“You played in high school too?”
“Ya, and I’m lucky it didn’t kill me.The doc said it could have punctured a lung, and it took me out for the rest of that season.But in this state, where football ranks right up there with God and Country, my coach just wanted to win.So, you can bet he had another kid to put in my place,” he said, holding out his hand for the ball.
“So, you think I should wait too?”
“Do you really want my opinion?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Ya I think you should wait.Hone your skills.Start lifting more, watch film, and up your protein.See how much muscle you can gain this year.Study the rosters of all the players on all the teams you’d play.But if you’re not at least in the fiftieth percentile for weight, then you wait until you’re a junior or even a senior.”
“Coach says the more field time I get now, the better chance I have at a scholarship.”
“You’ll also have a better chance of getting injured and needing an academic scholarship.If anything, waiting gives you a better chance of playing ball all four years of college.”
Jeremy sighed.
“Still don’t believe me, look up the stats on the varsity players at the two closest high schools.”He twirled the ball while Jeremy pulled out his cell phone.“Now tell me if any of the kids on their defensive lines weigh less than two hundred pounds.Because that’s who will get through that line and tackle you.”
Jeremy scrolled through the websites that posted all the players stats.Then sat back with a disgusted sigh.“They all weigh two hundred or more.”
“Alright then, consider this a building year.”
“Will you show me that slanted spiral again?”Jeremy asked with less of a scowl.
“Sure will, right after dinner, if you promise not to give your sister a hard time about wanting what’s best for you.And I’ll come by each day before you head off to camp to help you with ranch chores and to practice.Football can’t come before your family or chores.”
“Deal,” Jeremy said, hoping up with enthusiasm.
“Are you boys gonna come grace us with your presence for dinner?”Mrs.Hart said, stepping out onto the porch.
“Yes ma’am, I’m starving,” Jeremy said.
Renn handed the large bouquet of daffodils and daisies over to Mrs.Hart.
“Oh, look who’s my favorite grandson today, bringing me these friendly flowers.”
“They were Mama’s favorite.”
She wrapped one arm around his waist and gave him a squeeze.“Obviously she was a woman with great taste, and she sure did raise you right.It was really nice of you to talk to Jeremy about his future.I’m sure Miranda will be appreciative.”
“Sometimes it’s tough to see what’s right when you want something so bad.”
“Yup, you’re my favorite today.Now come on in and let me feed you too much.”
“Yes, ma’am.”He couldn’t help but smile and enjoy his paternal grandmother’s bossy but loving nature.His mama had been a strong woman, but she’d been quieter about her opinions.
Inside the coastal Victorian-style home, the warm air smelled of fried chicken and melting cheese.But that wasn’t what he was hungry for when he spotted Miranda’s blond hair and took in her slender curves in a floral dress.She was huddled in the corner of the living room talking to Wes, and his heart thundered at the thought of getting to spend more time with her.They both looked serious, but then a smile spread on her face and she hugged Wes.A wave of jealousy washed over him as he walked over toward them, unsure what he was going to say.
But when he stopped in front of them the conversation ended abruptly.“Am I interrupting?”he asked not wanting to walk away.
“No, no, just chatting with Wes about some property lines,” Miranda said standing.“I’m gonna see if your gran needs any help before we eat.”Then she walked away abruptly.
“What was that about?”Dalton walked over and asked.
Wes sighed.“Miranda asked if we would buy a few acres from her.”
“She must be running short on cash.How many?”Dalton said.
