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He did but the other men remained standing.

Sam stared out the window even as he began to talk. “We cannot have you continuing to behave like that on the pitch. It doesn’t said good examples for our fans or the other players.” Sam was in his mid-thirties, the FC was inherited from his father, but he was a good owner as far as Chance was concerned.

He was fit, but not a ball player. Maddox had told him that Sam wanted to play but didn’t have what it takes. Chance wasn’t sure if that was all true or not, but he kept up on his fitness regardless of what his ambitions were or are.

“Not to mention everytime you go too far you leave the whole team without an eleventh man on the field,” Derek complained.

Derek was by far the oldest in the room, but he was still fit as well. He’d run drills with them now and then and while Chance hadn’t liked the man at first, he’d learned to like him after seeing him coach. Derek cared for his team and the players and it showed in how he treated everyone.

Chance knew what he meant, though. When he got a red card, the team had to play a man down which left them short on the field and ruined some of the plays they worked on.

“We’ve had this conversation many times before,” Sam continued.

Chance struggled not to shift in his seat. He hoped this wasn’t it for him with Bardley. It was the first time in this office that he’d had that thought and his heart raced at the concept.

“I’m not willing to let you go just yet, but that doesn’t mean I won’t do what’s best for me and the team.” Sam went behind his desk and took a seat.

Sitting was good, Chance thought. He nodded his acknowledgment.

“However, I can’t let this keep happening. You are done for the season. I want you away from the team for a few weeks but then you can come back and start using the gym if you want. You need to take the time before conditioning begins for next season to consider what it is that you want.” Sam told him.

Chance struggled to breath as he palms grew slick on the arms of the chairs. He wasn’t going to be able to play anymore this season.

“There are only a few games left and I am not officially suspending you. Take the time to get reacquainted with why you play this game and clean up your image.” Sam drummed his fingers on his desk as he spoke.

“I called around, Chance, and I’ll be honest with you. Not many teams are willing to take a hot head like you on. The teams and the fans want players that don’t argue with the ref constantly and get into full-on fist fights on the field.”

Blood roared in his ears as he tried to process this news. “H-How long do I have to find a place?” Chance asked.

“I have a place for you, already. See that you don’t destroy it. You can move in today or tomorrow, but I want you out by Thursday before the next match,” Sam told him. “There’s a house over in Beacon that I rented and it’s yours until conditioning begins. It’s not too far to go to the gym here if you choose, but I need you removed from the rest of the players’ everyday activities so they can learn to be a team without you.” Sam held out a set of keys for him.

“Thank you,” Chance muttered as he took them.

“Take this as an opportunity, son,” Derek told him. “We don’t want to lose you but this is your last chance here with us.”

Chance nodded.

“You are dismissed. I will let the team know at practice, so keep this to yourself until tomorrow. Remind Maddox of the same,” Derek told him, already knowing Chance was going to tell Maddox, his best friend and Bardley’s best midfielder.

“Thank you both.” Chance stood and let himself out of the office, closing the door behind him.

Ms. Allie threw him a look but didn’t say anything. She would have known what was happening in there, probably knew yesterday what the plan would be.

In the elevator, Chance pulled out his phone and dialed Maddox.

“How’d it go?” Maddox answered.

“Not well,” Chance admitted. “Meet me for lunch. Just us.”

“Shit,” Maddox mumbled. “I’ll meet you in the parking lot. I’m driving.”

Chance ended the call. He was screwed was all he could think as the elevator continued to the bottom floor.

He walked out and straight to the parking lot, ignoring everyone that might have tried to speak to him. He wasn’t good company right now.

“Get in,” Maddox said as Chance neared his car.

“I am,” Chance bit out.

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