Page 5 of Sidelining the Safety

“They’re the last line of defense on the field. If there is a long pass or a rusher breaks through the line, it’s my job to intercept them before they can get too far.”

“Like the sweep in soccer?” Drew asked.

“Yes, but with tackling.”

“Gotcha.” Drew leaned back, grinning.

“I don’t get it.” Mac frowned.

Lee hummed as he looked around until his gaze settled on the bowls of sugars and creamers. He dumped them on the table and set them up in opposing lines. “Pretend the creamers and white sugar are one team playing offense, and these yellow and pink sweeteners are the other team, the defense.”

Lee walked them through various plays and what he might do in his position for the next fifteen minutes until both men got the idea. “So you can see how the guys on the line have a greater camaraderie than those of us who play the fringes.”

“That’s too bad,” Mac commented with a frown. “You should all be friends.”

Lee chuckled. “Well, yeah, of course. I’m sure we will. It’s still early. Some veterans haven’t even shown up for training camp yet.”

“That’s kind of ridiculous, don’t you think?”

Unwilling to give voice to his personal thoughts on the matter, Lee shrugged.

Mac’s subsequent huff paralleled Lee’s feelings. Hard to build comradery when a third of the players weren’t around. That would change by the end of the week, though, as all players were required to report by July 25th. They’d have a little more than a week to come together as a team. The pros were so different from college, and though his coaches tried to prepare him for playing under the bright lights on any given Sunday, he often felt like he was out of his league.

He had to keep his head in the game, though. He had names to learn and plays to memorize. Lee had to focus on preparing himself to the best of his ability.

“Hey Drew, I’d love to pick your brain about conditioning. I’ve got great trainers, but some of them are old school.”

“I hear ya,” Drew replied, “and absolutely. Any time. You got my number now, so whenever.” He shook his phone, and the screen snapped on. Drew cursed. “I gotta go.” He slid out of the booth, offered a fist for Lee and Mac to bump, then scooped up the rest of his bagel and, with a last wave, was gone.

As they watched him jog away from the diner, Lee heard Mac’s quiet sigh. He held his tongue on the why and instead focused on the time. “I need to head out, too. Defense reports at one today, but I still have to get back to my place and grab my gear.”

“You’re going already?” Mac laid a hand on Lee’s forearm.

“I should.”

“Please stay. For a few more minutes at least.” Mac glanced at the time on his phone. I have to start in ten minutes, and I’d love to have your company before the bosses put me to work.”

Lee held out his mug for a refill. “Didn’t you say the bosses were your parents?”

“Yeah, Freaking slave drivers.” Mac poured Lee’s coffee and refilled his own cup. As he placed the pot down, the hostess swept it up.

“Eight minutes, Mac. Say goodbye to your friend.”

“Rude. Lee, this ill-mannered taskmaster is my older sister, Katy. Say hello, Katy.”

“Hello, Katy,” Lee and Katy said in unison and then grinned at each other conspiratorially.

When she bit her lower lip flirtatiously, Lee leaned back. He hadn’t meant to lead her on and was grateful when Mac leapt in with, “Down, lady. He plays for my team.”

“Is that the only sport you know?” Lee teased.

“Only sport that matters as far as I’m concerned,” Mac said flatly, completely serious.

Lee laughed, and Mac joined in after a moment. Being friends with Mac and Drew was going to be amazing. He knew it, deep in his soul.

CHAPTER 4

DREW

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