Chapter 21
My eyes were intent on the screen. The weekend between the last game of the season and the Down Under Bowl, was a bye. That gave us extra time to watch every single game us or our opposition, Melbourne Breakers, played all season.
Over and over until I had every move, every play, every step, virtually memorised.
Every waking hour, and most of the sleeping ones, my brain replayed them on repeat. I visualised how each of our players would respond to each of their moves. The whole game played out in my head like a chess game, piece by piece until the end game.
The rest of us would have the same scenario going on in their brain. Nothing would be left to chance, if we could help it.
In the middle of a second-half play, from a few weeks ago, I felt someones eyes on me.
When I looked, I couldnt see anyone even glancing my way. I was probably just imagining things. Everyone else had their eyes on the screen. I turned mine back to it and tried to claw back my focus.
The Breakers were going to be a tough team to beat. They played an intelligent, focused game of football. Their ability to read the other team was on par with ours. Id like to say were just that much better, but for the first time all season, I was nervous.
Okay, the coach snapped. Take a break. I can see your attention is starting to wander.
I probably imagined that he glanced at me.
Wincing at how numb my ass was, I got out of my seat and started for the door along with the other guys.
Are you sure youre up for this? Pinky asked. For a moment there, you looked like youre going to piss your pants.
I rolled my eyes. Maybe you should spend more time watching the screen instead of looking at me. I guess I hadnt imagined being stared at.
Pinky shrugged. My concerns stand.
Its not like I dont appreciate your concern for my underpants, I said, but I can take care of myself.
Are you sure about that? Seems like youre more than happy to be taken care of by the bosss kid. He looked at me like hed scored major points off me somehow.
I tried to appear like I wasnt ready to punch him in the face, but fuck, I really was. I knew someone was going to comment on Rubie at some point, and I figured it would be him. Talking about her like that made her seem cheap, and she was anything but.
Keep your jealousy in check, I said coldly. Save the bullshit for the opposition.
Good advice. I hadnt seen Coach Quinn, but he now looked at us through narrowed, angry eyes. Is there a problem Tucker, Pinky? He never called me by my nickname, thank fuck. I suspected he thought I was anything but a gift.
Everything is fine, Coach, I said. Just comparing notes. I shot Pinky a look, daring him to contradict me.
Yeah, thats right, Coach, Pinky agreed. Just trying to make sure Octopus here keeps his mind on the ball. He nodded towards me.
Octopus. Coach looked ready to laugh at that.
Yeah, thats why I handle the ball so well, I said smugly. Because I have so many hands. Now it was my turn to give Pinky a look of triumph.
He looked annoyed, but shrugged. Yeah, exactly. As long as they all work.
Dont think I havent noticed the animosity. Coach gave us both shrewd looks. Make sure it doesnt spill out onto the field. We dont want you two clowns losing this for us. Understood?
Yes, Coach, I said. One hundred percent professional. Save the aggression for the opposition.
Good to see you’ve been listening. Coach nodded. Go get some lunch, we have a long afternoon ahead of us.
Yes, Coach, Pinky said.
Coach Quinn gave us both a long look, then nodded and walked away.
Looks like your fancy new nickname might stick. Pinky grinned.
Good, I said.
He looked at me like he wasnt sure if I serious or not.
Just to help him out, I said, Its better than Gods Gift. And a lot more accurate. I know Rubie would agree. I grinned.
Obviously aware his attempt to goad me had fallen flat, Pinky scowled and stalked away.
Bam, who probably heard the whole thing, started to clap slowly. That told the prick.
I shrugged. For now. Im sure hes thinking up new insults already.
If it helps, he doesnt seem to like anyone. Including himself. Bam frowned. Its a bit sad when you think about it. Whatever, we have bigger things to focus on right now.
Yeah, one or two, I agreed.
I reflected on the fact Pinky had a point. My relationship with Rubie was going to change the way the guys looked at me. There was no getting around that. As long as we were together, and I was part of the team, guys would comment on it. If she took over as owner, theyd leer at her and think guy things about her.
I wanted to punch the shit out of them all. She was mine. They could keep their thoughts to themselves.
Yeah, Rubie could handle them if she had to. When she had to. That was as inevitable as the sun rising tomorrow morning. Guys would be guys no matter what either of us did or said.
Still, if they looked at her the wrong way or said anything to her that pissed her off, I was ready to beat the snot out of them for her.
I rubbed a hand over my forehead and contained the violent thoughts in a box in the back of my mind.
He might have a point about something, I said, my voice low. What if Im not good enough? What if I screw up like last week and we lose?
Bam looked concerned. You plannin on doing that?
No, I said immediately. Im not planning on it, but shit happens.
