Page 27 of Red Zone

Thompson leaned back in his chair, crossing an ankle over the opposite knee, his gaze locked on me and assessing. “Thanks for taking the time to meet with me, Cartwright. I’ve been following you this season. Your stats are impressive, and you have many traits we look for in a wide receiver—your ability to create separation with your route running, your speed off the line, your overall high football IQ, and how you fight for those contested catches. Those are all things we notice, but let’s talk more about your game and where we see opportunities for you to grow.”

“Absolutely. I welcome your insight on what I can improve.” I had to demonstrate I was coachable then show him results on the field after our initial conversation.

He was proving to be a no-nonsense guy, true of everything I’d heard from Kylian and Ares, whom he, among other scouts, had been recruiting hardcore. That it was taking longer for me to gain attention and conversations was nothing short of panicinducing. I had to nail our meeting. Not only that, but his approval and setting his sights on me would only open more doors. ESPN would stand up and take notice, as would other teams.

“We love what you can do after the catch, but we’d like to see you break free of blocks and improve some of the details in your route tree. In the NFL, defenders are faster and more physical. Watch film on Jerome Myers at USC. His footwork and timing on every route help build separation. If you can improve and show consistency there, it’ll only prove you’ve got more of what it takes to make it in the professional league.”

There was proof of my competition. “Got it. I appreciate the tip and will work to improve. Thank you.”

“Your deep routes are stellar, but sharpen the short ones to become truly unstoppable.”

“You would know.” I grinned, pouring on the charm. “I’ve followed your career and strive to emulate your success, among others.”

“Good to know.” Mark chuckled then turned to Coach. “His charisma is off the charts, just like you said.”

“At least you won’t have to worry about putting me in front of reporters. I’ll do whatever the PR team needs.” I would work any angle to make myself stand out in their eyes. If that tipped the scale for me, then so be it.

“What’s your weekly routine regarding film, study, practice, and recovery?”

I eased back in my seat and rattled off the hours I spent every day with prep work. Kylian, Ares, and I were the team’s hardest working players, which was a big reason why we were the best—or they were. I had some concerns when Thompson brought up my competition. I needed to up my game.

Coach chimed in with my dedication to improving my schoolwork—I did my best not to flinch—and how much Ibalanced, never complaining when more was put on my plate. Also, the other receivers looked up to me for how I stayed late to help the rookies improve. I was a true team player. I could fucking kiss the man for the gold he spewed. Thompson looked impressed.

Fuck yes!

Thompson nodded along with everything Coach said, making a few notes on his clipboard before turning back to me. “How do you handle adversity?” His gaze briefly dipped to the scar on my cheek. “The NFL creates a lot of pressure. We’re always looking for guys who stay levelheaded and keep pushing, even when things don’t go their way.”

I wouldn’t touch the fight freshman year that resulted in my scar. It was long ago, and I doubted he knew anything. What he wanted to know was the kind of teammate I was when the chips were down, even after Coach had spouted off all the team-player stuff about me—I got it, but it needed to also be in my own words. I had this, no problem.

“I can give you a few examples of things I’ve done for teammates and friends off the field that never once affected my game.” I darted a glance at Coach, who nodded encouragement. From his serious expression, he knew what I was about to share. “Kylian Wilder and Ares Bellingham are my roommates and good friends.” They needed no explanation about their positions or status on the team as they were well-known and frequently mentioned on SportsCenter. I explained how Ares’s girlfriend had been abducted and what role I’d played in helping my friends and my sister, who was a detective, get her back safely. How my performance on the field never suffered. I could juggle emotional duress without it impacting my game. When I finished, he looked noticeably impressed, and I breathed a sigh of relief. One test passed.What else will he throw my way?I was ready. I rubbed my hands together, leaning forward forthe next challenge. Something Thompson noticed by the way his eyes lit up.

“That was a helluva explanation and one not many can compete with. Keep up the work you’ve been putting in, but remember, there’s always room for growth. I want to see you hungry to improve, and from what I’ve witnessed today, I think you are.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Continue to refine your craft, Liam. Stay healthy, and don’t lose focus. I know you’ve got the tools. Keep grinding. You’ve got a real shot at making it to the next level.”

Coach and I stood with Thompson and shook his hand. Coach asked me to stay a few more minutes as he walked Thompson out. When they were out of sight, I shook my arms and rolled my neck, releasing the tension that’d built up. It wasn’t long before Coach returned.

He left the door to his office open and clapped me on the back. His thick mustache worked overtime as he furiously chewed his signature nicotine gum. “Scouts want to get a sense of players’ personalities, work ethics, and often how they handle feedback. You went above and beyond today. I have no doubt about your physical skills, character, and focused mental preparation. You’ve got what it takes to succeed professionally, and you showed him what he wanted to see with that conversation. The rest will have to be on the field. I’ll be watching you during playoffs and at the combine. Show me what you’ve got.”

“I will.” I nodded with every point he made. I would make it happen.

“Do what Thompson said. Study what USC’s star wide receiver is successfully doing that you’re not. And while you’re at it, check out Ohio State and Bama’s star receivers too. He may not have mentioned their names, but they’re being heavilyrecruited. Up your game, son. I know you can achieve your dreams.”

I blinked furiously. Goddamn. I was so close. His praise and belief in me encouraged me to work harder than ever. “I promise I won’t let you down, Coach.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

LIAM

Igot to the science building early on Monday for a late-afternoon tutoring session. Skye had suggested working in the lab so I could go over the next experiment I had to ace. I didn’t know how she remembered the staggering amount of chemicals and elements along with their properties. I could manage a new playbook and have it memorized backward and forward in no time, but with science, it was in one ear and out the other.Would I ever need it with my sports management and communications degree?No, which only made it worse. But after the conversation with Thompson, I would work my ass off to excel in every area of my life. I had a goddamned point to prove.

Coach’s tension had been palpable all day. Rumors about an emergency meeting after last Saturday’s game were already circulating, and I couldn’t help but wonder if it had to do with Jackson. His death had left a hole in the team, and if the whispers about drugs or foul play were true, it could mean trouble for us all.

I paused outside the lab door, catching sight of Skye through the glass. She was lost in thought, her fingers absently twirling astrand of her dark-brown hair. I should’ve been thinking about the emergency meeting or my route tree, but all I could focus on was her. She might be a complication I couldn’t afford—but she was also one I couldn’t walk away from either.

I took in the curve of her full lips and how her long eyelashes cast a slight shadow on her cheeks. Every time I saw her, it was like gravity shifted. She was strength, determination, and chaos wrapped in a package I couldn’t ignore—and didn’t want to.

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