Chapter 22
On Saturday we drive to the restaurant to meet Coach. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson have been invited too but are driving separately. Calvin and I figure we’ll hang out on the beach for a little bit after the meal. I’m looking forward to getting back in the water after such a stressful week.
As we get out of our car, my phone rings. At first I think it’s my mom, since she always calls on Saturdays, but then I see the area code. The call is coming from California.
“Hello,” I answer the phone.
“Iggy,” I hear Coach Lewis’ voice. “How have things been?”
“Not bad, thanks . . .” I peel away from Calvin and head to the edge of the parking lot, out of his earshot.
“I enjoyed our visit,” Coach Lewis says.
“Me too,” I say. “It was great to be there again.”
“I’m impressed with your transcript, and I’ve watched your game tape over and over.”
I wait. I don’t know what he’s going to say next.
“We’d like you to come to Branford and I’d like you to be a part of our team. We’ve been looking for a strong running back.”
“Really?” I say. A wave of excitement surges through me, but then I see Calvin walking toward me.
“I would love to play for you,” I say.
“Wonderful. Does that mean you accept this verbal offer?” Coach Lewis asks.
“I accepted a verbal offer at UCC,” I say, still watching Calvin come closer.
“It isn’t in writing,” Coach Lewis says. “You make your final decision on signing day.”
“Who is it?” Calvin says to me. “Coach wants to head in. We have a reservation.”
“Give me a minute,” I say to Calvin, but Coach Lewis thinks I’m talking to him.
“I’ll give you some time,” Coach Lewis says, sounding disappointed.
“I’m sorry,” I say. “I was talking to my friend, Calvin. We’re supposed to be somewhere.”
“Then I’ll let you go. But do feel free to take a few days. Think about it. Just know we want you here.”
“Thank you,” I say and hang up.
“Who was that?” Calvin asks.
“My mom,” I say.
He gives me a weird look, but I don’t want to talk about it, not yet. I know what I want to do, but I also know that I don’t want to lose my best friend.