All I could do was nod at her drawn-out explanation. “And now you’re a kicker on a professional football team. How did that happen? Did you play in college?”
I hadn’t meant to give the newbie the third degree, but right now, if the wind picked up speed, my ass would be on the turf.
“Reese happened to be at my school and watched a kicking competition for charity that was going on. I played on the intramural soccer team and was challenged by the club football team’s kicker.” She shrugged. “I won. Reese and I talked, and she offered me a position with the Thunder. I guess you can say it was a case of being in the right place at the right time. It’s good to see you. How—”
“Wonderful, you two have met,” Reese said, appearing next to me. “Charlie, I was watching from the booth, and you did great. The coaches are impressed. How did it feel with the helmet on?”
“A bit strange. It’s heavier than I thought it’d be. I’m glad you suggested it, though. I’d rather get used to it earlier than later.”
“Yes, I completely agree. We’ll have one fitted specifically for you. And you’ll be thankful for it and pads when linemen are charging in your direction, but you have a swift leg.”
My eyes immediately roamed down her body to those toned legs I’d been watching. There was no denying Charlie was good, but Reese was right—during a game, it wouldn’t be as easy. Between the defense and the fans, the entire atmosphere was intense.
“Thank you,” Charlie said with a smile.
Reese continued: “The kicker is off-limits. You’re not allowed to be hit. That being said, it can happen.”
Then something dawned on me, and unlike a mentor, I blurted, “Do you understand the game?”
Seeming a bit put off, she quickly answered me. “Yes, I read the rules on the plane ride here. Reese sent me a book.”
She read a rule book? That’s it?
“As your mentor, Collin will be able to show you the ropes.”
“My what?”
“Mentor,” I blandly repeated. Reese’s gaze bounced between us. Giving a simple explanation, I went on to say, “Charlie is my little sister Sally’s best friend. I haven’t seen her for years.” The guys were going to be all over her. I had a feeling I’d also be her bodyguard. An instant headache formed. I was totally screwed.
Reese’s enthusiasm had been evident thanks to her bright smile. “Oh, wow. I had no idea. Such a small world. This is wonderful.”
Sure it was.For whom, I had no idea, but I kept that thought to myself.
“I’m sorry, what does a mentor do exactly?” Charlie’s sweet voice sent a shock wave straight to my groin. “This is all new to me.”
Reese reassured her by saying, “That is exactly why we have mentors for our rookies. And remember, the starting position is up for grabs, and you have the tools to make it yours.”
“That’s an amazing compliment. Thank you.”
“It’s the truth. You’re a natural, and as I explained, during games the ball won’t be on the tee. It will be hiked and held by the placeholder.”
“Yes, that’s a bit nerve-racking. I hope I don’t end up kicking him. Or miss like Charlie Brown.”
Reese laughed. “You’ll get used to it, and if our holder ever pulled aLucy,then he’d be benched and fined.”
The pair laughed, and all I could do was continue to stare.Charlie Nicholson,I said to myself. Never in a million years would I have imagined her standing in front of me, wearing a Thunder practice jersey. The last time I thought about her was when my sister told me about her brilliant friend who was going to be a doctor. Despite their closeness, I barely knew Charlie.
“Collin will be here for you to answer questions and be by your side when you need him.” Reese went on to tell Charlie that our new kicking coach was delayed but would be meeting with her early next week, when practice started.
“This is wonderful. Thanks again.”
“You’re welcome. I have a meeting to get to, but I know I’m leaving you in good hands. Oh, the team doesn’t know that we’re about to make history. I’ll be telling them soon. First I wanted to make sure you’re comfortable. Once word gets out, it will be a frenzy, which is another reason I held off.”
“I appreciate that. Thank you.”
“My pleasure. So we’re good here?”
I nodded, Charlie grinned, and Reese walked away.