Page 106 of Falling Stars

All I was worried about back then was winning my games every weekend and getting a scholarship to college.

“Maverick, it’s wonderful to see you,” my old principal says as she escorts me down to the gym. “The kids are thrilled about your visit!”

I wipe my clammy hands on my jeans. I have no idea what I’m supposed to say to them today. Coach just told me to come and that I’d figure it out as we went.

We pass by Baylee’s old locker, and I remember my beautiful girl leaning back and shyly smiling at me.

She was in love with me then, and I was too fucking stupid to see it. Too stupid to realize I loved her too. Too scared to take that next step with my best friend.

I wish I could go back to high school and shake some sense into myself.

The only thing I can do now is prove how much I love her. Like Rhett said, show her with my actions that she and Leo mean the world to me.

To me, that means getting her a top-of-the-line security system so we can catch the sick fuck who’s messing with her. Baylee has enough on her shoulders without having to deal with that crap.

I resist the urge to leave the sheriff another message. He’d better return my calls soon, or I’m gonna camp my ass at thepolice station until we can talk. I’m guessing the reason I haven’t heard back is because he doesn’t have any leads.

When we reach the gym, my old coach takes over my tour and shakes my hand. Once the principal leaves, Coach Taggert leans over and says, “I still remember when you were a freshman, and y’all released those frogs in the girls’ bathroom.”

“Sorry I was a little shit.”

He nods. “That’s par for the course. Come talk to my team. You’ll be happy to know they’re a whole new batch of little shits.”

Coach has the team sitting on the bleachers. We sit in two chairs to face the kids. One immediately raises his hand. “Maverick, I watched all of your college games. Did you really make millions of dollars when you got drafted?”

Coach rolls his eyes. “That’s kind of personal, don’t you think?”

I chuckle. “I appreciate you watching my games. Thanks for being a fan. My contract was for millions, but because I landed on the injured reserve list, I won’t make nearly that much because my contract wasn’t guaranteed. NFL teams can’t guarantee all the contracts because it’s a high-injury sport.”

“That sucks,” the kid grouses.

“Tell me about it.”

All the kids laugh, and my anxiety eases up.

A half-dozen hands go in the air, and Coach tells them to put them down. “How about we start with Mav sharing what his experience was like in high school. He can talk about what it took for him to become one of the top tight ends in Texas.”

I pat his shoulder. “It helped that I had a great coach.”

“Of course it did. Duh.”

We all crack up, and I turn back to the team. “It helps to have a coach who helps you keep things in perspective. Coach Taggert never put too much pressure on us. If you’re here, it’sbecause you probably pressure yourself.” Several kids nod. “It’s easy to love the game, especially if you have camaraderie. In terms of mindset, I ate, slept, and drank football because I loved it.”

I rub the back of my neck, wondering how honest I should be. But maybe this will help one of the boys. “Frankly, it was a good escape. My father was kind of an asshole. My brothers were great, but sometimes, they weren’t around. And, well, football gave me a reason to be at school instead of at home.”

Coach doesn’t say anything, but he knew my situation.

I scan the faces of the teens in front of me, and a few are looking like maybe they understand what I just said.

“Maybe you’re like me and this is an escape. But it can be so much more if you invest yourself. So my advice to you is to be here because you love it. Because you love the game and your teammates. Put your whole heart into it. Not everyone will go on to play in college, and that’s okay. That doesn’t diminish your contribution one bit. The fact that you’re a part of something special is reward enough.”

A hand goes up, and I nod. “Was Coach Santos at Lone Star State scary? ’Cause he looked scary on TV.”

“He can be tough, but he’s also fair. He expects a lot out of everyone, just like Coach Taggert. And we need that. We need someone who sees us for the football players we’re going to be someday. I was kinda scrawny when I walked into this gym as a freshman, but Coach saw me for who I could be.”

As I say those words, I realize it also describes Baylee. She’s always looked at me like I’m the best version of myself.

The kids pepper me with more questions, and then Coach sends them outside to do drills. I help them with footwork and reading the plays. By the end of the afternoon, I’m hot and sweaty, but riding the kind of high you get from this game.

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