Page 82 of Hard Count
“I’d think you’d be a great coach for the Blazers. They need someone who knows how to bring a team together. You’ve done that year after year at Newhouse,” Drew says.
Gavin’s head drops as he savors the compliment from his daughter. Being open with emotions and talking sincerely without a second thought is a new concept for them. “Thank you,” he says. “I would enjoy the challenge. I’ve always liked the rebuilding process. I don’t want to leave Newhouse without the right people to take over. I would need to have the proper staffed lined up for the University if I were to leave.”
“What are you thinking?” I ask.
His eyes ping pong between the two of us. “We won’t say anything. This is between family,” Drew says. This time we both take a hit on our hearts from her words.Family. I like the sound of that.
He nods and leans forward on his knees. “Coach Garcia could take my position. He’s been by my side for seven years working with the defense. It would be an easy transition. I could move Harry down from the box and onto the field.” He stares at Drew. “They would need someone to take Harry’s place reviewing plays and helping make the right call on the field.”
Drew’s hand clamps down on my forearm. “Why are you looking at me?”
“Because I’ve collected your analysis reports every week and passed them on to the heads of the athletic department. They were impressed and will be reaching out regardless of my decision. You’ve never said if you wanted to work with college athletes or professionals.” He pauses, taking a moment to compose himself. “I think you’re the right person to help these young players transition from high school ball to the collegiate level with your psychology background. You have a good eye and you know what it takes to succeed.”
I grab hold of her hand when it begins to tremble in my lap. She swallows and clears her throat. “It would be a dream job but I want to earn it. I don’t want it given to me because it comes with your seal of approval and recommendation. I don’t need my dad to let me inside the door. I can open it myself.”
His lip twitches in amusement. “No, you don’t. Your dad didn’t give his recommendation. The head coach of the football team did along with the defensive and offensive coordinator. Dr. Reeves also had a letter of recommendation. I told you he would be helpful when it came to applying for jobs. He was very impressed with your research on mental health in the sports industry. The whole department was.”
“I’m not sure what to say.” Drew scoots to the edge of the couch like she’s about to get up, but then suddenly stops to look at me. “What about Nash?” Her eyes soften and tearsthreaten to form. “They said the Blazers might draft him. Have you heard anything?” she asks me.
I shake my head. “My agent has mentioned a few different organizations that might be interested. I won’t be the only quarterback available. It’ll depend on how I perform at the combine too.” I pull her into my arms and kiss the side of her head. “Hey, it’ll be okay.”
“I’m going to get more food. I’ll be back.” Her smile is apologetic. “Thank you,” she says to her dad before leaving the room.
I jump from the couch when her steps echo up the stairs and her bedroom door slams shut. “Why are you smiling? She’s obviously upset.” I wave a hand toward the stairs.
“Because my daughter is having an emotional episode in our home again. I’ve missed her being here. Now do you want to talk to her or do you want me to do it?” he asks. He raises his hands in surrender when I level him with a look. “I figured.” He leans back in his chair and goes back to watching the game.
“Nash,” he says, keeping his eyes on the game. “Coming from your future father-in-law who also has insider information, the Blazers' organization is very interested in having you on the team. You would really have to screw up to get them to change their minds. Go make her feel better, respectfully.” He gives me a ‘dad’ look, making me laugh.
I lay down in bed beside Drew with my hands behind my head and wait for her to start talking. I’m not sure how longwe stay silent until she eventually rolls over and rests her chin on my chest. “I can’t believe he did that for me.”
“I can. You’re the kind of person people would do anything for. He also knows what an asset you are to the organization. They would be idiots not to hire you.”
“If it wasn’t for my dad, they wouldn’t even know I’ve been helping.”
“You’d be surprised who knows the truth. The guys on the team talk. I wouldn’t be shocked if the whole school knows you’re an unofficial coach of the Knights,” I say, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.
“What if you get drafted somewhere else?”
“We can’t think about that now.”
“It’s hard not to.” She picks up the heart charm hanging from my neck and zips it back and forth slowly on the chain.
“Do you believe in us?”
“With my whole heart.”
“Then we have nothing to worry about. The future is you and me together.” I palm her ass and shift her body until she’s laying on top of me. “A few hundred miles can’t compete with what we have going on.”
“You promise?”
“I promise, little fox.”
26
NASH
CHRISTMAS DAY
