Page 16 of The Billionaire's Second Chance
Whatever the future held, I knew I had to confront my feelings and find a way to move forward—if not for Kevin, then for myself.
Chapter Six
Kevin
Twelve years back
(Sophomore year, UCLA)
"Yo! boys… push harder!” Coach Wallace roared from the sidelines, clapping his hands in quick succession. He took the whistle from his mouth for a few seconds. “Don’t be wimps,” he added, before shoving it back in.
Practice days were always intense, filled with high energy, enthusiasm, and the usual jitters from both our team and the coaches. Like Coach Wallace often said, "Either we go hard, or we go home." It was a mantra that stuck in our subconscious, providing the needed motivation.
Today's drill was more tactical and energy-intensive than usual, but it was necessary. We had just qualified for the finals in the inter-college football tournament, and if we wanted to bring the trophy home, we had to give it our all.
We trained for an extra fifteen minutes before Coach Wallace finally blew the whistle three times, signaling the end of thesession. Our training was as intense as an actual match; we dedicated as much seriousness and commitment to one as we did the other.
Thank God. Saved by the whistle. I was running out of energy.
“Gather round, boys.” He bellowed, waving us in. We all sprawled out on the pitch around him, visibly exhausted and breathing heavily, as his assistant passed around plastic water bottles.
“Thanks, Coach.” I twisted the cap off mine, emptying half of its content in one long gulp.
“First, I want to commend you boys for the effort and dedication you’ve shown since the start of the tournament. But, as you know, it only gets tougher. This weekend could change the life and career trajectory for some of you.” He let the words hang in the air for a few seconds before continuing.
We exchanged curious looks and whispered among ourselves.
“Scouts will be here to find exceptional talents. I don’t need to tell you what that implies.” He scanned our faces, gauging the effect of his announcement. “So, don’t rest on your laurels… put that testosterone to work, bring your A-game, and play like it all depends on you. Am I clear?”
“Yes, Coach!” We chorused, suddenly feeling all hyped and ready to take down our opponents.
“Louder.” He ordered, tucking the tablet securely under his arm.
“Yes, Coach!” We were sure to be louder this time.
“That’s the spirit.” He smiled, revealing his chipped incisor, with one arm akimbo. “We will reconvene tomorrow evening at 4 PM. No lateness, and now is not the time to skip practice either. Have a good evening, gentlemen.”
“You too, Coach.” We replied, happy for the little time off.
One thing that occupied my mind during the coach's pep talk was my date with Licia. I was to meet her at our favorite spot bythe beach at 5 PM. It had been a while since I last saw her. By a while, I meant two days.
I hurriedly jogged to the dressing room to grab my gym bag before heading out. I didn’t want to keep her waiting.
“Brown, what’s the hurry?” Spencer enquired, opening his locker beside mine. He was the best striker on the team and enjoyed meddling in everyone's business as a hobby.
“I need to be somewhere in less than twenty minutes, and I’m running behind schedule.” I replied, pulling off my sweat-soaked jersey and stuffing it in my bag.
“Aren’t you coming to Miller’s party tonight?” He looked surprised. Every team member looked forward to the birthday bash. Miller had been planning it for weeks, and many popular students were sure to be there.
Guess we all have different priorities.
“Nah, I already made plans with someone special, and I can’t cancel.” I replied in an antsy tone.
He smiled with a mischievous glint in his eyes, “I see… and does this someone by chance have a name?” He pressed further, now leaning against his locker.
“None that you should concern yourself with.” I said with a boyish grin. Talking about Licia always made me smile with reckless abandon.
“Come on, man. I just wanna know. No harm intended. I promise.” He ran a finger across his chest, making an X sign.
