I just said, "Yes, Coach," and took my lap.
AFTER WE WERE DONE, I sat down with Jeff Delahey. Tami had been on the ball (again) and had called Kendal and asked Coach Hope to join us. It was smart to have them there. Kendal reminded me I should have her there for all my interviews.
I told Jeff about all the camps I went to and how the guys had rallied behind me and helped me prepare. I followed Tami’s advice and refrained from saying “I” too much. I made it clear it was a team effort. Jeff rolled his eyes at me, but there was a reason I did the whole ‘aw shucks’ routine: people loved it. They didn’t want their sports heroes to be chest-popping douchebags. They wanted someone they could trust to be a good role model for their kids.
Jeff did have one piece of new information he was going to be able to break: my offer from Oregon. I told him I had a great visit. I didn’t mention the mix-up because I didn’t want to burn any bridges.
TAMI AND I WENT TO get the cars serviced. She made a point of holding my hand while we waited and talked. I think she was feeling a little unsure about what I meant about ‘friends’ and wanted to remind me she loved me.
While we waited, I got a call from Pam.
“How’s your ear?” she asked.
“Fine. Is your dad still looking to cut my nuts off?”
“Nope, he’s sending mom and me on vacation. Said it was a surprise he’d been saving, but I know it’s to get me out of town.”
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“We get to visit Cora in Utah and then the three of us are going to Southern California. I don’t get back until school starts.”
“I’m going to miss you, but make the best of it. Devin’s ranch is beautiful, and you’ll find things to do. I’m sure it’ll be good to see your friends when you go to California.”
“I don’t know about the ‘friends’ part. My ex-best friend and my ex-boyfriend she’s still dating are not high on the list of people I want to visit,” she said.
“When are you leaving? Maybe we could get together,” I suggested.
“We’re headed to the airport now. I’ll see you when we get back. You could always come to visit me,” she half-seriously suggested.
“I don’t want to get your dad any madder than he already is. I’ll see you when you get back. I promise to call you. Maybe we can video chat.”
“That would be nice,” she said, and then we hung up.
Her dad couldn’t get us to agree to stay apart. I guess he’d found a way to make it happen.
I CAME HOME TO FIND someone running a vacuum in my apartment. I smiled when I saw her from behind. It was Peggy. I walked up behind her and grabbed her butt. She about went through the ceiling because she hadn’t heard me.
“David!” she said as she swatted my shoulder.
Duke came slinking out of his crate. He was afraid of the vacuum. I loved him up and then sent him back where he felt safe so Peggy could finish working. I went and took a shower. I noticed the bathroom sparkled, it was so clean. It hadn’t looked this good since I moved in. If this was a sample of her work, I was going to be very happy.
I came out of the bedroom to find Peggy cleaning the refrigerator. My pitcher of tea was on the counter, so I got myself a glass. I got my iPad out and found Bo had sent me a video breaking down my play at Elite 11. This video was focused on my release point. It was a lot like baseball, where you want to have a consistent point where you release the ball.
Bo would share this video and his analysis with Bud Mason, the coach I’d be working with later this week.
When I was done, Peggy was folding my laundry.
“You want me to put it away?” she asked.
“I think you know where everything goes.”
After a short time, she came out.
“All done, Mr. Dawson. Will there be anything else?” she teased me.
“Grab a drink, and let’s catch up.”
She got herself an iced tea and refilled mine. I noticed she was starting to show.
“As you can see, I decided to have the baby. Mitch has been a real prick. Thankfully, Angie has been helping me. She got me in contact with a lawyer. As soon as the baby’s born, we’re going to prove he is the father and has responsibilities.”
“How are your parents taking it?” I asked.
“Mom has been supportive and will help once the baby comes. Dad is coming around.”
Her dad could be a piece of work. I was glad her family was supporting her.
“What about school?” I asked.
“I’ll enroll at State for the spring semester. I’ve talked to their track and cross-country coaches, and they’re interested in me. I’ll be able to get a partial scholarship to begin with. If I do well, I’ll get a full ride.”
She gave me a little smile I recognized. I thought about what it meant for a moment, and then just leaned into her and kissed her. Peggy launched herself on me and pinned me to the back of the couch. Before I knew it, she had my shorts off and was naked from the waist down.
Our lovemaking was frantic. I finally made love to the girl I’d had a crush on since the seventh grade. It was even better than the fantasy I had built up in my mind. It didn’t take long for the both of us to have earthshattering orgasms.
When we were done, she just slumped on my chest and began to cry. I heard my apartment door open. Peggy jumped up and put her shorts on. I grabbed mine and had just gotten them up when Angie came up the stairs.
“How did your first, oh,” Angie said.
I think we both turned three shades of red. Angie saw that Peggy had been crying and gave me a look as she hugged her friend.
“Are you okay?” Angie asked.
“Yeah, I just suddenly was overcome with how badly I handled everything with David. I wish he had been my first. I also wish I’d never broken things off with him. Even though we weren’t in love, I did love him. He always made me feel special, and I knew he cared for me,” she said, and then turned to me. “I hope I didn’t overstep today. I got nostalgic and wanted to remember how it was, how it could have been.”
“Peggy, know that I’m here for you. If you need anything, let me know, even if it’s just a shoulder to rest your head on. I know you’re going through a lot. If it would help, I would like to take you to dinner, or something, sometimes,” I said.
“Wow, I never thought I’d get a second chance. There are times when I need ...” she stammered.
“A man,” Angie finished.
“Not just a man. I need a friend, too. Friends,” she clarified as she hugged Angie.
I was happy Peggy was back in my life. I had missed her.
Chapter 15 – More Woman Troubles
Tuesday July 14
Tracy called while I worked out and practiced during the morning. She left a message that she needed to talk to me. I called her back and invited her to meet me and the players who helped me get ready for the Elite 11 at Monical’s for lunch.
Alan had grabbed one of the big booths that sat six. Jim, Tim and I were joined by Alan, Tami and Tracy. While we settled into our seats, I talked to the manager and organized everyone’s food. They had a special called the Family Pleaser. You received a pitcher of soda, a big family-style salad and a large pizza. It would feed a family of four without a problem. Therefore, I figured I would order an extra-large pizza for every four guys. I told the manager if they needed more to eat to let me know and I’d take care of it.
“David, we need to get organized with your recruiting. Kendal says she doesn’t have the spare time she did last year. In addition, you were her intern project. Lily and I can’t do this on our own,” Tracy explained.
“Has it been that bad?” I asked.
“What do you think? You were just named the Elite 11 Co-MVP as a junior. The recruiting websites list you as the number 1 quarterback prospect in your class. Offers from Kentucky, Ohio State, Oregon and Alabama have been made. I’ve had probably fifty calls since Monday. You know I’m not very stable; I might snap and say things,” she said.