Fair Catch

by Kandi Steiner

“I have two sisters, Novo,” Coach said, his eyes right on her. “And a mom I’d go to war for. I know how hard it is to be a young woman, period. But to be the only young woman on a team of young men, to face the pressure and scrutiny that you have, and to have handled it with the poise you did?” He shook his head. “That took real guts. And real grit. And it’s been an honor to be your coach this season.” Riley’s smile wobbled, her cheeks turning even more red. “This game ball is yours,”

“And we, team, are a family. I want you to look around right now, at every guy and girl in this room, and remember that. Fight to protect that. Always.”

“Next year, we get cleaner. Next year, we get stronger. Next year, we get better. And next year…” He paused, letting those words hang in the air before he finished with, “We don’t just take a trophy home. We take the trophy home.”

“Well, I guess we’ve kissed and made up — literally, huh?” Riley flushed, looking at the ground as her damp hair fell in front of her face. I wondered if her skin would be permanently stained that lovely shade of pink after tonight. “Look, it’s none of my business who my players date as long as it doesn’t interfere with how they play. We don’t have any policies against dating teammates.” He paused. “Likely because none of us have ever considered that a possibility before this season.”

“And don’t break up,” he added, opening the door with a roll of his eyes. “Because I don’t want to have to fucking deal with it.”

No matter what came our way, I knew one thing for sure. We’d fight it. Together. And just like tonight… We’d win.