Page 78 of The Way We Win

“You know what that means.” Garrett shifts in his chair.

“Next year might be a rebuilding year, but not necessarily.” I lean on my forearm on the round table between us all. “Our defensive line has a lot of freshmen this year. You’ve been a big help getting those guys up to speed, and a strong D-line wins games.”

“Speaking of freshmen, talk to us about that field goal against the Trojans.” Logan grins at me, and Zane leans back in his chair.

“Zane can speak to this as well as I can. He’s been working with Edward Wells since summer camp, and it looks like it’s paying off.”

“I’ve been working with both the boys,” Zane replies. “Rome Allen is a strong kicker as well.”

“Yet you didn’t put him in the game at that critical moment.” Logan has a degree in broadcasting, so I know he’s trained to ask the follow-up question, even when it’s sticky. “How do you answer parents who might say you show favoritism?”

“I don’t.”

Logan laughs. “You don’t answer them, or you don’t show favoritism?”

The show is recorded and rebroadcast on YouTube, so I do my best to keep my expression neutral as I answer. “Austin was confident Edward could do it. The team wanted him in there, so I made the call. I don’t play favorites. I give every player a chance.”

So far, no one’s complained about my decision to put an unknown freshman in over our more experienced kicker. Probably because it won the game, and Rome has been unpredictable since Day 1.

“It was a stunning move, that’s for sure,” Garrett jumps in, lightening the tone. “I think it’s safe to say Eddie’s got a bright career ahead of him.”

“Speaking of bright careers, some of these plays are getting regional attention.” Zane shifts us away from his young brother-in-law. “Austin’s on all the highlight reels from Tampa to New Orleans…”

We continue discussing plays and upcoming games, and after an hour, Logan brings it to a close. The lights change, and our mics turn off.

“Damn, Logan, you trying to get Jack in trouble?” Garrett stands up from his chair, hiking up his khaki uniform pants.

“What do you mean?” Logan frowns.

“People don’t need your help getting the wrong idea in their heads.” Garrett pats his shoulder.

“I thought it would be a good way for Jack to tackle it head-on. Edward made a great kick, and Austin’s on fire.” Logan turns to me. “Sorry, bro. I was trying to help.”

I shake my head, chuckling. “Don’t worry about it. I’m glad you did. Now I’ve got to get back to school. See y’all tomorrow.”

It’s just after lunch, and I’m energized and a little amped. A cool breeze winds through town, and that crisp splash of autumn has the kids talking about sweaters and letterman jackets and bonfires on the beach.

The scent of cinnamon and spice floats in the air, and large cranes pile bales of hay in the city park for the Halloween fundraiser and hay maze. It’s only a few weeks away, and everyone’s excited.

Hendrix will be in town with his little family, and I haven’t been able to keep my mind off of Allie and pulling her close, snuggling around a fire, maybe slipping my hands under her sweater.

I’m not thinking about parents or favoritism. I’m thinking about one thing as I head in the direction of the library.

19

Allie

Rachel

Jack Bradford is my hero. I haven’t stopped crying all week.

Liv

He said it was Austin’s idea to put him in the game.

Rachel

Austin is my hero as well. But Jack didn’t have to do it.

---