Page 114 (1/2)

“They didn’t”

I squint uncertainly at him “What do you mean?”

“Julio has been benched for the rest of the season Benji and Hoyt were given scoldings in front of the whole tea’s office, where he told therity, character, and coer, he would kick the an eye Even their star quarterback” Toby eyesof a deal that is here in Texas? To do that to a senior varsity football player during his senior year? I honestly can’t think of a worse punishment”

I let that sink in “Alright So … So Coach Strong lived up to his word That’s …” Is it wrong to feel vindicated soood”

“Yeah,” Toby la more

I look at him I want to scoot closer to hiainstis going to be alright Yet … “And where does that leave us, Toby? What happened to us …?”

“I’ve been thinking …” Toby takes hold of his balled-up apron, then sets it in his lap and stares into it like a crystal ball “Maybe we rushed into this a little fast … you and I”

“A little fast …?”

“I ht up in the passion of the play, and ere rehearsing, and then suddenly we’re h “Sorry, I … I had this all worked out inyou here, and now I’m just a nervous wreck”

Worked out in his head …? Is this a breakup speech? “Toby, are you breaking up with me?”

He ss and internally squir: “No”

“Then what is this?”

“This ison the brakes A little bit I just think we should maybe, like … step back a bit Take a tiny step back And just …” He sighs, then finally faces me full-on “Let’s be friends”

“Friends??” I blurt out