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Chapter Seven
Mason
When I gotto the field, the team was huddled in the center. I started my journey across the grass. When they saw me, they ran toward me, picking me up and holding me in the air.
They screamed and shouted before lifting me up on their shoulders and packing me across the field to the fill-in coach, Eric.
“What’s going on?” I yelled over their cheers.
“Alright, guys. Put him down.”
The team set me on my feet and circled around us.
“You’re the new full-time soccer coach,” Eric said. “Congratulations.” He patted me on the back.
I was taken back. “What do you mean?” I asked with a smile on my face.
“I got a job in another town, I can’t fill-in here anymore. The team wants you. What do ya say?”
I ran my hand through my hair.
I am flattered the team wants me back, but is it the right time? With the shop re-opening, the wedding coming up, and all this shit with Chris still going on?
“I’m going to have to think about it. I’m kept a little busy these days.”
“Come on, coach!” one of the guys on the team yelled.
“Yeah, come on. We need you. Don’t let us down now!” another joined in.
I couldn’t hold back my smile. I missed soccer, I really did. But did I have time to coach the team? I didn’t want to let them down.
“Guys, I’m so glad you want me back, but this is something I’m going to have to think about. I want to be back here as much as you want me back, but I have a lot going on right now.”
“I thought you always had our backs? We can’t make it to playoffs without you,” Connor said.
Connor and I had always been close. He reminded me a lot of myself. He had skills and I pushed him to be the best he could be. I tried to be the kind of coach I needed at that age.
It’s so easy for kids to get lost, especially in high school. One mistake could cost you your future. I had always been there to keep him on track. I couldn’t let him down.
I smiled. “Okay, I accept.”
The team cheered loud and jumped around, picking me up once again.
I laughed out loud at their excitement.
“Alright, alright. Hit the showers,” Eric yelled.
The guys placed me on my feet and each of them slapped me on the back as they ran past me.
Once the field was empty, Eric handed me a piece of paper. “Here’s the schedule. Congrats, man.”
“Thanks.” I took the papers, looking over them.
I was excited on the drive back to the shop. I couldn’t wait to tell Lennox. I knew with everything going on, the timing wasn’t perfect, but it was something I had to do. I needed to be there for those kids. They needed me and I couldn’t let them down.
I knew it would add a little stress on us, especially since Lennox would have to come with me to every practice until I found a replacement bodyguard for her. But I felt that we could make it work, she knew how much soccer and those kids meant to me.
As I pulled up at the shop, I saw a dark mass lying lifeless in the grass next to the building. I parked the truck quickly and ran over to see what it was.
