Chapter 17 #3
Caleb nodded to Tim, who said, “We’re here to talk for the team and say thank you, Coach.
Everyone was sick of how Drake never does much of anything and then grabs the ball and all the glory in games.
We know he’s got talent, but a lot of guys who are just average players on the team have basketball smarts and can execute plays.
Good plays. Whether Drake comes back or not, we know we can be a good team. Maybe even a great one.”
Carson smiled. “I’m glad to hear that, Tim. You and Caleb are displaying real leadership on the court. Showing second and third efforts. Leading by example. The other guys notice that. They appreciate it. They’ll do the same.”
“You may get some blowback, Coach,” Caleb said. “Especially if Drake decides to quit the team. But I can tell you now, the team is behind you on this one.”
“I hope Drake comes back,” Carson told the pair. “He’s got mad talent, but he’ll need to learn how to be a team player. I’m counting on the two of you to help him over the hurdles.”
“We’ve got your back, Coach. And Drake’s if he wants us,” Tim promised.
The two players jogged off the court, and Jackson moved toward him.
“Gutsy move. Sounds like it’s one the team was hoping you’d make.”
“I mean it. If Drake wants to play for the Pirates, he’ll need an entire attitude adjustment. I think we have a winning team, Jackson, because these boys have a winning attitude about life.”
“I couldn’t agree more. See you at Bayfest,” his assistant said.
Carson took a seat in the bleachers, reflecting on what had happened over the last hour. He appreciated receiving the support of the team. No matter what happened next, Carson knew he had acted in the best interest of the team as a whole.
He left the gym, not needing to return to his office. He was going to enjoy this last free weekend before the basketball season began and dominated his every waking moment.
As he walked to his car, he saw someone standing by it.
Marge Duncan.
Bracing himself, he headed toward her.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing, kicking my baby off the team?”
“He’s not a baby, and I didn’t kick Drake off the team, Marge.
I’ve just given him time to think about if he wants to play on this team and be a good teammate to the other players.
I’m not going to coddle him simply because he’s got natural, athletic ability.
He’s skating through school, both academically and athletically.
I’m asking him to challenge himself and be the man I know he can be. ”
Drake’s mother cursed at him and then said, “I’m going to Bill Perry next. Of course, I doubt you’ll even get a slap on the wrist since you’re banging his daughter.”
“Whoa. Wait right there,” Carson said, his blood boiling.
He knew he had to rein in his temper and keep a cool head.
Not only was he dealing with a parent, but Marge Duncan was also a fellow professional.
He didn’t want to escalate the situation.
He also suspected Marge was the type of woman who would be recording this conversation.
In Texas, a person could legally record a conversation without informing others if he or she were a party to that conversation.
“Do you deny it?” Marge demanded.
“My private life and relationship with Mila Perry have nothing to do with regard to my discussion about your son.”
“How can I even get satisfaction, with you being the district’s AD?
If Jon Earl were still in charge, I could go to him.
He’d straighten you out. Since I don’t have that option, it means going over your head and taking things up with Bill.
” She sniffed. “And you’re already like family to him.
My poor kid is being left out in the cold. Denied his rights.”
“Drake is still on the team, Marge, despite anything he said to you to the contrary. Yes, I’m sitting him for the scrimmage on Tuesday because he’s been passive and uninterested in practice this week.
He was also rude to Edith Smith. He’s failing her class now, and he isn’t doing much better in his other ones.
As a principal, I would have thought you would have discussed with him the importance of getting a good education and emphasizing how he needs to use his natural gifts to excel, as well as trying to be the best person he can be. ”
Anger flared in her eyes, and her entire body stiffened.
“You don’t get to tell me how to parent my own child, Coach Andrews.
I’ve done the best I can with Drake. His dad skedaddled three years ago.
Even when he was here, he wasn’t around much.
I’m the one who stuck around. I’m the one who knows what’s best for him.
So don’t you think you can tell me what to do. ”
“As an educator and administrator, you know better than anyone, Marge, that if you demand excellence, you’ll get it.
If you set a low bar, Drake will do what he’s doing, just barely enough to scrape by.
I’m not judging you as a mom. I understand how rough it can be to be a single parent because I’m one, too.
All I’m saying is that you have him at home for the rest of his senior year.
Talk to him rationally. Tell him you love him—but you need him to be the best version of himself that he can be, both on and off the court. ”
She raised her hand, and Carson thought she was going to slap him. Marge seemed to realize what she was about to do, and her hand fell. She took a step back.
“I’m going to Bill Perry with Drake. We’ll see what the superintendent says. You can’t go sitting my boy for no reason at all.”
It was as if she hadn’t heard a word he’d said. Carson knew enough to keep his mouth shut at this point.
“I’ll make sure Bill knows if I don’t get satisfaction, I’ll go to the school board. It’ll be both of your jobs,” she threatened.
Marge wheeled and hurried to her car. Carson got in his own vehicle, his heart racing.
While he knew he was well within his rights to bench whomever he wanted to, this was not a great start to his first season.
Even if he had the support of his team and assistant coach, the trouble Marge could stir up might divide the community enough to force him out, not to mention dragging Mila’s name through the mud.
He took a few deep breaths, trying to compose himself before starting his car and heading to pick up Lily at Happy Hearts. They would grab a quick bite at the diner before heading back to school to watch the volleyball game.
The confrontation with Marge was not something he would share with Mila. At least not right away. She needed to focus on tonight’s match.
Carson just hoped things wouldn’t get ugly.