Page 30 of Just Like Home

“I’m not afraid of anything.” Asher’s jaw tightened. “And you wouldn’t understand.”

“I understand you’ve got one heck of an arm, kid,” Cole said. “I understand this is about your best chance at having a life outside of Harbor Pointe.”

“Oh, really? You think some college is going to come snatch me up?”

“Why not? Worked for Jared.”

“I’m not Jared,” Asher said. “MSU isn’t gonna give me a full ride.”

“Don’t be so sure,” Cole said.

“Coach, you’re just getting my hopes up talking like that,” he said.

“You’ve got what it takes to play college ball, Ash.” Cole looked at him. Was he just getting his hopes up? His mind scrolled through all the moments Asher had impressed him. It was like a highlight reel of potential. It would take work, and it wouldn’t happen overnight. Might not even happen this season, but he believed in Asher. Cole knew he could turn him into a stellar quarterback by his senior year.

Asher shook his head, as if he was mentally tossing the idea around. “It’s a pipe dream, and you’re just trying to get me to stay.”

Cole drew in a breath and studied the kid. In all these months of coaching him, Asher had always remained quiet and withdrawn.

His conversation with Bilby rushed back. Cole might’ve blown it on the field that morning, but here was a chance to do better. This kid didn’t need tough love right now, and Cole knew it.

“What’s going on, son? Really?”

Asher shook his head, and Cole could see in just seconds, the boy had shut down. He didn’t trust Cole enough to tell him anything. And that was Cole’s fault.

“You wouldn’t get it,” Asher said. “But I have to quit, so you’ll have to find another quarterback.”

And with that, Cole’s only hope at a winning season walked out the door.

He let out a sigh—a heavy one—and rubbed his temples. The knock on his door was followed by Matt’s “Hey.”

Cole leaned back in his chair, motioning for his assistant coach to sit down.

“What was that about?”

“He just quit,” Cole said.

“He quit?”

“Yep. Didn’t give a reason, but he’s done.”

“He can’t quit. If that kid quits, he can kiss college goodbye. No way he’ll be able to afford it without a scholarship.”

“I can’t force him to stay.”

“What did you say to him?”

“Asked him why. Asked him if it was because he was scared. Asked him if he didn’t want to do the work.” Cole sighed. He shouldn’t have said that, he knew it wasn’t true. What did he think—he could bully the kid into staying? He glanced over and found Matt’s look of disapproval waiting for him.

“I know,” Cole said. “I could’ve handled it better.”

After a long pause, Matt cleared his throat. “I’m not supposed to know this, but I think Asher was out looking for a second job yesterday. I saw him downtown.”

“So?”

“So, I think he got one at the donut shop and they open at four in the morning. His shift probably doesn’t end until at least ten. I don’t think this is him wanting to quit. I think he just needs the money.”

Cole shook his head. “Well, why didn’t he say that, then?”

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