Page 46 of Make the Play
Emerson
Anyone can be a reader. Is it one of your players? I could get them a spreadsheet with relevant Tolkien facts including publication order. Maybe a reading log too.
Jason
you have a Tolkien spreadsheet?
Emerson
Well, no, but I can make one.
He’s so earnest Jason can hardly stand it, and he intends to tell him as much. Not enough people tell Emerson how smart and funny and handsome he is. If they won’t, then Jason will. It’s what Emerson deserves, and there’s no rule against complimenting friends. He compliments Theo and his brothers. This is no different.
Jason
you are adorable
It takes a few seconds longer than usual, but when it does, it’s so very Emerson.
Emerson
I think we should explore the possibility that you have questionable taste.
“What’s got you smiling like that, Coach?”
Jason looks up at Matty’s familiar voice to see him and Vicente, who prefers to go by his last name Sanchez, sharing matching shit-eating grins.
“None of your business,” Jason grumbles, pocketing his phone. “Don’t you two have somewhere to be? Mr. Caldwell’s class is on the other side of campus.”
“Caldwell,” Sanchez snarks. “Pinche pendejo.”
“Language,” Jason reminds him even though he echoes the sentiment. Caldwell’s been a pain in the ass lately, likely because of homecoming on the horizon. Jason has lost count of how many times he’s wanted to use equally colorful language, in both English and Spanish, to tell Caldwell off. Unfortunately, he can’t, and his position demands he not let his players do it either, even if it’s deserved.
“Sorry, Coach,” they echo.
“Go on and get out of here before I have to walk you to class so you’re not late. Don’t give Caldwell a reason to single you out. I know both of you will make me and this team proud.”
Matty’s usual smile falters before he shoves his hands in his pockets. “Yes, Coach.”
Jason waits until they’re across the field to pull his phone back out to read the second half of Emerson’s text.
Emerson
You might be the first person in the world to think Tolkien spreadsheets were cute.
Jason
I told you, you’re cute and for the record I have impeccable taste
case in point, pineapple on pizza
Emerson
Absolutely not. The only acceptable topping for pizza is cheese.
Jason
agree to disagree
