Coach is nodding, concern in his eyes. “Is that how you see yourself? Like who you are on the football field defines you?”
I don’t reply, because I’m low-key ashamed now that I think about how shallow that is.
“West, you’re a beast on the football field, so don’t misunderstand when I say this. But football is the leastimpressive thing about you. Theleast,” he reiterates. “You’re a good man and husband, a good brother, and a loyal friend. And this is coming from the man who’s known you since you were a cocky college kid, walking into that locker room like you were hot shit.”
We laugh and I remember that like it was yesterday. Including the part where I thought I was hot shit.
“My point is this. Anything you put your heart into, it’s going to be successful.”
I take his words to heart, and I sit with them.
“But we’re not just going to brush over this whole… therapy thing. I’m so proud of you. Not enough people take their mental health seriously. It takes a real man to acknowledge he needs help becoming his best self. Good for you.”
My chest tightens with his words, his acknowledgement.
“Thank you, sir.”
“Of course. How long you been seeing someone?”
“I just started two days ago, and I see her again next Tuesday.”
“And how are things going between you and Blue?” he asks, and I’m glad he knows no topic is off limits with us.
“Better. I’d love it if she’d just come home, but… I can be patient.”
He studies me for a moment. “I sure hope this doesn’t have anything to do with that Pandora spreading that story about you and Kasey.”
“No, not at all. Blue’s known for years and, believe it or not, she was a big help getting me through that situation back in the day.”
He smiles. “That doesn’t surprise me at all. She’s a special girl.”
Special doesn’t even begin to cover it. She’s… incredible.
I picture my wife’s face, and I realize I’m smiling a little. As badly as I want her back completely, I’m grateful for how far we’ve come. And what’s more, I respect where she is in the process of healing. When she’s ready, she’ll come back to me.
I feel it.
“Well, if there’s ever anything Meg and I can do, just name it. You know we’re rooting for you kids.”
“I appreciate that. I’m sure Blue would, too.”
I glance down at the time and realize I stayed much longer than I intended to.
“I should get going. I have some research to do before making a few calls in the morning.”
Coach arches a brow. “These better not be recruitment interviews or something,” he teases, and I laugh as I stand to my feet.
“They’re interviews, but definitely not that kind.”
“I’m gonna hold you to it.”
He stands, and I look him in the eyes, needing him to know how much I appreciate him—his kindness, his patience.
I extend my hand to shake his. “Once I’m all healed up, I hope to be right back on the field with the Emperors.”
The smile on his face broadens as he slaps my hand away in exchange for a hug. “Can’t wait to see it, son.”
I’m grateful to finally be getting to a place where I no longer need others’ validation. But this time spent with Coach, knowing I’m loved for exactly who I am, it’s surely given me that.Reassurance that the only person who sees me as nothing more than football… is me.
