Chase hadn’t seen the view with surgery and the possible end of his career looming on the horizon. “You can’t tap out on the last three miles.” He couldn’t tap out of the game or his career now either.
One mile in, Elliot broke the silence. “How’d the exit meeting go?”
“Routine.” Chase slipped on a rock and grabbed a tree limb with his good arm to steady himself. At least he’d managed a firm, steady handshake at the end of his routine exit meeting with Keith Romero, the Pioneers’ general manager. “Keith wished me an uneventful off-season.”
Elliot chuckled. “Got a plan for that?”
“Still working on it.” Just as he was working on getting up the mountain without face-planting. And working on avoiding surgery.
Dried branches snapped underneath Elliot’s heavy steps. His voice came out in a long exhale. “Any word on your contract negotiations?”
“Nothing, but Travis gave me a lecture on my repairing my reputation.” His agent, Travis Shaw, had always been more like a father to Chase, despite being only six years older than him. Travis had always been protective and supportive, yet maintained high expectations.
Travis had continued his fatherly role a few days ago on their weekly conference call. He’d lectured Chase for more than an hour about being responsible and showing he had respect for the game, himself and the team. As if Chase didn’t leave everything he had on the field every Sunday for the love of his team and the game. It’s your disregard for your health and safety off the field that the Pioneers’ coaching staff and entire management question. It’s the disregard that’s interfering with your contract extension. You do want a new contract, don’t you?
More than anything. Fear clipped him. Panic rushed him and Chase slipped again. A life without football scared him. This time his right hand flailed, his fingers refused to curl around a low-lying tree branch.
Elliot braced his hand against Chase’s back, catching Chase before he fell. Chase clenched every muscle in his back, firmed his legs and reminded his entire body that only his right shoulder was impaired. Elliot never commented, never teased his friend, only had Chase’s back the same as he’d done for Chase over the years both on the field and off.
Finally, Chase rallied his body and sidelined his pain, reducing it from all-consuming to a localized dull ache. He pushed away from Elliot and forced himself to finish the rest of the hike on his own two feet.
Together Chase and Elliot stepped out onto the peak and used their shirts to wipe the sweat from their faces. The others had already arrived and posed for photos near the edge.
Elliot jammed his elbow into Chase’s side. “Did anyone tell you that Beau is sharing your quarterback coach this off-season?”
Chase dropped his shirt into place and scowled. “They left that piece of news out.”
“Figured.” Elliot squeezed his water bottle. “Thought you should know.”
Russ Stanley, the renowned quarterback coach, and Chase had a rhythm. A routine. A relationship they’d built over several seasons together that included how to win and what to improve. A relationship they always continued into the off-season.
Now Chase would share his off-season prep time with his backup quarterback. Russ could recommend Beau over Chase to the Pioneers’ coaching staff and management. The Pioneers could sign Beau as their franchise quarterback and release Chase to the free agency. Then his career would be over. What other team would take a risk on an injured quarterback, past his prime and put him in an unfamiliar offense? No one.
His stomach clenched. That fear, not from pregame jitters, snagged inside him. Chase needed his new contract signed with the Pioneers and soon. “Beau is a good guy.”
“Speaking of reputational repair.” Elliot nodded toward the group of players. “Beau has the reputation you want.”
Chase looked at his friend.
“He’s got the pretty wife who is a social influencer with her organic lifestyle products that benefit the environment.” Elliot sprayed water from his water bottle over his head. “And they have the adorable little kid and another one on the way.”
“He’s the perfect family man.”
“Hasn’t been banned from country clubs, national parks or museums.” Disapproval weighted Elliot’s tone into a blunt rasp.
Chase could not claim the same. He grabbed Elliot’s water bottle and sprayed his own face as if rinsing off the sweat and mud would transform him into a different man. The only time the Pioneers’ coaching staff and management want to read your name in the headlines this off-season is if it’s attached to your nonprofit work and things like the Pioneers’ upcoming kids’ sports camp. Got it, Chase? Avoid adrenaline rushes, challenges and dares if you want your contract renewed.
Chase rubbed the back of his neck. Surely today’s ride didn’t count. It was a workout with his teammates, nothing more. So far, no bets had been placed. Chase had to keep it that way.
“Don’t worry.” Elliot slapped Chase on the back near his good shoulder. “Beau doesn’t have your talent.”
But Beau Bradford had the reputation the Pioneers wanted. Now Beau had Chase’s quarterback coach too and a direct connection to the head coach the entire off-season. How was Chase going to polish his reputation, heal his shoulder and ensure his starting position as quarterback? He had to develop an exceptional game plan and quick.
“Group photo op,” someone yelled.
Chase and Elliot joined the others.
“Hashtag team bonding.” Beau positioned his camera for a group selfie.
Pictures taken, Chase posted the photograph to his social media pages. Proof for the Pioneers that he was a team player and playing it safe. A private message in his in-box from a familiar name caught his notice.
“Anyone up for trivia night at The Shouting Fiddle once we get off this mountain?” Preston Park, a rookie wide receiver and standout player last year, issued the challenge.
Chase lifted his gaze from his phone. He’d never turned down a game of trivia before. He liked the strategy and
