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“Thanks. It’s the last preseason game we have, so I’m glad we came away with the win.”
“Well, if the coach has a brain in his head, he’ll make you the starter,” Scarlett says.
“There’s more to consider than just this game. But I hope he shares your views.” He turns his attention back to me. “I need to get into the locker room now. Thank you for coming and cheering me on. I appreciate it so much.” He leans over andpresses a kiss to my lips and whispers, “I couldn’t have done it without you, Fall.”
CHAPTER 22
ROGAN
Ishow up at the stadium and head to Coach Chubb’s office like Coach Parker instructed in his text this morning. There’s a mini cyclone of nervous energy whirling around inside my stomach. This meeting could mean everything I’ve been working for is about to come to fruition or that he’s still angry about the scuffle between Brett and me. I can’t imagine what else it could be about because I’ve been working hard and playing well.
Coach Parker is there to meet me when I get off the elevator. “Hey, Rogan. How’s your morning been?”
“Hey, Coach. It’s been okay. Why? Is it about to get a lot worse?” I ask, hoping he’ll give me a clue as to why I’m here.
He laughs. “Come on. Coach is waiting.”
Shit. He didn’t answer me.Now I’m even more worried.
The walk down the hallway seems endless and too quick at the same time. Part of me wants to put this off forever, and the other is eager to get it over with.
When we reach Coach Chubb’s office, Coach Parker stretches an arm out, gesturing for me to enter.
“Thank you.” I step inside. “Hi, Coach.” I raise my hand in an awkward wave while Coach Parker closes the door behind me.
“Have a seat, O’Rourke.” Coach Chubb leans back in his chair, his shirt stretched taut across his rounded stomach. “I suppose you’re wondering why I called you in here this morning.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Your work ethic has been strong since we signed you, and your level of play has really ratcheted up since last season. It’s obvious you put a lot of time and effort into working on your footwork during the offseason. That being said, we’re moving you into the starting quarterback slot starting today.”
I’m so overwhelmed, I struggle to form a reply. I draw in a calming breath. “Thank you, sir.”
“This is the chance of a lifetime,” he says.
“I know that, sir. I won’t take it for granted or let you down.”
“I know you won’t. Are you ready to step up and take the lead?”
I nod emphatically. “Absolutely.”
“I realize this might cause some more tension between you and Barlow, but I expect you to handle it professionally. As I’m sure you know, the team always comes first.”
“Yes, sir, I do. I won’t let him bait me again.”
“I’ve already spoken to Barlow but the rest of the team doesn’t know yet. We’ll be making an official announcement tomorrow. Until then, keep this to yourself.”
“I will, sir.”
He rises to his feet and I do the same. He reaches across the desk, shaking my hand. “Congratulations, O’Rourke.”
Beaming, I exuberantly pump his hand. “Thank you, Coach. I won’t let you down.”
“You better not. The team’s counting on you.”
As soon as I leave his office I text Autumn.
Me: Hey, can you meet me out by your car? I need to talk to you.
