Page 234 of Wrong Pucking Jersey

“At his place?” Felix questions. “Now, what were you doing there?”

“Being a good bro friend and helping his ass move into his new condo,” Liam declares. “He’s gonna cover his entire sports wall with pictures of us. He already started.”

“Damn, really, Marcus?” Garrett asks.

“Hey. This may not be our first and last rodeo, but it doesn’t hurt to start gathering memories,” Marcus encourages. “We all worked hard to make this a dream, so why not have walls filled with photos of our best moments, so when we have down days, we’re encouraged to keep pushing forward?”

That has everyone exchanging looks, while a few bystander guests clap in approval.

“Emerson is right,” Coach Cyrus’ voice comes from behind me, and I all but look over my shoulder to confirm his presence. “These memories happen fast when you’re in the moment, but can be forgotten just as quickly. Every step you take will lead you to brighter futures, but if you don’t remember those steps you took and the moments you all shared, you’ll get lost when things don’t go the right way. Enjoy every moment and don’t be afraid to record it through pictures and videos. You’ll look back and not only be proud of what you accomplished, but realize the obstacles you endured and conquered along the way.”

His hand comes patting my right shoulder before he squeezes me gently.

“Understood, Vipers?”

“Understood!” They cheer and clap, grabbing the attention of many.

I look at Coach Cyrus as he looks down at me with a knowledgeable grin.

“So we keep pushing forward, right Augustus?”

“Yes, Sir,” I reply and take a deep breath.

Letting it out, I give him a genuine smile.

“We should get in the picture, Sir.”

“You’re right,” he agrees and pushes me forward with a pat on my back. “Get to the front row with your bros, Augustus.”

“Thanks, Coach,” I reply just as Clayton announces, “Get Nurse Johnson in the middle!”

“You should know by now Nurse Johnson ain’t standing anywhere away from Captain’s grasp,” Knox points out.

“Just Captain?” Garrett questions. “‘Cause I swear Owens and Harvey will go to the ends of the earth to be standing near Nurse Johnson as well.”

“Yeah yeah,” Ace announces. “I call bids to always stand behind Nurse Johnson. It’s my new duty as the bodyguard of the Viper Nurses.”

“What kind of bullshit role is that?” Felix laughs. “You don’t even have a security license.”

“Fuck off, Felix!” Ace shouts. “Where’s Dimitri? He’ll shut you up!”

A few guys go off at that before the man himself moves through the row of players to stand next to Felix.

“Here,” Dimitri announces. “Felix, shut up.”

Everyone laughs while Felix exaggerates rolling his eyes before he gives Dimitri a side hug.

“You’re getting bolder, huh?” Felix notes. “Let’s see if you have that boldness during the afterparty.”

“OHHHH!!!”

“Champion, you’re fucked,” Liam teases.

“For real,” Marcus exclaims.

“Alright, Vipers. Get your asses in position, or y’all going to have ugly pictures posted on social media!” Iris announces.

“C’MON, VIPERS!” Mikayla shouts. “Stay still, look at the camera, and smile, or else you’re benched!”

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