Page 29 of Even Exchange

He leans back in his chair, folding his arms. “You won a Heisman as a sophomore, and your record is near perfect. You definitely have some pull if you make your preferences known.”

“Part of me thinks staying in Florida would be ideal,” I admit. “And the other part thinks going out of state would reduce the distractions so I can really focus.”

“I get it,” he says, nodding. “As your coach, I’m team No Distractions and going where you can focus.”

“But?” I ask, sensing the hesitation in his tone.

“But as a former player, and someone who’s been… evolving as of late, remember to have a life outside of football too. Don’t forget about the people who are there for you when the stadium lights go out.”

I huff a laugh. “You sound like my mom.”

“She’s a smart woman. Listen,” he says, and our eyes meet. “You are ahellof a player. You’re going to go far. But don’t let it strip away who you are. I know you worry for your mom,” he says, fully aware of our situation. Some coaches may get a bad rep, and sure he’s a hard-ass, but he always makes sure his players can talk to him when they need to. “But getting the opportunity to go pro,” he says, pulling me back to the present, “will be the best thing to ever happen to your family.”

And I know it will be. Mom and I dealt with a lot of shit in the aftermath of everything that happened with my father. But financial hardship was the worst. She had to take up two jobs to keep us from losing the house until Tony became a permanent part of our lives. I’ll never be able to thank him for everything he’s done for us.For her.

“I appreciate your honesty,” I tell Coach Porter. Because I am grateful for it—there aren’t many people I can talk to about this without seeing the look in their eyes that tells me they’re either pitying me or wondering if I’ll end up likehim.

That’s why I can’t ever lose my cool. Why I always need to be in control.

“Of course,” he says. “And even after you graduate, you have my number. You need something, you call me, okay?”

His offer comforts me. It’s hard letting people in, and it’s nice knowing he still has my back if I need him. “You got it.”

“So, second order of business.” He clasps his hands together on the desk. “Who do you suggest for captain next year? I’ve already talked to Desmond regarding who he wants to turn his co-captain reins over too, but I’d like to hear your thoughts too.”

“Elijah should be captain.” The words fly effortlessly off my tongue. “He has the full respect of the guys, is dedicated, and no one else wants this more than him.”

Coach Porter nods. “Glad to hear you say that. He’s my top pick too.”

Pride fills me. Elijah’s worked damn hard, and it’s nice knowing Coach sees that too. “Good.”

“And second pick for co-captain?”

That answer takes a little longer because I’ve been struggling with this decision, but ultimately only one person makes sense. “Theo.”

“Really?” His brows pull together. “Why’s that?”

“He’s loyal, hard-working, and again, all the guys respect him.”

“Are you concerned about his lifestyle?”

“Theo likes to have a good time off the field.”A damn good time.“But he’s focused during games. It’s never been a problem before, and I don’t see it being a problem going forward.”

“Hmm. You make a strong case. I’ll think about it and make the announcement in a few weeks.”

“Great.”

We stand, and he rounds the desk, extending his hand to me. “It was an honor to coach you. I look forward to seeing the things you’ll accomplish in the NFL.”

I return the gesture. “Thank you, Coach.”

“Hey, you got a—” The feminine voice stops short, and I turn to find a familiar brunette popping her head in the door. “Oh, hey,” Andi, a cheerleader and Charlotte’s roommate, says. “I was?—”

“I’ve got the paperwork Coach Landry needed,” Coach Porter tells her, returning behind his desk. “And Caruso?”

“Yeah, Coach?” I say, holding the door frame, ready to make my exit.

“If you stay in Florida, Camp Dickson is looking for some mentors this summer, and you’d be a perfect fit. I know you’ll be busy, but maybe you could squeeze a few weeks in.”

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