Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 119680 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 598(@200wpm)___ 479(@250wpm)___ 399(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119680 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 598(@200wpm)___ 479(@250wpm)___ 399(@300wpm)
“I was overwhelmed at first too. It was hard to wrap my head around all the options when usually mine were limited to peanut butter and jam or mac and cheese.” Fern gives me a small, understanding smile and hands me a plate. “You can go up as many times as you want.”
The first round, I fill my plate with salad and vegetables and chicken. I’m desperate for protein, and the only chicken we can usually afford is frozen or sometimes thighs when they’re on sale. My second course is pasta with three different sauces. I go back for more salad. And I finish with an ice cream sundae and a piece of chocolate cake.
Guilt makes my gut churn—that I get to eat all this amazing food while my mom eats crockpot chili makes me feel shitty. But then come the takeout containers. We’re all allowed one, but only about half the team picks up a container.
“What happens to the rest of the food?” I ask Fern.
“It goes to the foodbank for tomorrow.”
I remember getting a fully packaged family meal a few times when I arrived early enough at the foodbank. Everything about this program is designed to give back, to help the community, to give opportunity to people who otherwise wouldn’t have it. I fill my container to take home.
I’m so full, my stomach hurts, but I’ll take the mild discomfort because tonight I won’t be hungry.
The team files out of the cafeteria, and I go to the offices to meet with Coach Waters and Coach Ballistic. They explain the ins and outs of the program, that it works on a sliding scale, like BJ said, and that for a good number of players, it’s fully subsidized. Coach Waters is Canadian, and they’ve modeled the program so it aligns with the way they grew up, including their healthcare. I don’t know much about how Canada works, just that it’s cold in the winter and they love hockey and maple syrup. Evidently they have good insurance too.
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to make all the practices with my work schedule.”
“Most of our players have summer jobs at local shops. Management is always good about working around practices and games. And Tracey Lynn at Boones has always been more than accommodating,” Coach Waters says.
I bite the inside of my cheek and decide to be honest. “I need to maintain my hours at Boones so I can afford to pay for college classes.” I’ll also have to figure out how to keep up with my online class this summer and all the assignments.
Alex nods, like he understands. “Where are you heading in the fall?”
“I take online courses, part-time so I can work.”
“Can I ask what kind of grades you get?”
“Mostly Bs. I work hard to keep my average up.” I fight not to bite my nails.
“A lot of our players are on scholarship. They play for the school team during the year and for us in the summer.”
I tap on the arm of the chair, debating if I want to continue this truthful path. BJ’s comment about divine intervention pops into my head. If we hadn’t met the way we did, and if he hadn’t been such a flirt, these new opportunities wouldn’t exist. “I was offered a full-tuition scholarship at Monarch College, but I don’t have a car, and I can’t afford housing or books.”
Coach Waters perks up. “Have you turned it down?”
“I have a few weeks before the offer expires.” Though I’ve already given up on being able to go.
“Okay. That’s good to know.” He props his elbows on his desk and leans in. “Now I have two questions; the first will inform the second. Are you interested in a spot on this team?”
I nod and croak out a quiet yes.
“I was hoping you’d say that.” He passes me a folder of information. “Second question, what jersey number would you like?”
I fill out a bunch of paperwork, including a contract with team rules and regulations, medical forms, and another with sizes for equipment and a jersey. Practice times rotate, but they’re mostly in the afternoon. I’m given two copies of the schedule for the rest of the month, plus all the games. Those are on the weekends. I can give one copy to Tracey Lynn and keep the other for myself. There’s also an online schedule for reference.
“We’re excited to have you on the team,” Coach Waters says.
“Me too. Thank you so much for the opportunity.” I shake both his and Coach Ballistic’s hand and leave the office, beyond elated.
The sun hangs low in the sky, pink threading through the clouds when I step outside. Parked to the right of the entrance is BJ’s Jeep. BJ is sprawled out on the bench across from it, one arm tucked behind his head, the other resting on his chest, legs crossed over each other. He’s wearing sunglasses, so I can’t tell if he’s just lying there or sleeping. I unlock my bike from the rack before I poke his shoulder, and he startles.