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There he is.
When Dallas heads outside to fire up the grill, I can’t help but wonder what might have happened if June had walked in thirty seconds later.
ELEVEN
DALLAS
“I thinkyou might be insane, Coach.” I groan as I drag my body into the hotel. The air conditioning is a sweet relief from the warm California sun, and I shiver at the change of temperature on my burnt skin. “We got off a six-hour flight and we have our first preseason game on Sunday, yet you still insist on a full practice. My legs are going to fall off. I haven’t run that much since I was a rookie.”
“Preseason games don’t matter,” Shawn says, and he pats my shoulder. His fingers push into my aching muscles, and I think the fucker is doing it on purpose. “Why waste a practice day for something that won’t reflect on our record at the end of the year? It’s character building.”
“It also builds sore hamstrings, a sore ass, and not being able to kick on Sunday,” I grumble, and he lets out a sharp laugh. “I’m glad you find my misery funny, you dickwad.”
“You’ll be fine.” He points to a couch tucked in the corner of the lobby. “Sit. I’ll be there in a minute.”
“Dammit. What did I do?” I collapse onto the furniture, and my sweaty limbs slip on the leather. I drop my practice gear on the floor and set my helmet on the cushions. “Whatever it is, I’m sorry.”
A chorus ofoohscome from my teammates as they pass me on their way to a long shower and stretch. Shawn put us through the ringer today, and I know everyone’s plans to go out tonight just went out the window.
“Someone fucked up,” Jett says, and he lets the other guys walk ahead of him. He ruffles my hair, and I swat him away. “You’re in trouble.”
“Yeah, yeah. Want to grab dinner tonight?” I ask.
“Sure. We can go before film review.” His face softens and he takes the open spot next to me on the couch. “You doing okay being away from June?”
“It’s not easy, but it’s getting easier.” I shrug, knowing he’s probably missing his teenage brother. He took him in last year after their mother passed away, and he’s struggled with going from the role of brother to dad. “How about you? How’s Benny doing?”
“He’s fine, but I feel like I’m constantly flying by the seat of my pants. Does that ever change?”
“Nope. It’s been four years of that for me, and there aren’t any signs of figuring out this whole parent thing anytime soon. You did a good thing, man. Young girls are a hell of a lot different than teenage boys, but I’m here if you ever need anything. You’re not alone.”
“Thanks, D. Appreciate you.” He knocks his knuckles against mine and stands up. “Get some rest.”
I give him a half-hearted wave and wait for Shawn to finish talking to our assistant coaches. He makes his way over, a clipboard tucked under his arm, and takes the large chair across from me.
“How are you doing?” he asks.
“Pretty broad statement there, Coach. Physically I’m feeling every bit like an athlete who’s been playing professional football for eight years and just had a practice that was hard as hell; likeI’m going to need a walker just to get from my shower to my bed to take a nap.”
“What about mentally? It’s your first time being away from June this season, and I wanted to check in.”
“Oh.” I give him a tired smile. “I’m doing surprisingly well. When I got back to the bus after practice, I had a dozen photos waiting for me.”
“How are things with Maven?”
“Great. We hang out in the apartment before I leave for practice and again when I get home. She’s cool, and June loves her.”
I leave it at that, because Shawn sure as shit doesn’t need to know I like spending time with her, even when my daughter isn’t around.
It’s like a void is being filled when I’m with her. Each day is a drop in a cup I didn’t realize was empty.
It’s good to have another friend.
“You’re a good guy, Lansfield,” he says. “I’m glad things are turning around for you.”
“Me, too.” I grin and reach for his hand. We exchange a handshake, and all feels right in the world. “Thanks for checking in on me. It means a lot.”
Shawn stands up, and I pop onto my feet to join him. “Go rest before the film review tonight. I don’t want to start the season with a blocked field goal attempt.”
