The People vs. Alex Cross (Alex Cross 25)
“Are you offering my sister a scholarship?” Ali asked.
Coach Johnson laughed. “You don’t fool around, do you?”
Ali grinned and shook his head.
“Maybe you should go into sports marketing, young man,” Johnson said. “Be your sister’s agent someday.”
Ali smiled and said, “You didn’t answer the question.”
The coach laughed again, looked at me. “He’s a little tiger.”
“Every day,” I said.
Coach Johnson turned to Jannie. “You know how I first heard of you?”
My daughter shook her head.
“When you were on ESPN.”
Imitating the ESPN announcer, Ali said, “That girl ran so fast she broke her foot!”
The coach nodded. “That’s the one. How’s the foot doing?”
“Really good,” Jannie said.
“No pain?”
“Not for a long time.”
“You’re a lucky, lucky young lady,” Johnson said. “That injury could have been a career ender. But it wasn’t, and so, Jannie Cross, I am here to offer you a scholarship, a full ride—tuition, room, and board—at the University of Oregon in exchange for a signed national letter of intent to run for the Ducks.”
I don’t think Jannie expected that. I know I didn’t. She hadn’t even competed in her junior year of spring outdoor track. I’d figured if she ran well from now on, she might start getting real offers in the fall of her senior year.
“I’m thrilled, but do I have to answer right now, Coach?” she said, smiling and biting her lip.
“Of course not,” he said. “It would make my life easier if you did, but my life isn’t what’s at stake. Yours is. So I’m going to give you some advice, because I think you’re a rare talent whether or not you come to Eugene to run for me. Jannie, you are going to get multiple scholarship offers. You should visit every school that you’re interested in and really explore the people and the places and the track programs before you make a decision. I know Eugene is far from Washington, DC, but would you be interested in paying us a visit?”
Jannie looked relieved that she didn’t have to decide on the spot, glanced at me, and nodded. “I’d like that, Coach.”
“Excellent,” Johnson said. “When could you bring her out?” he asked me.
I glanced at Bree, who said, “Winter vacation?”
“Perfect,” he said. “Oh, and those plane tickets will be on the Ducks.”
“Can I come?” Ali asked.
“Absolutely not,” Jannie said.
Coach Johnson stayed a few more minutes, answering our questions, and charming Nana Mama no end.
“I’ll be back for more of that pie,” he told her as he was leaving.
“You’re always welcome, Coach Johnson.”
When the door shut, we were all grinning like fools. Bree kissed Jannie, who said, “Did that really just happen?”
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