Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
“Oh.” My shoulders sag a little with relief.
Since my dad died, my mom carries all of our financial burdens along with everything else around the house. I do everything I can to step up, but I know there are some things that she won’t let me help her carry. It’s part of the reason I work so hard playing football. The only way I’m getting to college is on a scholarship, and this is my season to prove myself.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” She comes closer and reaches up to pat my face. “It’s a big deal, and you should be proud.”
“I think having it taken from Jack and handed to me makes it feel like sloppy seconds.” I’m not usually one to say what I’m feeling out loud, but it’s the truth.
“Yeah, you’re probably right,” she says, surprising me. “It should probably go to the person who works the hardest, right?”
“Well, I mean—”
“Who encourages all the players and is a leader on the field.”
“Mom—” I say, but she keeps going.
“To the player that puts in the hours both on and off the field and that holds themselves to a higher standard.” She shrugs as she gives me a smug look. “It’s too bad I don’t know a single person on that team who embodies all of those things and so much more.”
“Mom…” I try again, but she ignores me.
“If only I had given birth to such an incredible player. Oh well.” She sighs dramatically, and I can’t help but smile.
“I’m not sure Coach has guilt on the approved nutrition list.” I stare at her, and she shrugs.
“It builds muscle.” She grins as she touches the letter C patch on my jersey that marks me as captain. “Seriously, Tate, I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“So do I get to meet your friend tonight?”
“What friend?” I ask because at first I don’t catch her meaning.
“The one you’ve been staying up all night talking to. I’m assuming it’s someone you like?” She phrases it like a question, but I don’t answer quickly enough for her. “I’ve never heard you so happy on the phone before, and when I catch you texting, you’re grinning like…” She stops abruptly before putting on the fake smile she uses for people in town. “I’m only saying it’s been a while since I’ve seen you smile like that.”
She means since Dad died.
“Yeah, I’ve met someone. I want you to meet her.” I realize as I say the words how true they are. “She’s important to me.”
“She is?” This time, her smile is genuine, and there’s a light in her eyes that’s been gone for a while now too. “And does she have a name?”
“Rosie.” Even saying her name out loud makes me blush. God, someone should just stamp virgin across my forehead.
“Will she be at the game tonight?”
“She’s wearing my number.”
Mom’s eyes widen in surprise, but she seems to be trying to contain her excitement. “Great. Then I’ll know exactly who to look for.”
“Maybe she can sit with you?”
My mom is practically bouncing in her seat when I say this. “Sure.” It comes out as a squeak, and I can’t help but be happy seeing her like this.
Since Rosie has come into my life, it feels like I’ve woken up after a long sleep. Maybe Mom is feeling the same way too. It didn’t feel possible until now, but maybe there are still good times ahead for us.
“All right, I’ve got to go or I’m going to be late.”
“See you tonight!” Mom calls after me on my way out the door.
The drive to school isn’t long, but the whole way, it feels like I’m floating. I’m looking forward to seeing Rosie and also the first game with me as captain. I’m so preoccupied by my thoughts that when I pull into the parking lot, I don’t realize Rosie is crying.
I hop out of the car, and the moment she turns to face me I know something is wrong. She tries to wipe away her tears, but her eyes are bloodshot, and there’s no hiding she’s upset.
“What’s happened? Are you hurt?” I ask as I gently pull her into my arms.
“It’s fine, just a shitty morning.” She sniffs, and I rest my cheek on the top of her head.
She’s so small compared to me that my body practically swallows hers. “Talk to me, Rosie. Tell me what’s going on.”
“My mom is an asshole.” She sniffs again, and then I can almost feel her trying to shake off the sadness. “Seriously, it's nothing new. Sorry, let’s forget about it.”
I cup her face so she’s forced to look up at me. “Don’t apologize.”
“Sorry,” she says again and then gives me a watery smile.
“You can tell me anything,” I say, and for a moment she looks at me like she might confess all her secrets. She takes a deep breath and parts her lips before her eyes drift to my mouth.