Chapter Eleven
LIAM
T he sidelines were chaos in the wake of our win against Indiana.
We’d played the game for Jackson. I hoped our teammate would have been proud of us.
But even with that energy, I couldn’t get my mind off something else.
I hadn’t even felt the cold as wind tore through the empty field.
There’d been a moment when I’d caught Skye’s gaze in the stands.
Something was happening between us, and I didn’t want to fight it anymore. I wanted her.
She’d let her barriers down some since the night I drove her home.
This was the time to capitalize on that response and worm my way back into her world, which I wanted to do despite the inevitable shutdown that came with a girl like Skye.
I needed and wanted her more than she did me—even with that reality check, I couldn’t deny the pull I’d always felt for her.
She was worth the risk to my carefully constructed rules of self-preservation.
And right now, she had no escape—not when she tutored me several times a week and showed up at practices and games because of her internship. All that gave me more chances to build on the connection that was so clearly present between us.
“Cartwright!” Coach Becket bellowed from down the sideline, standing next to Mark Thompson, one of Kansas City’s well-known NFL scouts and someone I very much wanted to impress. He was a former player for the Chiefs as well, one I respected a lot.
I broke away from Ares and Kylian, jogging along the sideline until I caught up with Coach as he and the Chiefs scout headed into the tunnel to the locker rooms.
“I want you to meet Mark Thompson,” Coach said. “We can use my office.”
I extended my hand and shook the scout’s offered one in a firm handshake. “It’s great to meet you, Mr. Thompson.”
“Mark is fine.” He grinned.
We chatted about mundane things until we arrived in Coach’s office. Coach took the chair behind his desk and waved for Thompson and me to use the two in front of it.
Thompson leaned back in his chair, crossing an ankle over the opposite knee, his gaze locked on me and assessing.
“Thanks for taking the time to meet with me, Cartwright. I’ve been following you this season.
Your stats are impressive, and you have many traits we look for in a wide receiver—your ability to create separation with your route running, your speed off the line, your overall high football IQ, and how you fight for those contested catches.
Those are all things we notice, but let’s talk more about your game and where we see opportunities for you to grow. ”
“Absolutely. I welcome your insight on what I can improve.” I had to demonstrate I was coachable then show him results on the field after our initial conversation.
He was proving to be a no-nonsense guy, true of everything I’d heard from Kylian and Ares, whom he, among other scouts, had been recruiting hardcore.
That it was taking longer for me to gain attention and conversations was nothing short of panic inducing.
I had to nail our meeting. Not only that, but his approval and setting his sights on me would only open more doors.
ESPN would stand up and take notice, as would other teams.
“We love what you can do after the catch, but we’d like to see you break free of blocks and improve some of the details in your route tree.
In the NFL, defenders are faster and more physical.
Watch film on Jerome Myers at USC. His footwork and timing on every route help build separation.
If you can improve and show consistency there, it’ll only prove you’ve got more of what it takes to make it in the professional league. ”
There was proof of my competition. “Got it. I appreciate the tip and will work to improve. Thank you.”
“Your deep routes are stellar, but sharpen the short ones to become truly unstoppable.”
“You would know.” I grinned, pouring on the charm. “I’ve followed your career and strive to emulate your success, among others.”
“Good to know.” Mark chuckled then turned to Coach. “His charisma is off the charts, just like you said.”
“At least you won’t have to worry about putting me in front of reporters. I’ll do whatever the PR team needs.” I would work any angle to make myself stand out in their eyes. If that tipped the scale for me, then so be it.
“What’s your weekly routine regarding film, study, practice, and recovery?”
I eased back in my seat and rattled off the hours I spent every day with prep work. Kylian, Ares, and I were the team’s hardest working players, which was a big reason why we were the best—or they were. I had some concerns when Thompson brought up my competition. I needed to up my game.
Coach chimed in with my dedication to improving my schoolwork—I did my best not to flinch—and how much I balanced, never complaining when more was put on my plate.
Also, the other receivers looked up to me for how I stayed late to help the rookies improve.
I was a true team player. I could fucking kiss the man for the gold he spewed. Thompson looked impressed.
Fuck yes!
Thompson nodded along with everything Coach said, making a few notes on his clipboard before turning back to me.
“How do you handle adversity?” His gaze briefly dipped to the scar on my cheek.
“The NFL creates a lot of pressure. We’re always looking for guys who stay levelheaded and keep pushing, even when things don’t go their way. ”
I wouldn’t touch the fight freshman year that resulted in my scar.
It was long ago, and I doubted he knew anything.
What he wanted to know was the kind of teammate I was when the chips were down, even after Coach had spouted off all the team-player stuff about me—I got it, but it needed to also be in my own words. I had this, no problem.
“I can give you a few examples of things I’ve done for teammates and friends off the field that never once affected my game.
” I darted a glance at Coach, who nodded encouragement.
From his serious expression, he knew what I was about to share.
“Kylian Wilder and Ares Bellingham are my roommates and good friends.” They needed no explanation about their positions or status on the team as they were well-known and frequently mentioned on SportsCenter.
I explained how Ares’s girlfriend had been abducted and what role I’d played in helping my friends and my sister, who was a detective, get her back safely.
How my performance on the field never suffered.
I could juggle emotional duress without it impacting my game.
When I finished, he looked noticeably impressed, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
One test passed. What else will he throw my way?
I was ready. I rubbed my hands together, leaning forward for the next challenge.
Something Thompson noticed by the way his eyes lit up.
“That was a helluva explanation and one not many can compete with. Keep up the work you’ve been putting in, but remember, there’s always room for growth. I want to see you hungry to improve, and from what I’ve witnessed today, I think you are.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Continue to refine your craft, Liam. Stay healthy, and don’t lose focus. I know you’ve got the tools. Keep grinding. You’ve got a real shot at making it to the next level.”
Coach and I stood with Thompson and shook his hand. Coach asked me to stay a few more minutes as he walked Thompson out. When they were out of sight, I shook my arms and rolled my neck, releasing the tension that’d built up. It wasn’t long before Coach returned.
He left the door to his office open and clapped me on the back.
His thick mustache worked overtime as he furiously chewed his signature nicotine gum.
“Scouts want to get a sense of players’ personalities, work ethics, and often how they handle feedback.
You went above and beyond today. I have no doubt about your physical skills, character, and focused mental preparation.
You’ve got what it takes to succeed professionally, and you showed him what he wanted to see with that conversation.
The rest will have to be on the field. I’ll be watching you during playoffs and at the combine. Show me what you’ve got.”
“I will.” I nodded with every point he made. I would make it happen.
“Do what Thompson said. Study what USC’s star wide receiver is successfully doing that you’re not.
And while you’re at it, check out Ohio State and Bama’s star receivers too.
He may not have mentioned their names, but they’re being heavily recruited.
Up your game, son. I know you can achieve your dreams.”
I blinked furiously. Goddamn. I was so close. His praise and belief in me encouraged me to work harder than ever. “I promise I won’t let you down, Coach.”