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I hurt her too badly and there’s no coming back from this.
As a last ditch effort, I even take advice from Ansley and light candles, turn around in circles, then search the night sky for shooting stars to make a damn wish.
Nothing doing.
It’s over.
I fumbled hard. Had the ball in the end zone and dropped it.
Now I’m leaving Thunder Creek tomorrow. But I still have a few loose ends to tie up before I go.
The first task on the list is one final practice with Langley. Technically, I can’t work out with the team anymore,since I signed on with Fort Lauderdale. But tossing balls on a field with a friend?
There’s enough of a loophole there.
“Let’s run the routes Coach assigned last week. Remember, you don’t have to look at your man. I’ve got you, and your receiver during the season will too. Count it down and let it fly.” I slap his back, tossing him the football.
He nods slowly, digesting what I said before running down the field.
As he jogs away, I take a second to soak everything in. Although the circumstances were shitty, it was kind of amazing coming back to my hometown and playing on my high school field. Comparing times and plays and seeing the sport through young, eager eyes.
Being back on this field with Coach Carter was a gift. Not every high school coach would have welcomed a player back with open arms.
But Coach didn’t hesitate, not even for a second.
And neither did his daughter.
I shove that thought away as Langley signals to me and counts.
One, two, three…the ball flies through the air and I run the route, jumping to grab the ball.
“Yes!” I fist-pump into the sky. “Perfect. Next play…”
We run every play Coach has in the playbook, including Special Teams and trick plays. Langley nails every single one.
Football in hand, I jog down the field to join him. I’m hot, sweaty, and tired, but satisfied. My work here is done.
As long as he executes, Langley should get the starting QB spot on the team.
“Great job.” I toss him the ball. “You’ve got this. Textme when Coach makes the announcement. But I expect great things from you.”
He beams at me, his chest puffed up with newfound confidence. “Thanks, Cam. Even if I get the back-up position, I still grew as a player working with you. I appreciate it.”
My heart swells, throat thick with emotion.
This kid. He’s gonna go far with a winning attitude like that. Grateful, humble, talented. He can have it all someday.
“You’ll get it. Go out there and execute. You had it in you the whole time.” I throw my arm around his shoulder and we walk off the field together.
My last stop is Coach’s house. I purposefully plan around Sloane’s schedule, making sure to swing by while she’s at work, but before football practice.
Coach answers the door, sandwich in hand. “Cam. Come on in. Want lunch?” He motions for me to shut the door and I follow behind him to the kitchen.
“I’m good, thanks.”
“How about some lemonade? They won’t have the good stuff down in Florida.” He shoots me a sideways grin and I nod.
“Sure.”
