Page 37 of The Maverick’s Legacy

He wiped at his eyes, and she could finally see that they were red and puffy.

Her heart cried for him. “You want to talk about what’s wrong?”

Oscar didn’t say anything. He kicked a pebble toward the side of the road.

“Come on,” she encouraged. “I’ll give you a ride home, and you can tell me all about it.”

He hesitated for a second before his shoulders finally slumped and he dragged his feet over to the car. Once he was inside and buckled, she put the car in Drive again and they headed for the Abernathy property.

“So…” she said. “What’s going on?”

His face was turned away as he stared out the window. “Did you hear that the football team is going to the district championship game next weekend?”

Remi and Shane had told her all about it. Given how far everything was from Tenacity, they planned on doing the drive to the stadium, which was an hour away.

“I did hear that,” Carly said.

“It’s an overnight trip. There’s no way Dad will ever let me go.” Carly noticed that Oscar’s fists were closing and opening on repeat, a sign that he was starting to stim, from what Jesse had told her. “Coach Finn is really great and wants my advice, but the guys don’t always want to listen. I’m tired of trying. I’m tired of this whole stupid town.”

Carly was careful on how she answered. “Why do you want to go on this trip, then?”

The hands opened and closed even faster. “Because…”

When he didn’t say anything, she pushed, “Yes?”

Oscar gave an exasperated sigh. “Because I love football, and if I go, then maybe they’ll see that I have something to offer too. I’m not just the weird kid with all the stats who has to wear sensory headphones. Maybe they’ll see me.”

“Oh,” Carly replied, finally understanding what was upsetting the teen. He had a chance to go off on an overnight trip with everyone else—to be like everyone else. This might be a great time for him to make some friends or for the kids to get to know him better at least.

“What did Coach Finn say?” she asked.

“He said he’d make sure I was treated fairly. The school put him in a suite, and he said I could have the spare room. So even though I’d be staying in the suite with the coaches, do you think Dad will let me go? No!”

They pulled up to the Abernathy property. “Let me talk to your dad,” Carly finally said. “I can’t promise you anything, but I’ll see what I can do.”

Oscar finally looked at her, and her insides lurched at the sad hopelessness on his face.

Once they pulled up to the house, Jesse stepped out onto the large porch. He seemed confused for a second before he saw who was in the car with her.

Jesse hurried over to them as they got out. “Oscar? What’s wrong?”

Oscar didn’t meet his eyes as he brushed by him. “Later, Dad.” He stormed into the house, shutting the door firmly behind him.

Jesse rubbed at his face. “What the hell was that about?”

“I found him walking home from school—” Carly started to explain.

“What?” Jesse interrupted. “It’s miles away. How could they let that happen? I’m going to call them right now.”

He started to turn, but Carly grabbed his arm, stopping him. “Maybe give Oscar a chance to speak with you first before you chew out someone who doesn’t deserve it.”

Jesse was clearly frustrated, but he was careful with his response. “I appreciate your help, but Oscar shouldn’t be walking this far.”

“I understand that,” Carly said. “He’s also a teenage boy.”

“I know, but as his father I need to be his advocate.”

Carly knew she needed to back down. This was really none of her business, but her emotions ached for Oscar. “He’s a kid who wants to be a real part of the team.”