“Hey, Coach,” the boy who’d been working with Hobbs called out. “Don’t look so terrified. It’s not as if we could do any worse.”
The comment was greeted by nervous laughter that broke the tension.
“Well, it’s my belief that we’re going to do better next year and even better the year after that,” Aidan told them. “To do that, though, you’re going to have to train hard, listen to what I tell you and play your hearts out.”
“We can do that,” the same young man said. “Can’t we?”
A surprisingly emphatic roar greeted his claim. Aidan grinned. “What’s your name?”
“Henry, sir.”
“Have we met?”
“At Sunday dinner a couple of weeks ago at Grandpa Mick’s,” he said. “He’s not my real grandpa, though. I’m not actually an O’Brien, but Kevin and Shanna adopted me after my real dad died.”
“What position do you play, Henry?”
“When the family plays on Thanksgiving, I’m a quarterback,” he replied, then grinned impishly. “Around here, though, I mostly sit on the bench.”
It probably made sense given his slight build, but Aidan sensed something in him that none of the other boys had yet demonstrated, a willingness to step up and a real ability to lead.
“Well, Henry, here’s the deal. I can’t say for sure what these practice sessions will reveal to me about each of you or how this fall’s team will shape up, but for the next few weeks until school’s out, you’re the team captain. How’s that?”
The boy’s face lit up. “Seriously?”
To Aidan’s relief, no one voiced an objection. In fact, there were a surprising number of high fives from the surrounding boys, proving that his instincts, at least for the moment, were right on target.
“Okay, then, here’s the plan. Starting tomorrow I want you here fifteen minutes after the final bell, ready to work your butts off. Nobody’s position on the team is guaranteed. You’ll each be earning the right to play next year. If you’re not strong now, you will be by the end of summer. Understood? I want you eating right, working out, acing your finals and on this field every single day doing your absolute best. I’m going to set up individual meetings with each of you so I can learn more about you. I’ll want your suggestions for making the team stronger. All of this may take more time than you’re used to putting in, but it’s mandatory.”
He’d expected a few grumbles, but heard none.
“Coach?” a boy asked hesitantly. “Are you going to cut any of us? My dad will kill me if I don’t stay on the team.”
“Then we’ll do our best to make sure you’re good enough to stay on here,” Aidan promised him. “But you have to do your part.”
A grin spread across the boy’s face. “I can do that.”
“That’s it for today, then,” Aidan said. “I’m really looking forward to getting to know each one of you.”
Henry was on his feet first. “Go, Lions!” he shouted.
Soon feet were pounding on the bleachers and the refrain echoed across the field. Aidan smiled. If that enthusiasm carried over to their play, he had a hunch he could turn these young men into a team with a fighting chance.
4
Liz had just popped into the bookstore to pick up this month’s book club selection when Shanna’s adopted son, Henry, came bursting through the door, his face alight with excitement.
“Guess what!” he called out, tossing his backpack onto a chair and shoving his glasses up the bridge of his nose.
“Must be something good,” Shanna said, grinning at him.
“Hi, Ms. March,” Henry said politely, then turned back to his mom. “Coach made me captain of the team. It’s mostly honorary since we’re not playing right now and it could only be for a few weeks till school’s out, but I’m captain! Can you believe it?”
“Oh, sweetie, that’s wonderful!” Shanna told him. “How’d that happen?”
“I’m not sure exactly,” Henry admitted. “We had a workout and then there was a team meeting with Coach Mitchell. Coach Gentry introduced him, then took off. It was kinda weird. Nobody was saying anything, so I spoke up. I made a joke, and then I got the other guys to show a little team enthusiasm, too. Maybe that impressed him. It didn’t seem like all that much at the time. I just felt bad for him. He seemed kinda nervous.”
Liz held back a smile at Henry’s bemused expression. She couldn’t be sure, though, if it was over being named team captain or recognizing nervousness in an adult, especially a football hero.
“I’m sure he appreciated what you did to break the ice,” Shanna said, then added loyally, “And you deserve to be captain. You have loads of leadership abilities.”
“But I’m a lousy player,” Henry said candidly. “I’m fast, but my throws aren’t accurate, probably because those stupid contacts still make my eyes water, so I can’t see downfield. Or maybe I should start lifting weights seriously so my arm’s stronger. What do you think?”
“Beyond my pay grade,” Shanna said. “But I’m sure Coach Mitchell will make the most of your talents and suggest what you can do to improve on them. That’s why he’s here.” She gave him a stern look. “Just remember one thing—”
“No steroids,” Henry recited dutifully before she could finish.
Shanna laughed. “Okay, I’ve said it a few times before.”
“About a million,” Henry confirmed. “I get it. Really. I’m not going to put my body at risk just to play a sport.”
Shanna regarded him with a triumphant expression. “And that is why I love you so much. You actually listen to me.”
Henry gave her an innocent look. “Aren’t kids supposed to listen to their moms?”
Shanna gave him a hug. “Yes, my darling son, but not all of them do, especially once they hit their teens. As for playing sports, there are plenty of healthy ways to get stronger. Ask Coach Mitchell.”
“I will,” Henry agreed, his expression turning serious. “I thought I was probably wasting my time playing football, but maybe not. I guess it’s
