There’s a collective groan from the Renegades.
At the end of class, I leave as Katie straightens up. The coach stops me at the door. His gray eyes laser in on me, and he clears his throat. “Harlan.”
I straighten, reflexively. The coach has that effect. “Yes, sir?”I ask, hoping he hasn’t gotten wind of my plans with Katie. But then, how could he? No one knows. We don’t go out in public. We’re cautious.
Unless those rumors about phones listening in on your conversations are true. You never know with modern technology.
He claps my shoulder. “You’re looking good this season. I keep telling that to the GM,” he says.
“Thank you, sir,” I say, grateful as always for the compliment.
“GM agrees completely,” he says, and the message is loud and clear—we want you to stay.
“Thank you,” I say, relieved that’s the focus of our talk. Even though I don’t have anything more to tell him.
“Hope you will,” he adds.
“Thank you.” It’s all I can say, my head nodding like I’m a bobblehead of myself. And I’ve seen those bobbleheads in the team store. Not my best look.
Later that afternoon, she texts me. I’m in a Lyft heading to meet my agent, so I write back right away.
Katie:Is it hard for you when the coach says stuff like that?
Harlan:How can you tell?
Katie:You never answer.
Harlan:Ha, you’re astute.
Katie:You just saythank you. Nothing more.
Harlan:I don’t know what else to say.
Katie:You’re really torn, aren’t you?
Harlan:I am. Completely.
It feels good to tell her, to unburden myself of some of these thoughts, so I keep going.
Harlan:I don’t want to give up the game, but I also don’t know what makes sense for life beyond football.
Katie:You could open a foosball and ice cream shop.
I laugh as I type.
Harlan:I’ll mention that to my agent. I’m heading to see her now. She asked if I was going to open a pie shop like my mom. What do you see me doing?
Katie:Whatever makes you happy :)
Harlan:Good answer.
When I reach my agent’s office, I don’t know that I’m any closer to deciding, but I feel better after talking to Katie.
Harlan:I’ll see you tomorrow for our session. I promise I won’t steal any more kisses.
She sends me a sad face.
***
