Page 37 of Zone Protection

It’s been about thirty minutes since she texted, so I’m surprised when she texts back right away, before I have a chance to set my phone back down.

Emma: Well, my roommates are all going out tonight for Halloween, but I’m not in the mood to go, for obvious reasons.

Archie: You feeling bad tonight?

Emma: No, I’m fine. I was going to watch a movie and probably crash early. So …

Archie: Emma, if you want me to come over and take care of you, that’s all you have to say.

Emma: HA! I mean, I don’t need anyone to take care of me, but I wouldn’t hate it if you came over.

Archie: Want me to grab some food for us? I’m starving.

Emma: I already ate, but you’re welcome to bring something or see if we have anything here you can eat.

Archie: I’m gonna run back to my place and grab some food, and then I’ll head over. Does that work?

Emma: Sounds good. See you in a bit.

Archie:

After I set my phone back on the shelf, I loosen the knot on my towel and run it down my legs to finish drying off. I pull out the fresh clothes from my bag and get dressed in a T-shirt and sweats quickly, then slip my feet into my slides.

I’m zipping up my bag when Pitz walks into the locker room. “You just coming in?” I ask.

He nods, not looking too happy.

“What’s up, man? You good?”

I hold out my fist to him as he walks by. He ignores it and keeps walking to his locker.

“Yo, Pitz, what’s going on?”

Standing in front of his locker, he has his hands on his hips and shakes his head. “I just got out of a meeting with Coach.” He looks around the locker room. “He’s starting Callaway tomorrow,” he whispers.

I pull a deep breath in and nod. “I can’t say I’m surprised. He’s been killing it this week, but I know it sucks for you. Sorry, man.”

“I’ll be fine. I just feel like my time is coming to an end herebecause, Griff, I’m not sitting on the bench next year.” He shakes his head.

I walk over to him. “I get it. You’ll have to do what is best for you and your career, but you have to stay focused on the rest of this season. We only have three more games before the bowl games. You will be playing in not only the games leading up to that, but we need you to be ready to go so we can get to the championship game. Do you think you can do that? You think you can be the leader we need you to be on that field, even if you aren’t starting?” I place a hand on his shoulder.

He looks up and meets my eyes. “I am one of the captains on this team, and I won’t let you guys down.”

“That’s my guy.” I hold out my palm to him, and he grabs it to do our handshake. “You had me worried you were pussing out on me.”

That gets me a smile.

“Fuck you, Griff. You heading back to the house or to see your girl?”

I look around the room before I answer, “I’m gonna run home first and see if dinner is ready. I guess Charlie is cooking and doing some Halloween stuff, like handing out candy, and they’re all watching a movie, but I’m not sticking around after I eat.”

“Gotchu. Are you coming home tonight though? We have to be here at, like, nine a.m. tomorrow,” he mentions.

I nod. “I know. Right now, I plan to come home tonight, but if I don’t, I’ll come back early.” I turn and start to walk out.

“Dude, don’t let her wear your ass out tonight.” He chuckles.

“Yeah, yeah. See you at home.” I hold up my hand but don’t turn around.

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