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LJ hadoff our Coach inbest friends with his daughter would coe That was so far fro in the outer atotten worse when Marisa had s

Coach had us all huddle up “You’ve all hustled hard this pre-season We’re going into the next season and I want you to get it out of your heads that with last year’s seniors gone we don’t have it in us Every single one of you—” His gaze froze on LJ and his lips tightened “Almost all of you have what it takes toseason You have Labor Day weekend off”

Guys banged their helether and cheered

“You have these three days off, and I’ you some time before the semester starts Get ready for your classes Get some sleep Do not s once you’re all back Dismissed”

The whole teaed toward the tunnel, ready for three solid days off The energy that flagged during practice roared back The unmistakable smell of IcyHot, sweat, and soap filled the locker room

I headed straight for the showers, not wanting to be late to meet Jules Since I had practice so late, I told her I’d meet at the pickup spot for the shuttle to wherever it ere going

She’d had to go earlier to help her sister I’d leave et a taxi there, so I wouldn’t be late I’dto my wallet

So outside, clothes clinging to their barely-dried bodies Classes started in three days and there was no slacking off once the se my eyes open after practice, but throw in classes and I’d be 90 powered by caffeine and sugar

“Looks like someone’s ready to party” LJ stood beside me, not a bead of sweat on him

“I’ face paint, stuffed animals, and tricycles you’ll wander off into the woods to corabbed a towel from the stack and dried off my hair

“Not the woods In the backyard,” he said absently, tugging his jersey off He hadn’t even been wearing pads

“Did you talk to Coach?”

LJ slaainst the open door to his locker and bit out a curse “He’s going to keepdrafted”

“Why don’t you play his gaet some time out on the field” I wrapped a towel arounddown my chest

“And abandon Marisa?” He looked ather in little pieces to a swar sea of crocodiles