Hazel’s mouth purses. “Can we play in my sandbox? I wanna make some castles.”
“Absolutely. That’s a great idea.”
I place a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon on the table. “I hope you two didn’t forget about the Nut Festival this evening.”
Hazel’s eyes widen. “Can I have a candied apple?”
“Sure. If I can have a bite.”
“I’ll share it with you, Daddy.”
“Thanks, gingersnap.” I kiss the top of her head. “Okay, ladies. Gotta run. Wish me luck today.” Michigan is ranked number two in the country. I have my work cut out for me.
Something strange passes over Abby’s face, but it’s gone in a flash. She clears her throat and gives me a small smile. “You don’t need luck, Nick. I’m sure you’ll kill it today.”
I almost bend down to kiss her before I catch myself. Instead, I squeeze her shoulder. “Thanks, buttercup. Hope y’all have a great afternoon. I’ll see you after the game.”
* * *
It’s been a high-scoring game, but I can’t point to any big mistakes by either team. It’s the third quarter, and we’re down by three points, but I wanna get the win in the books. I wipe the sweat from my eyes and jog to the huddle. “Sell those routes. We can do this.”
I call the play, and we stalk back to the line of scrimmage.
After the ball snaps, I fake a lateral pass while I scope out my guys in a matter of seconds.
Jinxy is on the ground.
Dax is tangled up in defenders.
My tight end Finn can’t shake loose.
Which leaves Mav, who pivots away from the free safety and makes his getaway. There’s a defender in my face, but I get the ball off just in time.
The pass has just the right amount of arc and lands in Mav’s outstretched hands around the twenty.
“Yes! Come on!”
Two defenders are on his ass, but Mav charges up the seam and into the end zone.
We take the lead and never look back.
I’m wiped out by the time we get to the post-game press conference, but over the fucking moon about the win.
Coach starts taking questions once Mav, Dax, Jinxy, and I sit at the conference table.
“Coach Santos, your team never got rattled today,” one reporter says as he reviews his notes. “It was close until that touchdown by Maverick Walker in the third. After that, your guys seemed turbo-charged. Can you describe what happened?”
He nods. “We’re really coming together as a team. My defense kept Michigan at bay, and my offensive line is hungry. Maverick Walker has great instincts out there, and that catch motivated everyone. After that play, the whole team was hyper-focused on finishing strong. Nick Silva spearheaded that effort. He’s done a great job all season, but I think you just saw him level up, which is what you want when you get closer to the playoffs.”
After a question for Mav, the reporter turns to me. “Nick, you looked really poised out there today under pressure, as opposed to the Northwestern game where you were sacked twice and struggled to connect with your receivers. What would you say has brought on this change?”
Jinxy coughs. “His nanny.”
It’s under his breath, but I hear it. I shoot him a look, and he smiles like an idiot. Thank God the reporters didn’t hear what he said.
Leaning forward, I speak into the microphone at the table. “I’m not sure if you guys have noticed, but we have a pretty spectacular coach.” Everyone chuckles, even Coach. “Mostly, I just try to listen to him and trust my guys. I have one of the best offensive lines in the country, and I’m honored to play with them. I’m just trying to be the best quarterback I can be and take one game at a time.”
Another reporter raises his hand. “Nick, just a follow-up, but you’re also a single father. How much does that role affect your performance on the field?”
