“Those cops saved you, buddy. What do you think Coach Horton would do if he found out about this?”

“I don’t know,” I say. “Probably kick me off the team.”

Man, that would be so perfect.

“That’s right, sport,” Dad says. “He’d kick you off, and this family would be the laughingstock of Blaine. Jocks don’t get in trouble, pal. We get a little crazy, but we sure as hell don’t get caught.” He leans forward, rests his forearms on the table. “You’re the best football player in Blaine.”

I can still feel a slight buzz, which is probably why I say, “Look, I have to tell you, Dad, I heard something bad about Coach Horton tonight.” I’m about to go into the details, but then I feel Mom’s foot driving into my shin and decide to hold back.

“Well, it’s all lies, Zach,” he says, wagging a finger at me now. “That man’s done more good for this town than the rest of the population combined.”

“Whatever.”

He looks at Mom, then back at me. “Listen, Zach, do you understand what I’m telling you here? Everything I’ve said, has it registered?”

“Yes. You want me to play football even though deep down you know I suck and I hate it. Great parental advice, don’t you think?”

Dad looks at Mom again. “Congratulations, Karen. Your son has become an official wiseass.”

Mom says, “He’s your son, too, Bill.”

And I say, “Jesus, what’s going on between you two, anyway?”

And Mom says, “You shut up and watch your mouth, Zach Ramsey.”

Dad sucks down what’s left of his beer and slams the empty can down hard on the table. “I’m tired of quitters.” He draws hard on his cigarette. “This family’s sinking.”

“Oh, and I suppose none of it’s your fault, is it?” Mom says.

After a long silence, Dad says, “I’m done with this for tonight.”

“Wait,” she says. “Who pays for the damage to the cars?”

Dad nods slowly, thinking. Then he rubs his chin and stares out the window into the backyard. “You’re gonna pay for every cent, Zach, which means you need to get a summer job.” He turns toward me. “I’m taking you to see Huey Dawkins tomorrow. He needs another stock boy now that Justin is gone. You’ll get a little taste of what it’s like to work for a living. Maybe that’ll fix your newfound attitude problem.”

He gets up and leaves the room.