Page 28 of Silent Count
“Good, good. I look forward to seeing your progress. Now, go get ready. We’re on the field in fifteen.” He turns to face one of the other coaches, who came up while we were talking.
“Yes, sir.”
I spin on my heel and walk toward my stall. My practice gear is already hanging in it, ready for me to dress. I pull open the bottom drawer under the seat and drop my backpack in there. I forgot to run it to my car before I met up with Chelsea. Which also means I forgot my gym bag, which has my shorts in it.
I look around the room and see one of the equipment managers carrying water bottles to the cart. “Hey, man. Can you grab me some shorts? I forgot my bag in my car.”
“Sure thing, Bo. Give me a few. Do you need anything else?” He sets the bottles on the cart and walks back toward the uniform closet, looking over his shoulder at me.
“Oh, yeah, a rash guard would be good.”
After we won the championship, our alumni sponsors were incredibly generous, as were our athletic sponsors. We get everything from shoes, suits, workout gear, and team track suits. Before, we’d had a tight setup, but even more so now. Anything we want, we pretty much just say the word.
I see Silas on the other side of the room, lacing his cleats. Then Casey flies in through the door and sprints over to his locker near mine.
“Sup, man.” He glances over at me.
“Hey. What are you rushing for? You still have, like, ten minutes to get ready.” I start pulling off my shirt and jeans.
“I lost track of time, then had to run across campus to get here. Literally ran.” He starts laughing. “I nearly took out a few people on my way.”
“Do I even want to ask why you lost track of time?” I ask while taking my pads off the hook and setting them on the bench.
“Probably not.” He looks over at me with a grin.
“Here you go, Callaway.” The equipment manager hands me my clothes.
“Thanks. Appreciate you.” I bump fists with him.
“Why don’t you have clothes?” Casey asks while stripping down.
I clear my throat. “I forgot to go to my car after class to get my bag.”
He looks over at me, suspicious. “You forgot something?”
“Yep,” I reply curtly.
“Uh-huh. Who is she?” He chuckles.
“Why would you assume it’s a girl? You know I don’t chase girls around.” I huff.
I see him nod out of my peripheral vision.
“I guess you’re right. But it’s unlike you to forget to do something when it comes to football.”
“Fine, I was studying with Chelsea.” I slip on my rash guard.
“Chelsea? Noelle’s Chelsea?” He pauses and looks at me.
“Do we know another Chelsea?”
He pulls his shorts on and looks at me.
“What?” I laugh awkwardly.
“You’re more than just studying with her, aren’t you? I suspected you liked her, but after last night and now this, I’m sure of it.” He points at me, smiling.
I’m not even gonna try to pretend with him. He’s one of my closest friends here.
