Senior Year Box Set

What made me smile was that they’d had last week’s quarterback running for his life. When they got him out of his comfort zone, he’d made mistakes that turned what should have been a good game into a rout. In my case, it might be an excellent opportunity for Captain Chaos.

◊◊◊

I’d gone home and swapped the Demon for my Jeep. There was no way I would leave the Demon in the student parking lot when opposing fans were around. I could imagine it being keyed and having to get it repainted. That wasn’t happening to my baby.

Hmmm … another circles of trust issue. This was the drill for neutral territory that could quickly turn hostile. I smiled at the thought that I actually was applying strategies I’d been learning. There might be hope for me yet.

I strolled into the new hospitality building situated under the end-zone bleachers. It was three times bigger than the tent they’d used last year. The place was packed with reporters and recruiters. Jeff’s cameraman ambushed me and had me put on a mic. He then put his camera in my face, which alerted everyone that I was there.

I was swarmed with reporters and was about to just leave when Jeff let out a piercing whistle.

“Back off! Let the boy eat. Once he’s done, he’ll take time to answer your questions,” he barked.

Mrs. Sullivan pushed through the crowd and grabbed my arm.

“We have a table for you,” she said as she guided me to it.

I found an irritated Chuck.

“Next time, you might want me to be with you,” he suggested.

“Point taken. I just needed to clear my head,” I explained.

Jeff sat down with me, and I smiled when Brook and Zoe found us. Brook gave me a kiss about the time Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan brought me my food. It was a nice steak with steamed broccoli and a salad. I pointed to my mic to let everyone know that we had to behave ourselves.

Brook and I smiled when Phil showed up with Jill. I sure hoped that she was with him because of him and not the access he gave her.

“I wanted to thank you for talking to Don and Cassidy about double-dating with us,” Phil said.

This weekend would be their first double date. I thought Brook was a genius for finding this solution to our privacy problems and then making it work.

We chatted while I ate. When I was done, Jeff signaled, and the press came over to our table. Brook nudged me so that I’d notice that Jill had pulled Phil behind me so they’d be in any photos taken. I didn’t take it as anything wrong; she was just excited. If it helped my brother date the hottest freshman, then I was willing to do my part.

◊◊◊

During the week, Unity’s starting tailback had provided us with some material to get us fired up. Tony Mack hadn’t played in last year’s blowout that we won 41–0. Jeff showed me an article from their hometown paper.

Question:What do you think your chances are of beating Lincoln this week?

Tony:

We’re going to beat Lincoln at their home. We’re going to beat them at their house. Wherever we play, we’re going to beat them.

Question:You sound confident.

Tony:Get your popcorn ready ’cause I’m gonna put on a show. Lincoln is too white-bread; they don’t know how to work. Unity is blue-collar. When this game is over, they’ll never want to schedule us again.

Jeff asked for my reaction.

“They have a heck of a punter. I predict you’ll see him a lot this week,” I said with a smile.

◊◊◊

It was finally time for the game. Unity sent out all their team captains for the coin flip; Coach Hope only sent me. I smiled when Tony strutted out. I felt like we were getting ready for a prize fight with the looks he was throwing my way.

“Lighten up, Francis,” the referee said.

I chuckled because Tami’s mom used to say that to Jeff, Alan, and me when one of us had a meltdown or acted like a spaz. It was an old movie quote from a comedy called Stripes.

I decided to push him a bit and pointed to the cheerleaders. They were all eating popcorn, looking enthralled. Tony’s face flushed. I guess he was just learning that if you tell a reporter something, it might be found by your opposition. Then it was their turn to give me a hard time.

“Hi, I’m Bill, Unity’s punter. I hear you think I’m a heck of a player,” one guy said to introduce himself.

“This isn’t going to be a problem, is it?” the referee asked.

“Nope. Just boys having some fun,” I said.

“We’re good,” Tony agreed.

We won the coin flip and deferred to the second half. Derek Hofmann boomed a kick through the end zone, so Unity had to take the ball at their 20 yard line.