Page 95 of Catching Feelings

Yanking off my helmet, I drop to the bench and stare at the line of players in front of me. I don’t ever take a break. Even when I’m on the sidelines, I’m there. Toeing the line. Cheering on my team, whether it’s the offense or defense out there. I’m building up the spirits of the guys who are having an off game.

Even when I have an off-game—because everyone does from time to time—I never let it get me down like this. We turn the ball over on downs and Bankes jogs off the field, taking a seat next to me. It’s not uncommon for him to rest his legs after he’s been tearing up the field.

Since Dec hasn’t been able to rely on me, Bankes has been running the ball a fuckton today.

“Your aunt and sister okay?”

I tilt my head and start to crack a joke, but the sincerity in his eyes has me sighing. “They’re good.”

Bankes nods. “Start of the fourth quarter isn’t the time for a heart-to-heart, but don’t plan on leaving the locker room until you’ve told me what’s been up your ass the past few weeks. It’s one thing to drop the fucking ball, it’s another for Miles Buckingham to be a moping on the bench.”

“I’m not moping.”

“You’re not making a fool of yourself with stupid-ass jokes, and the team can feel it. No matter how much shit we give you for being an imbecile, it’s what keeps us going when we’re down by two touchdowns. If you and everyone in your family is safe and healthy, then get the fuck out of your head and at least get back on the sidelines and crack your fucking stupid-ass jokes. You may not be able to catch worth shit today, but there’s no doubt you can still run your mouth.”

Bankes picks up my helmet from the ground and shoves it into my chest.

“Thought you were waiting for the locker room to give me the captain’s lecture.”

“That wasn’t even the appetizer. You’ll get your ass chewed in thirty minutes.”

“Your wife know you get off putting your mouth on another guy’s ass?”

Bankes shakes his head. “You can do better than that. At least say something funny.” He smacks my forehead and jogs back over to the sideline.

Even with me back on the sidelines talking smack to the guys, we still lose by seven. We’re only halfway through the season and a playoff berth isn’t out of the question, but if we continue to play like we did this afternoon, our season won’t make it deep into January.

Right now, that’s the least of my worries. Never in my twenty-plus years of playing football have I not cared whether we win or lose.

After I’m showered and dressed in my favorite joggers and hoodie, I start for the locker room door.

“Not so fast.” Bankes presses a hand to my chest and shoves me back toward my locker.

I drop to the bench and rest my elbows on my knees as I wait for the lecture.

“I’m not going to lecture you,” Bankes says, standing in front of me.

“Thank fuck, Dad.”

“Real talk for five minutes. Are you healthy? Physically? Mentally? Something Coach or the team docs know about or should know about?”

Mentally? Fuck no.This is new territory for me. “Swear it’s nothing like that.”

“And your sister and aunt?”

“Sister’s still got a sharp tongue and is a pain in my ass, and Aunt Lynn’s cranking out sandwiches like they’re going out of style.”

“Good. Next time you stop over, don’t come empty handed. My wife likes the turkey bacon club.”

“You know, she has a name, yourwife. We all know who Riley is. No need to always call her by her title.”

His grin reaches his fucking ears. “My wifelikes it when I call her that.”

“Ah. She’s got the wife kink, does she?” I match his grin and stand, liking the attention back on him.

“Watch it, Buckshot.”

“Any other kinks she likes? Maybe a threesome? I see the way she checks out my ass. My glutes are all the rage amongst the ladies.” I turn and bend over, smacking my ass. “Wanna touch them? I know you do, Banksey.”

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