Page 87 of The Way We Score

“Am I in a stable?” Ricky walks up to join me on the way to the locker room. “Why the long face?”

Cutting my eyes at him, I’ve never wanted to punch him in the junk more. “Why are you such a dork?”

He huffs a laugh. “That’s better than a dick. Something must really be bothering you.”

“I’m working on my team building.”

“Keep working.” He shakes his head. “Look, I get it. I’m not Logan Murphy.”

Stopping, I size him up, thinking about what Thad said. “You’re right. Logan and I could read each other’s minds onthe field. We trusted each other. You can’t force that kind of chemistry.”

“What are you saying?” His brow lowers, and he almost seems worried.

“Maybe you’d mesh better with a different lineman. Is there someone you’d like to train with?”

Hesitating, he thinks a minute. “How about Huck Holmes? He’s about my age, and we’ve hung out a few times.”

Nodding, I look into the locker room. Huck is a new guy, transferred over from the Admirals last year. He’s been on the bench, but I think it’s time he got off it.

“I’ll take care of it.” Ricky starts to go, but I grab his shoulder. “Good luck.”

Ricky Berke is not dumb.It only took me one conversation with Huck and another with Thad before the starting lineup was shuffled, taking me out. Considering it was my idea, I was not offended.

Jack

Why didn’t you play tonight? Are you hurt?

Working an angle I hope will get me home. Any word?

I’m sitting on the bench in the locker room, wondering why I haven’t heard from Liv. Jack’s worried about me. I’m worried about her. If the owners were watching tonight, they have to be weakening.

We won the game. I wasn’t on the field once, and Ricky looked like a good trade for the first time in two years. It has to be worth something.

Jack

Rodney can’t fit you on the force til March, but animal control needs help.

Like a dog catcher?

Jack

More like a gator catcher, water moccasins in pools, who knows what else. He said you’d get credit for law enforcement training on the job. Might be interesting.

Scrubbing my hand over my chin, I hesitate before tapping my reply.

If it’s as close as I can get…

Charlie walks up. “I would never leave you standing on the sidelines. Coach must’ve lost his mind tonight.”

“It’s okay. I suggested trying Berke with Holmes. I hope it’ll give them some ideas, help them see they don’t need me.”

My friend’s jaw tightens. “You’re needed. You’re more talented than Holmes. You’ve got more experience on the field, not to mention your spirit, your enthusiasm.”

Another stab of guilt. “You’ll find a new guy, Chuck. Before it was me, it was somebody else.”

“Dammit, Grizz, I knew you’d say that. I don’t want you to retire.”

Standing, I pull my friend into a bro-hug. “I know. It was tough on me when Logan left, but you’ll adjust. And you’ve got Maddy and the kids. I want that.”

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