Page 51 of Kickoff

Her small hand enveloped mine and stayed there.

“If I go to the doctor, they’ll order a bunch of tests and force me to rest. The team needs me. Most of the guys are senior. I can’t risk messing with their last year. Football season doesn’t last long.”

I flipped my palm over and knitted my fingers through hers.

“Do you feel like you should seek medical advice?” Melinda asked after a minute.

“Yes and no. I can’t let my teammates down. Right now, it’s what matters the most.”

“Mase?”

I lifted my gaze to hers.

“Promise me something. If you don’t see a doctor now, as soon as the season is over, you’ll go and get your shoulder checked. Don’t put your future in jeopardy for a high school championship or your pride.”

I chewed on my inner cheek. “Fine.”

Her lips tilted up. “We have a deal.” She pointed behind her. “I gotta go if I don’t wanna be late for school. See you later.” She unlinked our fingers but kept her palm on mine. A little burst of electricity transferred from her hand to mine, and I held my breath. What would she do if I kissed her? Would she slap me, indulge me, or run away from me?

I wasn’t ready to find out. I squeezed her hand, the small touch easing the racing thoughts invading my mind.

Then I remembered Melinda was going to the dance with Landon the following night, and my infatuation died.

I stood and did a few knee-to-chest glute stretches, Melinda following my lead. “We’ll go for six miles on Sunday morning. Let’s say nine o’clock. Don’t get to bed too late on Saturday night.” I was being a jerk, but somehow, I couldn’t help myself. I knew she was going to the homecoming dance and wouldn’t be home before midnight.

Melinda’s hand shot to her chest. “Wow, Coach, you’re letting me sleep in the morning. How generous of you.”

“You’re my favorite athlete, so please don’t scream for everyone to hear I gave you a free pass. It wouldn’t be good for my hard-ass coach rep.”

“Noted.” But then reality seemed to dawn on her. “But tomorrow night is⁠—”

“Yeah, but I have plans on Sunday.”

“Oh…okay.”

Her smile dipped, and I felt bad for being such a jealous asshole and an entitled jerk. Something was clearly wrong with me. “We can postpone and start over on Monday.”

She shook her head. “Nah, it’s fine. I need this, so I’ll make it work.”

I closed the distance between us. “I don’t want you to overdo it or not rest long enough and exhaust yourself. We can go for the run later on Sunday instead.”

“No, morning is fine.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. And don’t forget you’re already letting me sleep in. I’ll be ready at nine. Are you still ditching the dance?”

“Yes. Not going.”

“Oh, okay. Have a great game tonight.”

“Thanks, Shepard.”

15

I think it’s about time you get over it

The marching band positioned themselves on the fifty-yard line, forming a tight block behind the drum major, their uniforms, a mix of navy blue and gold, a sharp contrast against the green turf. Attacking a rendition of our school fight song, they began to move, breaking into several lines and spreading across the football field. Their feet marched with synchronized precision as the drumline twirled and tossed their sticks with ease, never missing a beat.