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.”