Page 129 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

A huge fucking deal.

“I don’t want to jump the gun, but it sounded positive. This could be the one, son.”

Shit.

Shit.

“Okay.”

The University of Iowa was a good school with a good program. Sure, it was a little further than I anticipated going but this was all I’d ever wanted.

“Just keep a level head, okay?” he said, and I nodded. “They could still come back and say no. So you need to prepare yourself for that possibility.”

“I know, I know. But thank you for telling me.”

“Yeah, well, I know it hit hard getting a no from Pittsburgh so I didn’t want to keep this from you.”

“I appreciate it, Coach.”

He gave me a small nod. “Now, how’s that shoulder looking? Our guy said your range of movement is better.”

“It feels good. The pain is nearly gone. I’ll be ready for Friday.”

He studied me, stroking his jaw in that contemplative way of his. “I’ll be the judge of that. But if he says you’re good to go, then you’ll be on my starting lineup.”

“Thanks, Coach.”

“Okay, get out of here. I’ve got a ton of paperwork to catch up on.”

I left the office feeling like a motherfucking king.

The Iowa Hawkeyes were interested and I was starting to think that maybe, just maybe, my luck was about to change.

“Yo, Carrick,” Dylan called. “Did you hear the news? Bennet’s going to be a Hawkeye.”

“I did not say that. I said they were interested.” I rubbed my temples. I hadn’t meant to tell half the team; I’d meant to tell Cole. But Dylan and Deacon overhead and the next thing I knew, they’d told everyone.

“About time he got an offer.” Carrick smirked. “I was beginning to think he’d be a walk-on at some Division II team next year.”

A few of the guys whistled, but I laughed it off, not letting him or anyone else see how hard his words hit me.

“Yeah, well. These things take time. You can’t rush perfection.” I held out my hand and Dylan high-fived me while Cole and Ezra watched on, unimpressed at my bravado.

But what was I supposed to do? Tell them all the truth? Admit there was every chance I would end up a walk-on somewhere?

“Oh my God, Aaron.” Zara practically ran over to me. “I just heard the good news. Iowa wants you.” She dropped in my lap and wrapped her arms around me.

“Whoa, Zar, that’s not… they’re interested. But there’s still a lot to figure out.”

“Well, yeah. I know. But of course they’ll want you. You’re a Raider.”

Cole arched his brow and Ezra chose that moment to excuse himself.

“I’m going to see Leigh.” He tipped his head over to where she sat with Sofia and Poppy.

“Actually, E, I think I’ll come with you.” Cole said. “This table is starting to get a little crowded.”

It was a low blow, but he was pissed about the whole Zara and this whole Homecoming thing.

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