“Stephens City on Saturday afternoon,” Coach says. “It’s not going to be our toughest game of the season, but it’ll give you a little taste of what’s to come. Now let’s get out there and fight hard. Defense on the fifty-yard line, offense with Coach Williams. Fight on me, fight on three,” he says, lifting his hand up over his head. “One, two, three.”

“Fight,” the team grunts together.

“Elijah, come on over here,” he says as the rest of the team disperses.

“Yes, sir,” I say, my gut sloshing around like a washing machine on the spin cycle. I try to push any thoughts of Julian aside because I know I’m going to have to pay attention and work hard if I’m going to get back onto this team. These guys have been working together for years by this point, while I’ve been changing diapers and singing “Baby Beluga” seventeen times a day up in Houston. Not exactly the best football prep.

“Did I have you at free safety as a freshman? Correct me if I’m wrong,” he asks, surveying the defensive drill happening on the fifty-yard line.

“Yes, sir,” I tell him.

“Let’s try you at cornerback for the time being. I might change my mind a few times before Saturday, but go on and join the defense out there. Tell Coach Andrews I want you on the left side,” he says.

“Before Saturday? Does that mean I’m not going to be sitting on the bench? I can play this weekend?”

“You and I both know you were one of the most talented players we had on the field three years ago. Shame I didn’t get to coach you much before you moved away. Anyway, of course you’re going to be a Guardsman. Let’s just keep it between us for the rest of the practice, all right?” He winks.

“Yes, sir,” I say, trying to bite back a smile.

“This doesn’t mean you’re going to be out there right after the coin toss on Saturday.” His tone becomes more serious. “You’re still going to have to earn your playing time.” He nods, wagging a finger at me.

“I understand, yes, sir,” I say, turning to join the defense on the field.

“And I’m going to need that sixty-dollar uniform fee by Monday, okay?”