Page 7 of Hometown Halftime

“So,” Ramsey says, folding his hands. “Riley, tell us why you’re interested.”

I almost go with the easy answer and tell them that I love sports, that I think I’ll like coaching, all that. But something in Kinsey’s demeanor tells me that she can see through bullshit a mile away.

So, I tell them the truth.

“I came back to Cedar Falls because my family needed me,” I say. “And I need something that makes me feel like I’m still doing something meaningful. I want to help the program grow while I’m here.”

Knox nods, a proud glimmer in his eyes. Cam stops chewing. Kinsey studies me, her eyes warm.

“Girls’ rugby is brand new,” I continue. “They’re going to need structure, encouragement, and someone who cares about their success. I’m good at those things.”

“Have you ever even played rugby?” Kinsey asks, not unkindly, just direct.

“Not anything regulation, just a few pick-up games with the team back at school,” I tell her, keeping my chin high. “And I don’t think that should hinder my capability to help lead a team. I played on that same field only a few years ago. I know how to speak to them.”

Her mouth twitches. “True.”

“I don’t mind earning my place,” I tell her. “I’m not pretending that I even remotely know more than you. I’m here to support you, not step on your toes.”

“Good,” she says. “Because if you try, you’ll lose your feet.”

Knox groans into his hands. “Kinsey, for the love of—”

She shrugs. “What? He should know.”

But there’s a smile ghosting across her lips, and damn it, I like her attitude.

The AD leans back. “Okay, first things first. Kinsey, are you accepting the head coach position?”

Kinsey’s eyes dart between all of us at the table. Cam and Knox avoid her glare, then her eyes land on me. Her brows pinch for a moment. Finally, she sighs, turning to Ramsey.

“Yes, I’ll accept the position.”

She looks at me with a challenge in her eyes. I just give her a grin.

Ramsey nods. “Well. I think that settles it. Riley, if you’re up to it, the assistant coaching position is yours.”

The answer comes easily. “I’d like that.”

Knox smiles and Ramsey claps his hands. “Great. Let’s get the boring stuff done.”

We sign our employment paperwork, go through manuals and all the other HR things. A short while later, Coach Ramsey collects everything and shuffles the papers into a file folder.

Kinsey taps her fingers on the table. “Practice starts Monday. Show up early. I want to go over the agenda before the girls arrive.”

“Yes, ma’am” I nod.

Her eyes flash and I can’t tell if it’s from amusement or annoyance. Knox chokes.

“Oh, he’s gonna die,” Cam whispers with fear.

Kinsey stands, pulling her hoodie straight. “You can call me Coach.”

I rise from my chair. “Got it, Coach.”

We all walk out into the hall. Kinsey turns around. “Cam, Knox, I’ll see you Sunday for dinner. Weston, I’ll see you Monday.”

She bolts down the hall as Knox claps me on the back so hard my teeth rattle.