Page 27

CHAPTER 27

SIN CITY HERE WE COME

JACKSON

“W e’ve got to watch for that quick set,” Austin pants before guzzling down half of his water.

I squirt some water on my face as I gasp for breath. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen such perfectly timed hits.” We’re in our third set and the score is eighteen to seventeen with us in the lead. We only need one more point to win the set, but I’m genuinely concerned I might keel over by then. Tallahassee is on their game today.

Scratch that, they’ve always been this good. There’s a reason they’re our closest rivals. It just seems that my little hiatus last year erased that fact from my memory.

I’ve got to admit though, Austin is doing a top notch job of showing us what he’s made of.

Like me, Austin Ward is utilizing his fifth year eligibility this year. But unlike me, the circumstances resulting in his hiatus last year are entirely more wholesome.

Austin met his wife, Emma, while attending college in Provo, Utah. They met the end of their sophomore year of college and got married just six months later. The summer between junior and senior year they had their first child, Elizabeth. Being the upstanding man, husband, and father, it’s clear he is, Austin decided to not play volleyball his senior year in order to dedicate more time to his new family. As they neared the end of their senior year, Emma presented him the opportunity to move back here, to Pensacola, where she is originally from and her family lives. Lo and behold, Austin deferred his graduation, transferred to Palm University, and is now one of the star players for the Panthers’ men’s sand volleyball team.

I got lucky.

Really fucking lucky.

He’s an amazing partner and an even better man.

Hell, Clay met him once too, and he even likes him. However, Clay likes everybody.

Rocky will be the real test.

The refs blow the whistle warning us to get in our positions. Austin scrubs a hand over his face before looking over at me, sweat beading down both our faces. “Ready?”

“Block big,” I say before bumping my fist with his.

Picking the ball up from the sand, I walk back to our serve line. Austin takes his position at the net, and on the other side the Tallahassee players take their spots as well. Both of them looking just as exhausted as we are.

It may be mild weather in Pensacola this time of year, but the humid Florida air never really dissipates. But it’s nothing compared to the stifling feeling of losing.

The ref blows his whistle and gestures his hand across the net.

Time to serve.

I do what I always do. Close my eyes, take a deep breath, and spin the ball two times in my hand. I toss it in the air, approach, and send it soaring over the net.

Without hesitation, I move across the back row as I watch Tallahassee receive. When their captain makes a quick set, again , to his teammate, Austin follows it. And with perfect precision and timing, he stuff-blocks the ball so it lands just over the net, behind their captain and into the sand.

Nineteen to seventeen.

We win!

Austin and I celebrate before moving under the net to shake our opponents’ hand. Back at the bench, Coach Taylor is waiting for us, along with our athletic trainer. Thankfully, Theo is assigned to a different team today, so I don’t have to worry about being near him to take the wind out of my proverbial sail.

? * I’ve barely said one word to him since Halloween. But that’s fine because he won’t even hardly look at me, let alone speak to me.

I will admit, I was probably a bit harsh. The entire reaction was very unlike me. But I couldn’t take it anymore. Everything felt like it came to a boiling point. Probably something to do with the fact that I spent months trying to be “friendly.”

We see how well that worked out.

“Good job, guys,” Coach Taylor says as he pats each of our shoulders. Austin and I grab our towels and sling them around our necks before grabbing our water bottles. “Alright, we have practice tomorrow and Tuesday, and Thursday afternoon we’re heading to Vegas for the tournament. You guys have your classes and homework squared away for the long weekend?”

That’s one thing I love about Coach Taylor. Even though he’s just as committed, if not more so, to the sport as we are, he recognizes that, long term, sports aren’t for everyone. Clay and Rocky are the exception. Not the rule. And even the two of them, as Olympic-bound as they are, ensured they got their degrees. Coach Taylor ensures that each one of his players is set in life one way or another. And that includes doing well in school, academic code of conduct or not.

“All set,” Austin and I say in unison.

“Your wife and daughter still coming this weekend?” Coach Taylor asks Austin.

“If that’s still okay?” They bought their own plane tickets there so it really isn’t an issue, but I’ve heard Austin ask at least three times if Coach Taylor minds that they’re coming along.

“Not a problem, Ward. Make sure you call the hotel, and let them know to put a pack-and-play in the room.”

“And you’re sure it’s okay they stay in the hotel with?—”

Coach Taylor grabs Austin by the shoulder and smiles. “Son, your family is always welcome. And your little girl is the best cheerleader we’ve had in ages.” Taylor winks and Austin beams with pride. “Family is most important, and I will never stop you from including them. Now stop sweating that stuff and keep sweating on the court. Okay?”

“Yes, sir.” Coach Taylor nods at both of us before heading out for the day.

“Ready for Sin City?” I ask as the two of us walk back to the sports complex to shower off.

“My days of sinning are long over, Baker,” he replies with a chuckle. “But I’m counting on you to party enough for the both of us.”

“I probably could make that happen.” As a matter of fact. Maybe that’s exactly what I need.

* ? If U Seek Amy - Britney Spears