Page 178 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“For now, yeah.”

“Do you need me to talk to your father?”

“No, thanks.”

“Very well.” He nodded. “I saw Sofia yesterday. She only had good things to say about you.”

I smiled but gave nothing away. At least, I assumed I hadn’t until he said, “Should I be worried about the nervous energy you’re giving off right now?” He sat back in his chair, waiting.

“I need to quit the team, Coach. I can’t give one hundred percent to you and the guys when my mind is always on Sofia. I want to be there for her, as much as I can be. Splitting my time between the team and her… it isn’t an option for me.”

“I see.” He steepled his fingers. “And Aaron? Am I about to lose my quarterbackandmy center?”

“I can’t speak for Aaron, Coach. But if he’s a donor match…”

“Yeah, Ash filled me in on everything.” He ran a hand over his jaw. “You know back in high school at the beginning of senior year, I would have called you all the names under the sun for pulling a stunt like this so close to playoffs. The team was everything to me. Everything. Until my wife made me realize there is more to life than football. I love the game. I will always love the game, son. But there is never a choice between the girl you love and the game you play, because she will always come first.

“You do what you need to do, Cole. I’ll handle the team. It’s about time Faris stepped up and became the player I know he can be.”

“Thanks, Coach. I was worried I’d be letting you and the guys down.”

“We’ll bounce back,” he said. “And if we don’t, there’ll be other seasons. Sofia needs you. Mya and Ash need you. You have nothing to explain or apologize for. Anyone who thinks differently can take it up with me.”

“That means a lot, Coach.”

“Do you want to break it to the guys, or should I?”

“I’ve actually been signed out of school for the rest of the day. Sofia has the fertility procedure today and I want to surprise her.”

He smiled. “You’re a good kid, Cole. Never forget that.”

I stood. “I really am sorry about the playoffs, Coach.”

“Cole, it’s just a game. Now get out of here and go put a smile on that girl’s face.”

I said goodbye and headed straight to my car because I intended on doing just that.

* * *

I knockedon Sofia’s door and pushed it ajar. “Surprise.” I peeked inside and she smiled from her bed.

“I didn’t expect to see you until later.” She sounded a little groggy.

“I got out of school early. Principal Kiln signed me out.”

“I hope you didn’t use your sick girlfriend as an excuse.”

“I may have said something about needing to cheer you up. Here.” I thrust the stuffed bear I’d been hiding behind my back at her.

“Cole, he’s gorgeous.”

“I figured you need someone to keep you company when I can’t be here. He’s called Milo.”

“Well, hi there, Milo.” She kissed his nose. “He’s so soft and cuddly.”

“I’m glad you like him.”

“I love him.”

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