Page 158 of The Backup Plan

“I’ll be ready,” I say because what else does one say in this situation?

“You’ll get reps with the first squad today and tomorrow,” Coach continues. “Not ideal timing because it’ll only give you two days, but you’ve never needed ideal, have you?”

“There’s no such thing as ideal,” I say, voice steady. “Like I said. I’ll be ready.”

“Expected nothing less from a veteran such as yourself. That’s why we kept you on board,” he says, when we both know damn well it was to mentor Cole.

“And Cole?” I ask.

“Mild sprain. He’ll be fine. We’re just not risking it. Kid’s too important to the season.”

“I told him the same when he hurt it.”

“Great. I’ll see you out there on the field at nine.”

I leave his office and the minute I clear his office window and am in the hall, I pump my fist.

Starter.

Sunday.

This is what I’ve been fighting for.

I head toward one end of the hall and realize in my excitement, that I went the wrong way, so I head back, mind racing and pride surging.

I need to tell Brendan. I need to tell . . . Emery.

The thought settles, my victory every bit as much because of her as it is me.

Grant, Dr. Porter, Peter, and I met yesterday afternoon.

Because I know what it cost her.

I know the line she crossed. The silence she chose. The truth she bent so I could stand on the field on Sunday instead of watching from the sidelines.

I change quickly and head down the hall without thinking too much about where my feet are taking me.

Her office door is closed, so I knock once.

She looks up from her computer when I step inside, and for a split second, the world narrows.

To Emery.

The woman who loves me enough to compromise parts of her own self.

“Hey,” I say quietly. “I just talked to Coach.”

Her lips curve into a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

“I heard,” she says.

There it is.

That look.

Pride wrapped in fear. Resolve braced against hesitation.

“I’m starting,” I say anyway, like saying it out loud might make it feel real.