Page 20 of Rocking the Receiver
“Bunch of faggots…” Here we go again. I’m not sure if he’s talking about the opposite team or us, but I tune him out. Other than his derogatory language in the locker room, Davis doesn’t strike me as blatantly homophobic and, unfortunately, this kind of trash talk remains widespread amongst athletes—college and otherwise. Austin is known to be LGBTQ-friendly, but there’ll always be people like Davis. He shakes his head and opens his sailor mouth to curse again.
Thankfully, Coach storms in, eyes blazing. The murmurs cease. He’s usually calm, but tonight is another story. Dark hair in disarray. Round face flushed. Pudgy fingers twitching… He’s ready to explode.
Suddenly, I’m not so thankful and avert my gaze, ready for the upcoming blow.
“Alright, listen up!” he barks. “Cut the crap.” His eyes subtly sweep the room, lingering pointedly at Davis. As mad as I am at myself, relief floods me since Coach Stevens isn’t oblivious to the team’s dynamics, no matter how much effort our star quarterback puts into behaving whenever Coach’s around. “That wasn’t our best game, but it isn’t the end. Yes, we lost. Nobody’s to blame. We played hard. No excuses.”
He paces the room, eyes locking onto each of us. Finally, he stops, and we all sigh. He points at the whiteboard, where he’s already scribbled down some notes that he’s going over tactical suggestions. He turns to me, his gaze hard, but not unkind.“Lefevre, you did good out there. Before next season, we’ll work on your timing with the QB, the three of us.” He stares at Davis, then back at me. “Don’t lose heart. None of you should. Everyone else, take note. We win as a team, we lose as a team. Now, go get cleaned up and keep your heads up.”
I throw my gear into my locker and comply in record time, washing the negativity off of my sweaty skin and aching muscles.
“We should get outta here.”
Later that night,I lie in bed, staring at the ceiling. Lulled by the soft snores of my supportive roommate, I pull out my phone and text Rupert. I don’t remember where he said he was this week. But I need him… My friend with not-so-many benefits.
Elliot
Fucked up. Coach was tough. Gonna get kicked out.
Despite everything, my lips stretch into a soft smile when three little dots appear. We may not have parted as I’d wished last summer, but my favorite Brit is there for me. Too bad it’s not face to face. All in all, I’m glad he never got the chance to visit and see me play today.
Jones was right; we suck.
Rupert
I watched the game. Sorry your team lost. You’re exaggerating. He won’t let you down. You have a lot more to learn is all. Did Coach Stevens threaten you?
Wow, Rupert watched the game! My heart hammers in my chest… until I remember my poor performance.
Elliot
Sorry 4 the shitshow. Tx for watching, tho.
He said he believes in us. Team never gelled. Working my ass off. Feels like it’s never enough. I’m pissed & worried about my scholarship.
Rupert
Beating yourself up is so uncharacteristic of you. You’ll get there. You always do. See, Coach won’t kick you out for 1 bad game.
Fidgeting under the light comforter, I know he’s right. Davis is messing with my head. He and Jones are a diabolical combo.
Elliot
1++ is more like it.
I’m NO loser
Btw, I blame YOU, my friend. Benefits I ain’t getting = football career failure.
Rupert
Me? Why’s that?
Elliot
Still a virgin. No BJ whatsoever. My stamina is fucked up: too much useless energy.
& on top of that (lol), I’m stuck here. Can’t go back to France during breaks. I mean, we only celebrated Thanksgiving for Mom’s benefit, and I have to study anyway. But I’m bummed about Xmas.
