Page 41 of The Transfer
The schedule is set with a variety of performances between the different competitions, which is what we do each year. There is one thing I want to discuss with Coach, and I arrive early Monday morning to knock on his office door.
“Come in,” he says in a gruff tone that makes me laugh. When I walk in, his whole face softens at seeing it’s me and not a player or other staff member.
“Sorry, Rea. I didn’t realize you were coming by today. Everything good for the Give Back this week?” he asks with a questioning tone.
I quickly set his mind at ease. “Yes, everything is ready to go! We have a well-oiled machine at this point. But I wanted to talk to you about the charity donation.”
“I’m listening.” He sets his arms across his chest and leans back in his chair.
“I want to donate this year’s proceeds to pancreatic cancer research.”
Silence. Not the reaction I was expecting when I shared this. I quickly try to backpedal. “If it’s too much, we can do something else.”
“Reagan.” Coach looks at me with tears in his eyes and a smile on his face. “I have always been proud of you; you’re like family to me. But this, this means the world to me. I know it will mean a lot to my brother and his family as well.”
“I don’t want to tell them until we announce it before the scrimmage. I was thinking we have Joel come to center court, if you think that would be okay with him?”
One tear falls down the coach’s face. “I think that would be perfect. Thank you, Reagan.”
I’m trying my best to keep my own emotions in check, but when Jake walks over and hugs me, I let a few tears fall.
Pulling back, Jake gives me a sly smile. “Now tell me about how you got my nephew to focus on something other than basketball.” My cheeks flame, and he laughs as we go through the final outline for the night.
The next fewdays are busy with school, basketball, and Titans Give Back prep. This includes perfecting the dance I’ve been working on with the CTU dance team. The girls are amazing and have been patient with me as I’ve learned the choreography. It will be the first performance of the night because my nerves can’t take it to wait any longer than that.
“Girl, you got this. Seriously.” Lindsey is the best hype girl.
“Thanks, Linds. Y’all have been so patient with me. I want to do your routine justice. You are an insanely talented choreographer.” She gives me a hug, and it calms me.
In addition to the dance, we are each wearing the jersey of a player on the team. Leaning over to Lindsey, I decide to do a little investigating.
“By the way, I noticed you are wearing Williams’s jersey during the performance. After Halloween, I didn’t think you’d want to deal with him. Anything you want to tell me about that?” I give her a mischievous smile. Her face instantly blushes, and I know there is a story there.
“Well, as you know, Theo and I grew up together. He was best friends with my older brother before he passed away. Anyway, even when he's a giant idiot, I still want to support him,” she says with a wink, trying to take away from the bombshell she just dropped.
“Linds, I knew you had an older brother who passed away, but I didn’t know he was that close with Theo. We don’t have to talk about it if it’s too much.” She smiles and shakes her head at me. I relax a little, knowing she isn’t upset.
“No, girl, it isn’t a secret. My brother, Shane, died in a bad car accident his senior year of high school; Theo and I were both juniors. After that, Theo and I drifted apart. But eventually, we got our friendship back. He can be protective of me, especially with guys. I talked to him after Halloween and said in no uncertain terms that he was to stay away from my love life.” I give her an amused smile because it’s clear to me that Williams is not going to listen to her on that.
“Whatever you say, Linds. I think he has the hots for you.” She reddens, and I point at her accusingly. “He so does, and you like him too!” Shaking her head at me, she goes to say something but thinks better of it.
“Let’s go through the routine one more time.”Nice subject change.
I give in. “Okay, but this conversation isn’t over!” Lindsey just laughs, and we go through the steps again.
THIRTY
RIGGS
Titans Give Back is about to start, and the energy is palpable. I’ve never participated in anything like this before, and it’s nuts. The stands fill quickly, as if we're playing our biggest rival. A few boosters and alumni are introducing themselves to me, and it’s insane to be recognized. My parents even made it and are sitting in a section taped off for family and friends.
I have a pit in my stomach because I haven’t seen Reagan yet. She hasn’t reached out to me since Halloween night, almost two weeks ago, and her absence is killing me. I know I told her she should take some time, but I lied. I don’t want space from her. But my comments may have driven her straight intohisarms. I’m too much of a coward to find out. Instead, I’ve kept my head down and my body in the gym.
The team is sitting together on the front row at half-court. It’s easier this way for us to get up and participate in the competitions or whatever else we signed up for tonight. My teammates are buzzing with excitement, and so am I.
Cheering breaks me out of my thoughts as I look at the court to see Everett Mills walking out, and the entire crowd jumps to their feet. The man is beloved here. He was an All-American, Conference Championall four years, and also won a National Title. Despite his age, he looks like he could still get out on the court and ball. He is all humble smiles and waves as he takes a microphone at half-court.
“Thank y’all so much! It feels good to be home at CTU! Let’s go, Titans!” Another roar from the fans, and man, I am so hyped. When everyone calms down, Mr. Mills continues, “We are ready to get things started. Please give a hand for your CTU Titans dance team!”
