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I stood up straight.

“Did something happen?”

“All I’ve heard is that she’s in trouble for attacking some woman with Jocelyn two nights ago.”

“That makes no sense,” I said, shaking my head. “She was with me that night.”

“From what a Junior told me, she’s not saying anything to them, which is pissing the cops off even more. I think she’s protecting you, man. Didn’t you say your coach saw you two together at Marticello's and you lied to him about her?”

“Yeah,” I said. “But how would he find out if she tells them she was with me?”

“Fucking school newspaper, man. We’ll do anything to get clicks these days, even something like who a big star like you is dating.”

“That’s messed up, bro.”

“Tell me about it. I’m seriously thinking about switching majors.”

“Yeah,” I said absent-mindedly. “Thanks for watching out.”

“No problem.”

I nodded my head.

After he left the kitchen, I walked to the stadium for evening practice.

While I hoped she was okay, I couldn’t be late again or Coach would go nuts. The closer I got to graduating and going pro, the tougher he’d gotten on me. If I had problems handling what he gave me, though, I’d never make it in the pros.

As I walked across campus toward the stadium, I hoped Brooke would be okay. Would she understand my future career was at stake? Did football mean more to me than love? The questions haunted me the entire way.

* * *

At practice, I found it difficult to concentrate. Was Brooke okay? Should I do something to help her? I hated not being able to go until I finished with football for the day.

Coach noticed my sub-par performance and called me over as the other guys headed back to the locker room. I walked over to him, ready to just get it over with.

“What’s going on with you today?” he barked as I approached.

I shrugged my shoulders.

“Are you messing around with a woman?”

“No, Coach,” I lied.

“You’re free to date a woman, but if you do, I’m not going to be able to help you make it all the way to the pros.”

“Yes, Coach.”

“Look at me!” he snarled.

I lifted my head and looked him directly in the eyes.

“If you’re not dedicating yourself one-hundred percent to football, I can’t help you.”

“I’m all in, Coach.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, Coach.”


Tags: Nicole Elliot Romance