The Guy on the Left (The Underdogs 2)

“Yeah, long dark red hair, thick ass, perfect lips, and moody. Can’t say that turns me off. Can I get her number?”

I glare over at Kevin as I speed up my reps.

“You hit me with those bells, dickhead, and you’re getting what you give.”

This makes Lance chuckle. “Ease up, man.”

I look between them both, “If you two are so worried about my dick, feel free to give it a t—”

“Jenner! My office, now,” Coach barks from the door.

Lance and I share a look, and I shrug, tossing my bells on the mat. Kevin whistles Darth Vader’s theme song, and I flip him the bird before making my way to the coach’s office.

“Shut the door.” I do as I’m told but remain standing, a little on edge. He’s a live wire, and in all my years playing with him, I’ve never seen him so strung out during a season. We all want an explanation, but all we can do is stand by as he continues his tirade. Plenty of coaches have bad field-side reps, but ours was never one of them, until this season. His ‘fuck all’ mentality seems to be his new norm, and we’re stuck dealing with it.

“Have a seat,” he says, motioning to the chair opposite his desk. I take a seat as he sorts through a file before snapping it shut. Seeming satisfied, he glances up at me. “I’ve gotten a few calls.”

Instantly, my back straightens. “Yeah?”

“Do you have an agent?”

“No. I’ve looked into it and gotten a few calls, but I’ve been—”

His stare turns arctic. “What? You’ve been what? Is there something more pressing, Jenner?”

“No,” I cup my neck. “I could use some advice.”

“Here’s my advice. Get an agent. And do it soon. There are thousands of athletes who would kill for an invite to the Combine. Do you think you’re special?”

“Hope so.” I want to swallow my fucking tongue after the look the remark gets me.

“You need that invite, Jenner.”

“Understood, sir.”

“And if that happens, you need to be ready. Do yourself a favor, do the research, and return the calls.”

“Will do. Thanks.”

He tips back in his chair, peering at me. “Don’t you want to know who’s interested?”

“Honestly, I’ll take what I can get.”

“Have it your way. We’re done here.”

“Thanks.”

I almost make it to the door, but stop when he speaks up behind me. “Any distraction, whatever it is, let it go. Ball and ball only from here on out until your name’s called. Season’s almost over, but you’re about to enter the hardest four months of your life. No excuses.”

Erin’s Pork Chops and Yummy Rice

Chemist, Oklahoma

Makes 6 servings

1 hour and 30 minutes

1 Stick Margarine or Butter