Chapter 33

Jeff

That was the worst day of my life.

I just didn’t know it yet.

At the time, I thought it was the best day of my life.

Scooter and I arrived on campus and then asked a student how to find the athletics building. As we walked across the campus I couldn’t help but feeling like I already belonged. I wondered which dorm I would live in and could almost picture myself studying in the library. With each step I grew more comfortable on the campus.

When we got to the athletics building we approached the front desk.

“I’m Jeff Stoddard,” I said. “I think they’re expecting me. I mean, us,” I said, catching myself. “This is Scooter—Scott Williams. He was invited too.”

The guy at the front desk picked up a phone, punched in a number, and repeated our names.

“Take a seat,” he said. “They’ll be out to see you soon.”

Scooter and I sat down in a couple of rubbery chairs. He was doing that head-drooping thing he always does in social situations. “Chin up, dude,” I told him. “They asked you to come, remember? Show them you know you belong.”

A door opened and two guys walked out. They were maybe in their mid-thirties and introduced themselves as assistant coaches.

“How’d you like a tour of the facilities?” one of them asked.

“Sounds great,” I said. Both Scooter and I stood up.

“We’d like to just take you on the first leg of the tour, Jeff,” the other coach said. “Easier to talk that way. We’ll swing by and pick up Scooter in a few minutes.”

I saw Scooter’s head droop again.

“Hey,” I mouthed, punching his shoulder. “Chin up.”