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Xander
Being crammedon a school bus full of football players wasn’t exactly my idea of fun.
The ride to Pittsburgh was long, noisy, and by the time we reached the high school hosting tonight’s game, I was ready to find the nearest bar and lose myself in the bottom of a glass of whiskey… or two.
But we had a game to win, and the work was only just beginning.
“Okay, listen up,” Jase stood, grabbing the overhead storage rack for support. “We’ve got ninety minutes until kick off. I want you to remember you’re not only representing the team tonight, but you’re also representing the school and the whole goddamn town. Everyone’s looking to you, so don’t screw it up.”
He was tense, the lines around his eyes deeper than usual. I got it. Coaching a winning team was no easy task, especially in a town like Rixon. But it was more than that—he was Jason Ford, one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history. And although his career might have been cut short due to injury, his list of accolades certainly hadn’t been.
Jase had big shoes to fill, but if anyone could do it, it was him.
The bus screeched to a stop and the door cranked open. I shook my head, smothering a smile. The football team was one of the best funded programs in state, and yet the school couldn’t afford an upgrade from the heap of junk we were in.
“Okay,” Jase tapped the roof, “let’s go play some football.”
The guys jostled one another to get off the bus, the air charged with anticipation. Until arriving at Rixon High to coach the team, I’d forgotten just how electric Friday nights could be. These young men were thrust onto a pedestal and worshipped like gods. That kind of fan worship was addictive. All-consuming. It made young men think they were untouchable. Invincible. It made them think they were above reproach.
But I knew better than anyone how precarious that position was.
“You ready?” Jase asked me when everyone else was off the bus.
“As I’ll ever be.” I got up and grabbed my bag. Pittsburgh was an eight-hour round trip, so the school board had sanctioned an overnight stay. Which didn’t only mean keeping forty-eight football players in line at the game, it meant keeping them in line once we got to the hotel.
At least my brother, Hailee, Fee, and the Bennets were also going to be here. Football wasn’t only Jason’s job; it was a family affair. He, Cameron, and Asher had once worn Raiders jerseys, once walked this path to the championship. Now it was their younger generation’s turn. My nephew Avery had his time before leaving for college a couple of years ago, and now it was Aaron’s turn. A junior, he had football in his blood, and I had no doubts he’d go far.
“I know this is only supposed to be a temporary thing,” he said, as we filed off the bus. “But you’re proving more useful than I anticipated.”
“Thanks, asshole,” I muttered under my breath, and Jase laughed.
“You know what I mean. The guys respond to you. I think having someone a bit younger around bridges that gap.”
“Try telling that to Huckley.”
“He still giving you a hard time?” Jase’s eyes narrowed with concern.
“Nothing I can’t handle.”
“Darryn is good, but he’s old school and you didn’t—”
“Earn my spot. Yeah, I know.” I let out a thin breath.
“Look,” he pinned me with a knowing look, “don’t let him get under your skin. You’re here because I want you here. And I’ve been meaning to talk to you about making it more permanent. You’re an asset to the team, Xander. What do you think?”
“I appreciate the offer, Jase, I do, but…”
“But?”
“I’m not sure I’m cut out for it long term.”
“Thought you’d say that.” He scoffed. “And I know you probably won’t believe me, but maybe this is exactly what you need. You’re lost, Xan. Maybe you need something more permanent to help you find yourself again.”
“Hey, Coach,” someone yelled, and Jase gave me an apologetic look.
“Go,” I said, flicking my head over to where the team was slowly making their way toward the football field.
He threw his bag over his shoulder and took off toward them. I watched as they stepped aside to let him up front, to lead them. Jase might have been a hard ass at times, but the team respected him. The other coaches respected him too.
