Page 31 of Every Beat of My Heart

The bartender handed me the card with the receipt. “Have a good night. Let me know if you need anything else.”

I slid the card into my wallet and signed the receipt. “Will do.”

Wes nudged my elbow with his arm. “If anyone can reach those kids, it’s you.”

It was rare for me to receive a compliment from one of my brothers. There was more teasing around our house than anything else. They were competitive and never failed to capitalize on our mistakes. “I appreciate the vote of support.”

“So what’s got you upset?”

“Who said I’m upset?”

Wes chuckled. “You asked me to meet you for a beer.”

I cradled the already-sweating glass. “A man can’t ask his brother out for a beer?”

Wes raised a brow. “You’ve always done your own thing.”

For the first time, I wondered if my brothers were bothered that I hadn’t been close with them. As kids, I’d played more with Daphne, and as we got older, I didn’t feel as close to them. They were so competitive with each other. I never felt like I was in the same stratosphere as them.

“I met one of the mothers before. I was helping her son prepare for tryouts, not realizing he attends the same school where I’m coaching.”

Wes whistled low. “You really didn’t know he’d be there?”

“We never talked about what school he attended.” It hadn’t seemed important at the time. “We talked about football and what to expect at tryouts. How he could improve. You know, I give good pep talks.” My coaches loved having me on the team in high school. They said I was good for team morale.

Wes lowered his bottle. “I can’t believe you didn’t ask.”

I leaned in close and lowered my voice, “What were the odds of it being the same school?”

Wes gave me a look. “You knew it was a possibility.”

“I’m telling you; I was surprised when he showed up.”

“Is he good enough to make the team?” Wes asked, shifting closer when a woman slipped between him and the other stool to get the bartender’s attention.

“He’s in the bottom third of those who would make the team.”

“You think you can work with him?”

“He wants to learn. He wants to get better. But the problem is that he’s got an arm on him. I could train him to be a quarterback, but we already have one. That kid has a father who wants him to be the sole quarterback.”

“Train this kid as the backup. It can’t hurt anything. And if he ends up being better, you play the best one.”

“Yeah, maybe.” I could see the untapped potential in Owen. He just needed more confidence. I had a feeling his parents’ divorce, the move, and his father’s inattention had all messed with his head.

“What else are you worried about?” Wes asked, assessing me.

I shrugged. “How to juggle the personalities of the parents with what’s best for the team.” I was a nice guy. I didn’t like making other people angry. But at the same time, I couldn’t run the team how Bryce’s father wanted me to. What kind of coach would I be if I did?

“You do what’s best for the team and try to block out everything else.”

“And when a parent complains to the athletic director?”

“I’m sure you’re a great coach. Who else would volunteer to teach and coach middle school kids?” Wes teased.

“I’m not sure if that’s a compliment,” I said wryly.

He bumped my shoulder. “I have to give you some shit.”

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