Page 3 of Unlovable Player

SEBASTIAN

The arena is actually quite impressive. Of course I’ve seen it during away games, but it’s different knowing I’m going to actually be playing here on the team.

I push my bag up on my arm and head inside, hoping I don’t bump into anyone before the coach has a chance to introduce me.

This is going to be fun.

Just before I reach my new coach’s office, my phone starts buzzing. I think about ignoring it, especially when I see my dad flash up on the screen, but I know it’s not going to be worth the hassle. He’ll catch me eventually.

“Hey Dad, I’m just about to go in to speak to the coach-”

“I just thought I’d call to wish you good luck.”

Yeah right.

“And remind you how important this is.”

That’s more like it.

“This is your last chance Sebastian, don’t fuck it up.”

And there it is.

“Thanks for the pep talk Dad, but-”

“Your mother sends her love.”

I paint a smile on, just in case he can sense it through the phone. “Thanks, listen, I have an appointment-”

If I speak in language he actually understands, maybe he’ll take the hint.

“Got to go-beep.”

I knock on Coach’s door. A deep breath before I go in, flashing my most winning smile.

“Ah, Huntington.” Coach is younger than you’d expect. Tall and in shape, with slightly thinning hair. An even younger guy is hunched over his desk, looking over some papers. Coach looks like a former pro player, the younger guy looks like an accountant.

“I’m Coach Wilson and this is Assistant Head Coach Reid.”

Assistant coach huh.

Yale had four assistant coaches, I wonder how many they’ve got here.

I step forward and shake their hands, waiting until Coach Wilson offers me a seat before I sit down.

“So Sebastian, this the first day you’ve been on campus?”

“Yes Sir.”

“How you finding it?”

“It’s great, an adjustment, sure, but I think I’m going to enjoy it here.”

“Great, that’s just great.” He clears his throat. “Itwillbe quite an adjustment playing with a new team, but we have a great set of young men here, a very experienced captain-”

“Austin Donoghue,” I say, noting the slight arch in Coach Wilson’s eyebrow.

“Yes, I guess he has quite the reputation.”

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