Chapter 11
Preston
Practice was over. Thank everything holy because I was about to crack a molar watching Jagger Ross look at Trinity like she was his next meal.
I had no reason to be in this part of the facility anymore, but I was torn between watching her and finding the nearest distraction. Which would most likely be my home gym, where I could work myself to the brink of exhaustion before I collapsed in bed.
Julia spoke low to Trinity before she smiled at her and let her go for the day. My eyes involuntarily followed her as she left the room, and on instinct, my feet began to move.
“Listen up!”
My feet slowed, my shoulders tight as I turned my attention to Rodney. “You looked sharp today. First game is Saturday. You’ve put in the work. It’s time to show them what you got.”
Whoops and hollers echoed through the room, along with some whistles.
Rodney held his hand up. “With that said, I’m sure most of you have met my daughter, Trinity.
She’s the athletic trainer shadowing Julia for the season.
Show her the same respect you show me and every coach here.
She’s here to learn and help you stay healthy.
” His eyes narrowed before he added, “And keep your hands to yourselves.”
Well, fuck.
“Preston.” He met my eyes. “Can I see you in my office for a sec?”
“Sure.”
I followed Rodney into his office that was just down the hall from mine.
Trophies lined the shelves that covered his back wall, all of his accomplishments displayed for everyone to see.
A picture of him and Jodie on their wedding day sat on one shelf, a picture of his twins placed on the opposite end.
A few others scattered among the clutter, but I’d never really taken the time to search them out.
But something pulled me in today. Especially the gold-framed picture of a younger Rodney holding a little girl on his shoulders that couldn’t have been more than five.
Trinity.
“I figured I owed it to you to tell you in person.” He leaned back against the edge of his desk, arms crossed. “This is my last year with the Cougars. I’m officially retiring.”
Surprise washed over me, and he must have seen the reaction because he shrugged.
“I’m getting old, Preston.” His grin simmered. “I’ve got two young kids. A family. A daughter that I…” he trailed off before he redirected. “This sport has given me so much, and I’ve given it all I’ve I got.”
I knew where this was going.
“It’s time I officially hang up my hat.”
I didn’t blame him. He’d given his best years to football, and it was time to give those back to his family.
“I want you to be my replacement.”
I blinked. “Me?”
He pressed his palms against his desk. It creaked beneath his weight. “I couldn’t handpick a better man to fill this role. Your leadership on and off the field has followed you. You know the game almost better than me.”
I scoffed under my breath.
He grinned. “I said almost. I already put in a word to Dimitri. He’s on board. Thinks your image is good. No wife or kids to distract you. Winning is where your head is at and that’s what this school needs. A man who wants to win and will guide this team to victory.”
The way he called a wife and kids a distraction grated unevenly against my nerves.
I knew Rodney was as focused as they came, but something about putting the people you love in that category didn’t seem fair.
And to be honest, it had crossed my mind in the past that he might retire, but I figured they’d have to pry that headset from Rodney’s lifeless hands.
“I appreciate the good word.” My hands flexed. “It would be an honor.”
“And a pay raise.” He chuckled.
Don’t get me wrong, it was nice to be financially stable, but money was something I never allowed to turn me into something I wasn’t.
I knew where I came from. I knew my roots were made up of a mean drunk and a mother who hated me and my sister more than she hated herself.
So just because money was something I was fortunate to make in my career, I always gave it back. Took care of those who mattered to me.
“I may be asking you to help a little more than usual. Help you transition into the responsibilities easier.”
“Whatever you need from me.”
His phone buzzed on his desk. “And now I’m late.” His wife’s name flashed across the screen. “I don’t want to push you, Preston. But I think we both know that you deserve this.”
With that, I dismissed myself and headed to the quiet street that used to be my haven. Now I wasn’t sure what it was. Especially when I spotted a certain woman’s car in her driveway.