Page 104 of Unexpectedly Falling
“You too, Nessa. I’ll be sure to let you make the formal announcement here on campus when it’s time.”
“Sounds good.”
“Drive safe and give ’em hell this season.”
Even though she’sexpecting me, my heart rate still kicks up to an unhealthy level as I knock on the doorjamb for my second coaches’ meeting today. Coach Arsenault looks up from the paperwork on her desk, and it’s so reminiscent of the last time I was here. It feels like years ago instead of a couple of months, but so much has changed.
“Nessa, come in and have a seat.” She puts her pen on the desk, resting her forearms on the barely visible wood surface. “How are you feeling? Ready to start the season?”
Nibbling my bottom lip, I nod and then steel myself for what I need to say. “This will be my last season.”
Her lips part for only a second before pressing into a thin line. “You’re sure?”
“The Tornadoes’ offer was more than generous, and six months ago I wouldn’t have hesitated. I would have signed my name before the ink had time to dry, but my priorities have changed.”
“Lots of athletes have families, partners, and children. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.”
“With all due respect, Coach, I’ve already lived the other side of this life, and it’s not the one I want for my family.”
Her smile is soft and a little sad. “I’m happy for you, Nessa, even if I’ll be swearing up a storm trying to replace you out on the field. I figured I had another five or ten years with you and Kinsley leading the charge.”
“I thought so too, and a part of me will miss it. But I’ve never had anything other than soccer and now that I do, I can’t give it up, and more importantly, I don’t want to.”
“Well, I guess one thing is guaranteed,” she says, her brown eyes sparkling.
“What’s that?”
“We’re gonna win that championship.” A shiver races down my spine at the conviction in her words. She sees it and nods. “Get ready to work, Hart, because we’re going to give you one hell of a send-off.”
48
JENSEN
The parking lot is pretty full for a Saturday afternoon, but I still spot Archer and Montana’s trucks near the entrance of Boots on Bar and Grill. Mama had come over not long after Nessa had left for Nashville, claiming she was done watchin’ me mope about.
I hadn’t even begun to mope, but no sooner had she arrived, Montana texted me, saying all the guys were meeting for lunch. It felt like a setup but I’m thankful all the same.
Opening up the door, I’m immediately hit with the delicious smell of burgers and fries, and it reminds me I skipped breakfast this morning.
So much for not moping.
Spotting Montana and Archer at a table on the side, I make my way over, waving to the owner, Jude Rhodes, behind the bar and a few patrons along the way. The bar had been owned by Jude’s father and they’d kept it in the family. T-shirts pinned to the ceiling in neat squares are brought in by customers. Jude’s father used to make the determination if the shirt was worthy of the ceiling but now, depending on Jude’s mood, he’ll let the patron pitch their story to the room and leave it to a vote.
It’d been a long-standing Blackstone Falls tradition and one the townsfolk loved dearly. I’d been lucky enough to witness a few in my time, and it was always the best kind of production.
“They running late?” I ask as I slide into a chair and nod toward the two empty ones.
Montana looks at Archer briefly. “Sort of.”
“How are things with Nessa?” Archer asks, pulling my focus back to him as he slides a beer my way.
“Great. She should be back in Nashville soon. She stopped over at the university and will be coaching over there once she retires.” I lower my voice. “That’s not official yet but she’s really excited.”
“I’m happy for you, man, and her,” Montana says, holding out his beer to me. I clink my glass against his and then Archer’s, each of us taking a sip.
“How long are you going to be gone?” Archer asks, his gaze sliding to Montana before returning to me. I’d outlined most of this in a group message with all of them but I’d humor them—for now.
“Most of the year. I mean, it’s only Nashville, but we’ll travel with Nessa as much as we can.” I shrug. “I’ve never traveled with a baby, but we’ll see what works for us and go from there.”
