Page 116 of Playing It Forward

“Kiddo, it wasn’t hard to see.”

“Then, you understand. I can’t play. It’s time to retire.”

My phone rings but I ignore it.

“I understand, but Terri doesn’t.” He stands. “Answer your phone. I’ll be outside waiting for the deliveries.”

I dig my phone out. Knox is calling.

“Coach Knox,” I answer.

“Allen, we need to talk.”

“I can’t come in. I’m waiting for a delivery.”

“This is fine.” He pauses. “I noticed you helping Beck out the other day.”

“Beck’s going to be a good quarterback. He just needed to get out of his head.”

“Did you enjoy helping him?”

I consider his question. “Actually, I did. It felt good.”

“Excellent. I have a proposition for you.”

“Which is?” I ask when he doesn’t continue.

“I assume you know I’m leaving the Seals and will be coaching college football at Coastal State University?”

Of course, I know. Everyone knows. You can’t keep a secret in a football team any easier than on Smuggler’s Hideaway.

“Yep. I know.”

“How would you feel about being my assistant coach? My quarterback coach?”

I open my mouth to say I’m a player, not a coach, but pause when I realize I’m not a player anymore. I’m retired. Or, at least, I will be in a month or two when the second-string quarterback is ready to take over. Or the team decides to contract a free agent. Or move the rookie up to first string.

But maybe the Super Bowl isn’t the only legacy that matters. Maybe playing it forward means teaching the next generation instead.

“The pay is significantly less than you’re currently earning, but you’d be able to live on Smuggler’s Hideaway.”

Live on Smuggler’s Hideaway? He said the magical words. This is the perfect solution. If I’m here, I can convince Terri I’m staying. I can show her she isn’t ruining my life. She’s improving it. Without her, there is no life.

“Yes. I’m in.”

He laughs. “I figured you might be. Can’t win a woman back if you’re in Steel City.”

I groan. “You know Terri dumped me.”

“My woman is a local. By the way, Jade’s a real estate agent if you need one.”

I didn’t think I’d buy a house on the island. I thought I’d live with Terri in her adorable little bungalow with a view of the ocean. But maybe buying her a house will show her I’m here to stay?

Maybe I can do a grand gesture. Wrap a ribbon around the house. Get down on one knee…

Damn. Here I am thinking about proposing to her, and she dumped me. She ended our relationship as if it was an easy feat.

Too bad for her, I’m not going anywhere. I broke through Terri’s fears once. I can do it again.