Page 47 of Campus Muscle

The huddle pulled in close, and Ethan’s voice cut through the noise. “We’ve got this. Stay locked.”

I nodded, even though something didn’t feel right. The play came, but it was the same one we had just gone through. It felt like we were a recording being played on repeat, but I wasn’t going to argue after what happened at halftime.

The exchange was smooth. I drove forward, hitting the gap with everything I had and met a wall. The line collapsed on me, with bodies closing in and pushing. They stopped me mere inches from my goal, and then it was over. The whistle blew, and the game ended.

I stayed on the field for a second longer than I should’ve. I was bent over slightly with my hands braced against my thighs and my eyes locked on the scoreboard. With each second, it sank in more. One point was all that stood between us and our well-earned victory.

The locker room felt muted, but not completely silent. The guys were drained and that one point had gotten to them too. I sat down on the bench and slowly began unlacing my cleats, but the peace didn’t last long.

The door opened, and Frank stepped inside. His gaze was locked on me and his expression wasn’t a happy one.

“Trace,” he said out of formality.

I took a deep breath and pushed to my feet, then Frank and I stepped into the hallway where we could talk in private.

“You’re getting attention,” he said without preamble.

I leaned against the wall, trying to act unaffected. “Yeah?”

“There’s a chance for you to join serious programs and to get your hands on some scholarship offers. You know, the kind of deals that can change lives.”

My focus sharpened, even though I tried not to give him too much attention. The stuff he mentioned could give me everything I wanted, and a part of me wanted to know more.

“That’s not all,” he added. “There are conversations happening at a much higher level. Supposedly, there’s an early interest in helping you go pro.”

I let out an unsteady breath. “Already?”

“People don’t like to wait.”

My shoulders suddenly felt heavier, and I knew it was because of the weight that came with his words.

I looked down briefly, then my expression snapped back up. “That’s… a lot to take in.”

“It’s a wonderful opportunity and you’re in the position to take it.”

“What do I have to do?”

Frank took a step closer and lowered his voice. “Stay the course and trust the structure we’re building. And for God’s sake, follow the direction you’re given.”

With the last words, his frustration leaked through, and once again, his motives became clear. He wanted the game the way it was, whether it cost us a win or not.

“What about my classes?”

He waved a hand, showing they were of little importance. “That’s been handled. You’ll have support where you need it.”

My stomach churned because his words just sat wrong. Support… Like the TA and the study guide? Then Dakota’s voice cut through my memory as if it were invited. If I find proof…

Frank clapped me lightly on the shoulder. “You’re on the right track, Trace. Just don’t overthink it.”

He stepped away, showing that the conversation had reached its end, but I stayed in place. The hallway stretched in front of me, and the noise from the locker room was nothing more than a distant buzz.

His words just kept repeating in my mind. Scholarships, pro teams and support. There were strings being pulled, and I didn’t know how I felt about that. I exhaled slowly, pressing the back of my head against the wall and for the first time, the game felt simple compared to everything else.

17

Dakota

Not a single one of them said anything outright, but the moment I stepped onto the field, I felt the mood shift. Conversations dipped when I walked past, and a few guys didn’t even try to hide their scathing glances. Lucas gave me a look that was half-impressed and half-are-you-serious, and Malik refused to acknowledge my presence at all.