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WhenCoachRamirezanswered the phone,Spenceknew from the background noise that he was off campus.
“Sorryto interrupt you…”
Ramirezcut him off. “Justfinishing a meeting with ourPRCounsel.Youknow theCenterIceLounge?”
“Sure…”
“Getyour ass here,Spencer,”Coachbarked, ending the call.
Spencemuttered a curse as he took a quick shower and dressed as he did on game days.
Toddnodded in approval. “Goodluck, man.Hecan’t go ballistic if he’s in a public place.”Helaughed asSpencefrowned. “Justkidding,County.Yougood to drive?”
Hemanaged a wry smile. “Onlyhad one beer and trashed the others.I’llreplace them.”
“Notworried about that.”Toddmet his eyes. “We’vegot your back, man.Doyou want company?”
“Nah,I’lldo this on my own.”Spencechuckled. “Thelast thingIneed is to show up with bodyguards.”
Ashe approached the table whereRamirezsat withCoachDavis, he sawLaurenMartinchatting with the coaches andDavewaiting nearby at the bar.Davecaught his eye and lifted his chin in acknowledgment as he walked toward him.
“Goodto see you,Spence,” he said, offering a hand.
Spencetook a deep breath before answering. “Goodluck with your back-to-back games next week.”
“Alwayshard fought.”Davegave him a reassuring nod, and they turned to seeLaurenexchange a few words with the men before pushing back the chair to leave.
Spencereleased a breath and tightened his grip on his keys.GuessI’llhave no buffer… not thatIdeserve one.
Laurengave him a warm hug and whispered as she stepped back. “Thingswork out.Rememberthat.”Shesqueezed his arm beforeSpencesquared his shoulders and approached the two men.Gameface on.Heinwardly steeled himself against whatever reprimand was coming his way.
Ramirezindicated a seat opposite him. “Takea seat,Captain.”
Spenceflinched at the term, remorse rising to a new level. “Iapologize for skipping the team meeting and practice.Ihave no excuse.”
“Theteam needed you today.CoachDavisandIneeded you.Youpicked the worst possible day for a no-show.”
Spencenodded his head, unable to meet his coaches’ eyes. “Iknow that.I’llapologize to the team and turn over the captaincy toTodd,Eric, or whoever you choose.”
“Youwon’t play tomorrow, butI’llexpect you on the bus where you can speak to your teammates before we take off.I’mnot in favor of naming a new captain, but if you want to put that on the table, include it tomorrow.However, barring something catastrophic, you’ll ride the bench for the next two games.”
“Yes, sir.”
RamirezmetSpence’seyes and leaned in closer. “Tellme, what set you off?We’reokay for theConferenceChampionship.”
“We’veworked all year for a second shot at theNationalChampionship.Thepossibility of disqualification’s been hanging over us, butInever believed that would happen,” he said. “Ithought ifIworked hard enough, concentrated solely on the team—and the teamdidput in the extra effort—Ihoped we’d just get a warning…”Spencepaused, consciously unclenching his hands. “WhenIheard we could not participate…Ican’t explain it.Nothingmade sense."
CoachRamirezheld his gaze firmly. "Son, did you hearMatthewssay we appealed the conference’s recommendation for disqualification?We'restill fighting for this."
“Yes, but he said he didn’t expect to see it overturned.”
“Hehadto say that,Spencer.Hecan't jeopardize the appeal.TheUniversityhas a sterling reputation—no warnings, no violations as far back asIcould research.I’mnot throwing in the towel, not even considering it.Alot is happening behind the scenes thatIcan’t share.Don’tgive up on the season, the team, or yourself now.”
Spencelooked up, hope sputtering through his veins. “Westill have a chance?”
Thecoach nodded. “There'sstill hope, but the team needs your leadership.”
