Chapter 18
The bright lights of the stadium shine down on the field, our offense at the fifteen-yard line. It’s third down with only ten seconds left on the clock, and the score is tied twenty-one to twenty-one. If they don’t complete this attempt, I’m up and the game is on the line.
Now, normally, I wouldn’t let the pressure get to me.
I’m cool as a cucumber no matter what I’m facing.
But this game is different because she’s here.
Nik is in the stands with Cassidy, wearing a Hawks jersey.
Only way she could be hotter is if it had my number on the back, but I get it.
She can’t play favorites…even though I know that it’s definitely me.
The center snaps the ball straight into Owen’s hands.
He draws back, immediately surrounded by the Bulldogs’ defensive end who narrowly misses the tackle before Ox shoots the ball straight at Roscoe who’s running across the endzone.
The cornerback comes out of nowhere, tipping the ball out of Roscoe’s hands, and the attempt is lost. Our only hope is a field goal.
Looks like I’m up.
It’s the special team’s turn on the field, so I take a deep breath and exhale.
When I glance over to the stands where I know our girl is watching, I catch sight of her smiling face, her hair pulled into two braids that lay on her chest, and her hands white knuckling the railing.
That reminds me why she’s the perfect girl for us.
Not only is she the smartest girl I know, but she loves football and sports in general. Could she be any hotter?
Kissing my fingers, I point them at her. She pretends to catch the kiss, and presses it to her lips. Now, I’m not a romantic guy, but I damn near swoon. How the hell did we get so lucky?
Meh… Maybe I'll wait and see if I make this kick before I determine our luck.
Taking my place on the field, I wait for the ball to be snapped.
I clear my head, focus on my breathing, and relax my body.
The second the ball flies to the holder, he places it on the tee and I’m in motion.
Rushing forward, my leg swings out, making contact with the leather.
I’m pretty sure we all hold our breath as the ball sails through the air, moving in what feels like slow motion.
Seconds tick by until it clears the goal posts, then three points get added to the scoreboard, making it a Hawks victory!
The team goes wild, with players and coaches storming the field, but with the adrenaline rushing through my system, my mind is focused on only one person.
I slip through the high-fives and pats on the back as quickly as I can, anxiously searching the spot I last saw Nik.
She’s there, wildly waving her fake poms and clapping along with my goofy sister.
I don’t even think about it. Instead, I run straight for the stands, and when her eyes meet mine, I feel like I’m king of the fucking world.
Gripping the lower railing, I haul myself up and climb the wall until I’m standing on the ledge in front of her.
“Congrats, hot shot! You scored the winning points!”
“I’d rather score you.”
I don’t give her time to reply. One hand snakes out and wraps around the back of her neck to drag her forward. Our lips crash together, and the kiss is rough and fast and everything I need right now.
“Jesus, Levins. Get your ass down from there, leave that girl alone, and come talk to the reporters,” Coach Byron snaps from the sidelines. “You hurt your goddamn leg, and I’ll bench you for the season. Scouts be damned.”
Giggling, Nik grips the sides of my jersey and pushes me away. “Go, before you get yourself in trouble.”
“Worth it!” I press one last kiss on her lips. “Wait for us after the game. We want to take you somewhere.”
I drop to the ground just as I hear my sister’s disgusted reply. “I love you both, but I don’t wanna see that shit.”
My laughter rings out, and when I turn around, my best friends are waiting for me.
“Fucking kiss ass,” Roz mutters.
Ox claps me on the shoulder. “I’m jealous as fuck, but you deserved that.”
We make our way to the tunnel after I give the local press a quick interview.
The talk right now is always about which professional teams I’m most interested in joining.
I know Ox and Roz are getting the same shit.
We’ve each met with more than a few teams, but it was never really a question where I was headed, and nothing has changed with Nik returning home.
The locker room is a riotous party, the team in good spirits.
The offensive line rushes over, lifting me up onto their shoulders and carting me around the room.
Sure, it feels awesome to be the king of the night, but I think the fact that I’d rather rush out of here and into Nik’s arms speaks volumes about what I want for my future.
We shower in record time, all of us anxious for the same damn reason.
Coach pops his head in, calling for the three of us to head to his office. We share confused looks but dress and make our way there to get whatever this is over with. Owen knocks on the door, and Coach motions for us to enter.
“This will be quick. I’m assuming you all have somewhere important to be?”
His question is a loaded one, the expression on his face telling me he already knows what our plans are without us having to utter a word.
Owen clears his throat. “Yes, sir.”
“Figured as much. Can’t say I blame you.
I’ve been around this town long enough to have seen the way y’all have always looked at that girl.
Had it not been for her brother being a prick, I’m not sure we’d even be having this conversation.
You would’ve put a ring on it, and she would’ve had y’all locked down from the start.
