Page 73 of The No Try Zone
The next forty minutes are a nail-biter. The game moves slower here than it does in Australia, which I attribute to the sport not being as widespread in the States. I’ve also seen the pro games on television here, and honestly? Not great. Feels like rugby gets the B team when it comes to just about everything, if I’m being honest. Announcers need to be better and the camera work is frustrating at best.
But being down here on the pitch is the opposite of frustrating. It’s energizing. And I’m so damn proud of how Ollie has played that my chest hurts. In the end, we win by ten points. After giving Ollie a hug on the sideline, I head down to the PT area to prep for the players who need attention. We’ve got ten tubs ready for ice baths, too. Not enough for every player to have their own, but they can share.
Two hours later, I’m wiping down the equipment as Bill waves goodbye.
“Oh, hey, Coach,” I hear him say. “Great game. You need anything?”
“Just, ah, looking for something I left down here.”
“I got it, Bill,” I call. “I’m finishing up anyway.”
Bill leaves, and the room goes silent. We stare at each other and I offer the most professional smile I can come up with. “Congratulations on the win, Coach.”
“Thanks.” He shoves his hands in his pockets and looks around. “I was wondering –”
He’s interrupted by the door swinging open behind him and Ollie bounding in. Right on time.
“Hey, Olls,” I grin. “Gimme five.”
Colin gives Ollie a confused look. “You’re not heading out with the rest of the guys to celebrate?”
Ollie laughs. “Not today, Coach. Remember I told you about my first-game process? There’s a part afterward, too. Didn’t think I’d get to do it this year when I first made the team, but with Sam working for the team…”
“We’re making it happen,” I finish.
Ollie’s eyes light up. “Hey, how about you come with us?” He turns to me. “What do you think? We could make it work.”
Is it possible for a person to feel one hundred percent joy and abject terror at the same time? Because that’s exactly what’s happening to my body right now. But I keep my shit together. “Of course, Olls – it’s just a meal.”
“Yeah, but it’s the post-game meal of the first game of the season,” he counters. “It’s a big deal.”
Colin raises his hands. “Actually, my mom and sister are here. I don’t think –”
“Bring them with you,” I interrupt, my stomach swooping at the thought of meeting them but wanting Ollie’s happiness more than my own comfort. “It really is okay.”
And that’s how I end up at a restaurant with my brother and my secret husband.
Chapter27
Colin
“ITHINK YOU two need serious help.” I deliver the line with as straight a face as possible, because these two are…well, honestly, they’re kind of adorable. The fact that my sister and mom have joined in on the fun just makes the whole thing that much more hilarious. All my sister needs to do is not blow my and Sam’s cover.
“I can’t believe we’re at anOutback,” Erin says, eyes twinkling.
“What’s wrong with Outback?” Mom asks.
“Besides it being kind of a hideous restaurant chain with dubious menu items?” Erin responds.
“It’s as close as we’re getting to an Australian barbie,” Ollie says, “so Outback Steakhouse it is.”
“Put your crown back on, Coach,” Erin urges, nodding at the paper crown that Ollie drew, cut, and taped for me.
Sam gestures at the rest of the table, where all four of them wear various themes on the crown concept. “C’mon, Coach. We’re all doing it.”
“But it’s not my tradition,” I protest. It’s half-hearted at best, and I know I’m beaten.
“For the picture, at least,” Ollie says. “Then you can take it off.”
