened, a flash of something along the lines of regret skating across his features.
He glanced at the field, the number of players dwindling as they made their way to the locker room.
“Trinity.” He cleared his throat. “I understand that offering to pay for your final year and housing doesn’t make up for all the years I wasn’t there. And I’m prepared to put in the work. To get to know you better.”
I sucked in a breath, only giving a nod in response.
“Jodie and I would love for you to come over Sunday for dinner. The twins would love to see you.”