Still, I feel like it’s my duty as your coach and mentor to at least give it one last shot. ”
Roscoe side-eyes me, both of us confused as to where Coach is going with this.
“Not sure what you mean, Coach,” Owen says, slipping his hands into the pockets of his joggers.
“Each of you have scouts actively watching you with the intent to recruit. That future comes with a whole lotta zeroes attached to it if you play your cards right. Before you give that up for a woman—” He holds up his hand when Roscoe starts to interrupt him.
“Just hear me out. There is nothing wrong with that. Why do you think I’m coaching college football, never having touched a professional field?
I’m just making sure you are all thinking through your decisions with the right head, is all. ”
I snort.
Roscoe scowls.
Owen just sighs. The second Nik returned, we knew this would be hardest on him.
“Coach, I know you and I have talked a little about the future and if I wanted to continue in the big leagues, but…” I glance at the guys, drawing more confidence from the nods they direct my way.
“I think the last game of the year will also be my last time lacing up my cleats. I love this sport, but I have other dreams I want to pursue…and not just of the female variety either.”
Roscoe joins in, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’m with Carson on this, Coach.
He and I have some business plans that will require us to stay right here in Cedar Vale.
We’ve already taken the first steps to secure the start-up funds and land.
A youth sports facility is desperately needed in this area, and that’s where our future lies.
Just waiting for the season to end before we dive in.
I’ve loved playing this sport, but what I want long term doesn’t include time away from the woman I… ”
He trails off as Owen and I stare at him. None of us have admitted it out loud, though I know we’re all thinking it. We’re in love with the girl who got away. The same one who’s back with our second chance in her hands. We can’t ruin it this time.
Coach nods, turning to Owen. “You’re the top-seeded draft pick, son. You’ve got scouts from multiple teams bangin’ down my door for a chance to talk to you.”
Owen studies the ceiling, getting his thoughts in order. We’ve had our own talks about this, but this will be the first time he admits out loud what he’s never told anyone other than the two of us.
“When I was young, I wanted nothing more than to play sports. I excelled at football, but I was damn good at baseball too. Tried my hand at soccer once or twice, sucked at basketball. My dad forced me to pick one, refusing to allow me to split my focus or risk losing an early advantage, or so he said. He strong-armed me into football, and… Don’t get me wrong, I love this sport.
My accomplishments on this team speak for themselves, but…
” Owen closes his eyes, running his fingers through his damp hair.
“Look, son, this team is where it is because of that arm of yours these last few years.” Coach stands up, walking around his desk until he’s standing in front of Owen.
He places both hands on his shoulders and looks him straight in the eyes.
“But… I understand, like few others do, that there is more to life than this game. Or money, for that matter. Sometimes you have to do what makes you happy. I will support whatever decision you make, one hundred percent, but I wouldn’t be a good coach if I didn’t at least check that the decisions being made are with a clear head.
Which, I can see, they are.” Then he glances at all of us.
“I’m proud of the men you’ve become, and I’ll be honest—off the record—that girl you’ve been eyeing for years?
She’s one of the good ones. Don’t fuck that up again. ”
Emotions are high, which says a lot considering Coach is not an overly emotional man outside of fits of anger on the field. I clear my throat and mimic the others’ nods.
“Now, get on out of here. I wanna go home early tonight and spend some time canoodling with my wife.” We all grimace, to which he just laughs.
“Like that’s any different than the plans y’all have for Dre’s sister.
Regardless, know that if any of you have ever considered a job in coaching, I’d be open to talks. Keep that in mind.”
“Thanks, Coach,” we say in unison, then head out the door.
Walking down the hall and through the now mostly empty locker room, we’re all quiet as we process what just went down. At least until I can’t stay silent any longer.
“How are we feeling about that conversation? I, for one, am glad that’s over. I think I prefer being reamed out by that man rather than talk about canoodling, for fuck’s sake.”
Roz rolls his eyes. “Speak for yourself, dipshit.”
“Honestly, it feels good to say what I’ve been thinking out loud.” Owen runs his hands over his head. “I know it seems like I’m giving up this massive opportunity, but what I’d be giving up with Nik seems so much bigger.”
“Agreed,” Roz and I murmur as we approach the door that leads to the tunnel.
“Speaking of, she should be waiting for us out there,” I add.
Owen meets my eyes. “Good. Then let’s go show our girl exactly what this whole multi-partner thing can look like so she knows there’s absolutely nothing to be worried about.”
He opens the door, and we follow him out. She’s there, cheeks flushed with excitement and a wide smile on her face. It’s this moment right here, this feeling that comes over me as I walk toward her and lift her into my arms, spinning her around...
This is it. She is it.
My life. My future. My everything.
Hopefully, we can get her to feel that way too.