Page 90 of Worth the Trip

“You’re the reason it got canceled.”

“Hostile administration.”

I looked at him.

He grinned.

“Blessings still finding me, Big Dawg.”

I laughed despite myself and raised the whistle.

The huddle broke.

They ran the play again, and this time, Jamari checked down instead of forcing the throw. Caleb caught the short pass, turned up field, and lowered his shoulder toward a defender half his size.

I blew the whistle before contact. “We’re not collecting concussions before noon. Control your body.”

Caleb slowed with a frustrated breath. “But I had him.”

“You had an opportunity to prove you’re bigger than somebody. That ain’t the same as making the right decision.”

His expression tightened.

I stepped closer and lowered my voice. “Strength ain’t demonstrated by how much damage you can cause. It’s demonstrated by how much control you maintain when damage is available.”

The frustration left his face gradually.

“Yes, sir.”

“Run it again.”

As they reset, I pulled my phone out long enough to answer Nolani.

I’m leaving practice at eleven thirty. Seventy-five miles ain’t enough road to make me late for you.

Her response came before I’d completely put the phone away.

Good. Because I’m excited to see you.

Yeah.

I read that one twice.

Malcolm appeared beside me.

“You smiling at punctuation again?”

“Why aren’t you coaching?”

“Why you avoiding the question?”

“I’m not.”

“That Hershey?”

I slid the phone away. “Mind your business.”

“I ain’t ask what she said.”