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She shrugs. “To frustrate the Westbourne players and force them to say things that would get them sent to the bin, reducing the number of opposition on the field.”
“If I had the power to control the things people say, it’d be a much nicer world,” I say with a bitter smile. “So, no, it was not a tactical thing. No one forced any player to use offensive language. The referee heard what he heard and adjudicated the situation appropriately.”
“Are there any updates about Samuel Kenning-Chan?” someone asks.
I shake my head, partly happy to finally be talking about something related to the team, but gutted that it has to be this. “No news yet.”
“Who’ll step in at number ten?” the news team kid asks.
I puff out a heavy breath. “That’s something we’ll need to figure out during the week. There are several quality players who could step into the job.” That’s a bit of a lie, of course; both Mackey and Giles are still ridiculously green, with Mackey so far only having had three minutes of game time—the ones he played when KC came off today. Obviously, I’d been planning to give him more time on the field throughout the season, but that plan’s gone out the window now.
I field a few more questions before finally calling the interview to a halt and heading back inside. When I return to the locker room, I have to bite my lip to hold back a laugh. It seems my players proved incapable of removing their own makeup, so they’re now all sitting down in a row while Ellie, Genie, and—to my surprise—my mom attack their faces with the makeup remover wipes. I give a shake of my head and cast my gaze around, finding Aidan, Ben, Shay, and Jake all standing at the side of the room also watching the scene with amusement.
I was kind of blown away by how many of my family members made it up here for the game today. They usually try to get to championship games, but it’s a big ask for them to come all this way for a regular season game. But I guess I have my awesome girlfriend to thank for that; I have no doubt that she was the one who put the word out about what was happening today, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.
When I glance over at my office, I’m surprised to see Ross hovering by the door. He catches my eye and cants his head toward my office, indicating he wants a quiet word.
Curious as to why he’s here talking to me rather than at the hospital with his son, I cross the locker room and let Ross into my office. “Sorry about KC,” I say as we step inside. “Any updates?”
“He was still waiting to be admitted when I spoke to Susan a few minutes ago. I’ll head over there in a minute, but I wanted to speak to you first.”
“Anything in particular?”
“Your brother showed me an interesting video. Footage from a New York sevens tournament last year.” He pins me with an uncharacteristically hard look. “Why exactly is your cousin playing on an amateur sevens team andnotfor Carmichael when he clearly has enough talent to run rings around pretty much every other high school player.”
“Fuck, Ross, it’s not like I’ve been hiding him,” I say with a frustrated sigh. “I’d love nothing more than for Jake to come and play here. But it’s not that simple—he’s had some…issues. He’s been doing well since he started living with Shay, but before that…well, let’s just say his academic record isn’t exactly up to Carmichael’s standards. Skipping class, poor grades, fighting with other kids...he even got expelled from one school.” I sigh and shake my head, preparing to drop the next bomb. “And there’s been some legal stuff as well. He only finished his probation a few months ago after a DUI a while back.”
Ross lets out a heavy breath, his expression thoughtful. “Is he dangerous?”
I shake my head adamantly. “Definitely not. And he hasn’t been in any trouble at all since he moved in with my brother.”
Ross nods. “And do you think he’s got the brains to pass a Carmichael entrance exam?”
I arch a curious brow, but shrug. “There’s nothing wrong with his brain…when he actually uses it. But Principal Gregson—“
“Leave Gregson to me,” he says in the kind of self-assured tone that comes hand in hand from being one of the most successful businessmen in the state. “We need that kid, Finn. I was going to hound you about it even before Sammy got injured. But now…”
“He’s only ever played on an amateur sevens team with a bunch of guys more than twice his age,” I point out. “He might not take to fifteen-a-side as easily.”
“He will,” Ross says with certainty.
I arch an eyebrow at him. “You seem pretty sure for someone who’s never even met Jake.”
He just shrugs. “I was watching him just before while I was waiting for you to finish up outside. The way he was gazing around the locker room, taking in all the buzz and excitement from the players. It was there in his eyes, Finn—he wants to be in a team with guys his own age.”
I consider the words for a moment. Of course, they make sense; what seventeen-year-old athlete wouldn’t want to play for a school team rather than with a bunch of old guys? It’d mean him leaving Shay’s and starting at another new school, though… Finally, I nod. “Okay, if you can get Gregson on board I’ll talk to Jake. I’m not going to force him, though. He might what to stay in New York with Shay and all his new friends.”
Ross just smirks, knowing he’s gotten what he wanted. “He’ll come.” He takes his phone from his pocket and checks the screen. “I’d better get to the hospital.”
“Of course. Tell KC I’ll be in to see him tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Finn.” With a parting nod, Ross leaves my office.
I follow after him, finding the locker room mostly empty; no doubt the guys were quick to head off to the showers once they were free of the makeup. I make a beeline for Ellie, who’s standing near the far wall chatting with Aidan, Ben, and Cass. Ignoring everyone else, I sweep Ellie into my arms the second she’s within reach, drawing her close and crashing my lips to hers for a fierce kiss.
“Urgh, get a room,” Aidan groans.
“Aww, leave them alone. They haven’t seen each other in weeks,” Cass says, jumping to my defense like the loyal friend they are.
