Page 4 of Waiting for Her

He turns, his smile fading a little bit when he examines my face a little closer.

I know I can not only do this job, I can do it well. I’ve never once expected something I didn’t earn. Some may not think I’ve paid my dues in the coaching world, but I’m ready to prove to everyone age isn’t a factor. But for my own sanity, and because I just can’t go in there without knowing for sure, I ask him one more time if he’s sure I’m the one he wants stepping into his enormous shoes.

“Drew, sir?”

“Yes?”

“Drew should be getting this job, right?”

He raises his eyebrows at me and gives me his most stern coach look. The same one that terrified me into making sure I never disappointed him. Like I’m doing right now by even questioning his choice and belief in me. “You not confident in your abilities, Grady?”

“No, sir. I am. It’s just, Drew, he’s put in his time. Hell, there are hundreds of other coaches in this country who’ve put in their time, too.”

“And?”

I shrug one shoulder. “And… that’s it. I want this. I know I can do this. I’ve been with the team for over seven years, and I know what needs to happen to make this season another winner. As a player I understood, then after the accident, I saw it from a different perspective when you allowed me on the team coaching as an intern, of sorts. But I also know in the eyes of pretty much everyone else, in theworld, I’m still a punk kid and why do I deserve this position?”

“You deserve it because you don’t think you do. You’re not some entitled little shit who thinks just because you’ve been with us for a few years you should have this job. Drew and I talked last month when I made the decision to retire. He told me straight away he wanted you to be considered. Now, don’t get me wrong, I think if I had offered him the position, he’d likely have taken it, or at least considered it. I don’t know for sure. He also sees how the players react to your coaching and leadership. Everyone does. No one is doubting your abilities here.”

“But…”

“No buts and no more questioning this, you got me? If you don’t want this or don’t think you can do it, tell me now. But I don’t think that’s the case. I think this is you being a considerate kid who was raised to work his ass off for the things he wants. You may not have the years behind you like others do, but you’ve certainly put in your time. Why do you think you were so sought after when you were in high school? It wasn’t just because of your abilities on the field. You’re a leader. I believe in you, Grady. I wouldn’t hand over my team to just anyone.”

“Let’s do this,” I tell him, the confidence in my voice matching what’s in my head. My heart.

No more doubting myself. I’m GradyfuckingRyan and I was born to be on the football field, to lead this team to continue to be the champions they already are.

“There he is.” He claps me on the shoulder, opens the door and for the first time in as long as I can remember, I feel an instant peace.

I have this.

I’m going to rock the shit out of coaching the top tier of athletes at the D1 school I’ve loved since before I could walk.

It might not be what I envisioned for my future when I was growing up, but fuck the past. And everyone who tossed me aside.

Because I’m about to be the youngest head coach in this university’s history, and I did it all without her by my side.

Just like she wanted.

Bri

“I’m sorry. Whatdid you just say?” I shift in my seat, uncross my legs, and look up from the notebook I was about to scribble on. I gather my long, dark hair in my hand and drape it over my shoulder, fighting against the desire to throw it up in a messy bun.

Simon, the editor for the division ofSports Illuminatedmagazine I work for, leans over, resting his arms on his desk.

He’s also my best friend Ava’s husband, a match I successfully made shortly after I got my job here.

“We have been given the opportunity to follow the Ryan story. The Warriors Athletic Director knew that it would be talked about by every platform given Grady’s age, and they wanted the real story out there so they contacted us.”

“Wow. That’s… amazing,” I tell him, praying my voice doesn’t betray me from the shaking I feel at hearing him mention Grady’s name. Ever since the story broke about Grady getting the head coaching position, my stomach has been in knots. Excitement for him, nervousness knowing he’s going to be in the spotlight for the next several months, something I won’t be able to ignore.

He nods his head, looking down at the papers in front of him. “It is. And it’s yours.”

I choke on the sip of water I’d just taken. “Say again?” I wipe the dribble on my chin and discreetly wipe my hands on my pants.

He looks up at me with confusion in his eyes like he didn’t turn my world on its side. “You’ve been assigned an exclusive. This is huge, Bri. Every sports reporter across the nation is going to be clamoring for this opportunity, and it’s yours.”

“But, why? I’m no one.”

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