Like the week I couldnt catch for nuts? he asked. Yeah, shit does happen. And if it does, well deal with it. You know why?
I knew the answer, but I asked anyway, Why?
Because we are the big, bad, motherfucking Rapids, he said. Thats why. Is that not reason enough?
Its good enough for me, I agreed. Thanks.
Bam slapped me on the back so hard it hurt. Any time, dude. What are friends for anyway?
Once I managed to catch my breath, I said, I have no idea. To share pizza and burgers?
Yeah, that too. Dont forget the beers. He grinned.
Id never forget those. I was drinking less since I met Rubie. Since she didnt drink, it seemed less appealing.
Unless we won the Down Under Bowl. Or lost it. Wed be drowning our sorrows if that happened.
Either way the morning after would be hangover central.
We headed down to grab some sandwiches and a cup of coffee.
This is like being in church, Bam said softly.
I frowned at him in confusion until I realised what he was on about. We were usually a chatty bunch, but today everyone seemed to be lost in their own thoughts.
I almost saw the cogs and wheels turning in everyones head. Each focused on their own position, and the game of the guys who would immediately surround them. If they were anything like me, and I suspected they were, they were dreaming about it at night too.
We spent our whole lives living and breathing football, but this was next level.
I was nervous, but loving every minute of it.
Just dont fart, I whispered back. Everyone will hear it.
Dont worry about that, Bam said with a smile. Ill just tell everyone you did it.
I punched him on the arm.
He rubbed it, but his smile didnt even slightly fade. Hed do exactly that, and enjoy doing it.
Would you do that in church? I asked.
Of course not, Id never desecrate the Lords house like that. And if I did, Id blame it on my sister, Chantel. He grabbed a cheese and tomato sandwich and bit into the crust.
Yep, I said, that sounds like something you would do.
Of course it is, he said around his sandwich. Im classy that way.
Thats one word for it. Chase reached around us to grab a sandwich of his own.
You got another word for it? Bam asked.
I have plenty, Chase agreed. But a gentleman doesnt talk when theyre eating. He took a big bite of sandwich.
Gentlemen dont. Bam agreed. But what does that have to do with you? He chuckled at his own joke.
Chase waved his finger at us, and said something incoherent.
I think you offended him, I said jokingly.
Bam grinned more broadly than ever. Excellent.
I laughed.
Chase managed to swallow his mouthful. Has anyone told you youre a wise guy? he said to Bam.
It has long been acknowledged that I am a wise guy, Bam said. I might go so far as to say, the wisest on the team.
No one said he didnt have the healthiest ego on the team, Chase said to me.
Yeah, but thats pretty high yardstick, I pointed out.
Lucky Im humble then. Chase pretended to fluff the back of his hair.
Humble, my ass, Bam said. Youre gonna make me die laughing at how humble you are not.
At least youll die happy, Chase said.
No I wont,” Bam said. I wont die happy until I get to put glitter in someones shoes.
Funny, I said. I thought winning the Down Under Bowl was your lifes ambition.
Both of their expressions turned serious.
That is the ultimate ambition, Bam agreed. He sighed loudly. We may never get another shot at it.
Then we better make it count, I said.
Amen to that, brother, Bam said. Where are you dudes watching the Origin-bowl?
The Origin-bowl was the game held the weekend between the last game of the season, and the Down Under Bowl. Played by a collection of all-stars, most representing New South Wales and Victoria, none of us were allowed to take part. The risk of us getting injured the week before the Down Under Bowl was too great.
I got it, but it sucked. It would have been next level awesome to play, but at least we could sit back, watch and enjoy the game.
Probably at Waves, Chase said. Hawk said something about John getting Ice Blue Roses to play before and after.
Shit yeah, Bam said. My favourite band. Are you coming, Ollie?
I wouldnt miss it, I said. The whole team and all their wives and girlfriends would be there. For a few hours, we could forget all about the Down Under Bowl and relax.
Sounds like a date then, Bam said. The whole place is gonna be hopping.
Sure is. Chase stuffed more sandwich into his mouth like a man who hadnt eaten in days.
I exchanged looks with Bam and shook my head. Leave some room for burgers, I said to Chase.
There is always room for burgers, Chase said.
I think that was what he said. It was hard to tell with his mouth mostly full.
If you keep eating like that, youre not gonna fit on your motorbike, Bam said.
Ill take that risk, Chase said.
We all knew that wasnt going to happen. The only things he loved more than his bike, was his girlfriend Ashley, and the game of football.
I felt someones eyes on us again and looked over to where Pinky stood with his friends. He seemed to be glaring at Bam now.
Whatever was up his ass, I hoped he got over it soon.