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I text Coach, too. Charley said he and her dad played together, and once you’re a teammate, you’re always a teammate.
I try to be as discreet as possible. Charley is such a private person that I don’t go into detail, only telling everyone that Charley’s father is really sick and will need handicap access into their home in Warner when he gets out of the hospital.
By the end of the night, everyone has stepped up and there’s a tentative plan in place. So tentative I don’t know how we’ll pull it off, but I do know that all you need is a good play. The rest will work itself out.
Before I shut off the light, my phone vibrates.
Reid: Hey, Briar and I want to donate the entire cost of the ramp. Let us know how much it is. I won’t be able to be there because of my away game, but I want to do this, so don’t put up a fight or I’ll have to kick your ass next time I see you.
Reid: I’ll also circumvent you and go right to Coach.
My throat closes. It doesn’t surprise me that Reid would help me out. We’re like brothers. But the fact that he’d do this for Charley and her dad, that’s how you tell the measure of a man.
Me: Thanks, bro. This is going to mean so much. I’m not fighting you, but I will give you a big hug the next time I see you.
Reid: Ew. Forget I said anything.
I chuckle.
Me: That’s it. You’re getting a kiss, too.
Reid: If you put your nasty lips anywhere near me, I will pile drive you into the ground, and you’ll never be able to play football again.
Me: So just the hug, then. Cool.
Reid: Take care of my girl when she’s out there.
Me: You don’t even need to ask.
I plug my phone in and then turn off the light. If football has taught me anything, it’s that things are better done with teams.There are no solo acts. These guys are my brothers. We have each other’s backs.
No doubt, Brady would’ve offered to help, too. I blow out a breath, smiling. It’s hard to not get caught up in the “what could’ve been.” So, instead, I remind myself that he’ll be there with us tomorrow, during the game. And at Charley’s house when we’re working together. He’s there.
Always.
A Few Days Later…
“Alright, listen up.”
Lex and Briar stand shoulder to shoulder in front of me, and it’s all I can do not to wrap them in a hug. Shorty in her trendy overalls that a real construction worker would scoff at. Lex, the big guy, in old Warner sweats and a holey T-shirt. Both of their smiles the same as when they were kids.
“This is my cousin, Drake. He’s an actual contractor, so please listen to him.”
Drake gives everyone a small salute.
“In fact, I’m going to pass the talk along to him so he can tell everyone what to do, but I wanted to take the time to thank you guys. Some of you know Charley, some of you don’t, but this is really going to help her family out. She’s so deserving, and this will mean the world to her.”
I let Drake take over while I stand by Briar. She slings her arm around my shoulder and kisses my cheek. “You’ve got it bad.”
“I’m not denying it.”
“I can’t wait to meet her. You said this is going to be a complete surprise?”
“One hundred percent.” Nerves rattle me. Charley’s a private person, especially about the situation with her dad, and I did my best to keep her business private. All everyone knows is that her dad needs the wheelchair ramp to leave the hospital. “Thanks for coming in the day before Thanksgiving. I know you don’t get to see your parents much.”
She shrugs. “Don’t tell them, but I missed you guys the most, anyway.” She peers up at Lex, who smiles down at us. “Plus, you’re coming back to Spring Hill in the morning. Annual touch football in the park, right?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”