Page 40 of Bump and Run

I nod.

“Take it from me, Junior — you don’t want unnecessary complications weighing you down. When I was a bit younger than you, I screwed up big. I got horrible grades, I wasn’t taking care of myself, and I…” he shakes his head, “I knocked up a girl I barely knew. I got Eliza from that — and she’s great — but her existence made achieving my dreams a whole lot harder.”

I feel a twist in my gut; a sharp sympathy pain for Eliza but who am I to argue with Cary Pierce? “Right…”

He pounds a fist on his desk. “Straighten up and get focused. Hire a tutor if you have to to bring those grades up. And tonight,” he grins, “I’m going to show you off at that press event.”

My eyes grow wide. “Really?”

“This season, we get their attention,” he says. “Next season, we keep it. By then, every college football fan in the country will know your name and the scouts will be lined up at your door.”

Holy shit.

“Thank you, Coach.”

“Now, get out of here,” he says, smiling. “Go to class or something.”

“I will.” I stand up and my knees feel even more wobbly than they did after that treadmill.

It’s all happening.

I don’t know what cosmic force decided I was worth bending the rules for but I suddenly feel the need to get down on my knees for it. With Cary Pierce as my coach, backing me up, and pointing the spotlight in my direction, there’s no way I won’t get everything I want. I’ll get the contracts and the fame and the women. Everything beyond my wildest dreams will be in the palm of my hand.

I just have to stay focused and forget about distractions.

Distractions like Eliza Pierce.

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