The Toughest Play

24. Rogan

CHAPTER 24

ROGAN

I walk into the kitchen, raking my damp hair back from my face.

Autumn smiles at me, setting a plate on the island. “Your timing is impeccable as usual. I just finished making your breakfast.” Shit . I’m particular about what I eat on game day. “I see that look on your face. Don’t worry, I remember what you told me you have the morning of an early game. A four-egg omelet with cheese and spinach, and three slices of bacon.”

I move over to the island and take a seat. “This looks fantastic. Thank you so much.” Picking up the fork, I immediately dig in.

“I figured you had enough to do and I could lighten your load some.”

“I thought you did that last night in bed. Wink. Wink.”

She snorts. “That’s true, and kind of gross to think about in a literal sense.”

I point my fork toward the omelet. “This is delicious by the way. You didn’t tell me you could cook too.”

She shrugs. “The subject never came up. I’m capable of making a lot of things, but I don’t love to cook every meal.”

“We can take turns in the kitchen.”

She nods. “That works.”

I force myself to eat slowly, even though I want to scarf this down. I’m anxious to get to the stadium and get ready for the game.

“How are you feeling this morning?” she asks.

“Good. I’m raring to go.”

“Yeah, I can tell. You have that cagey look about you.”

I give her a curious glance. “I do? How so?”

“You’re not your usual sunshiney self. You seem distracted.”

“That makes sense, because I’ve been thinking about the game since I woke up.”

“Are you nervous?”

“No, I wouldn’t say that. But I feel a lot of pressure since I’ll be managing the offensive game for my team. I want everything to go well, and if it doesn’t, I’ll be responsible.”

“I’m going to remind you football is a team sport and wins and losses are on the team not one player.”

“That sounds good in theory, but I know I’ll feel like it’s my fault if we don’t win.”

“Where’s Mr. Positive? Ever since we met, you told me you were going to be the starting quarterback, and you made it happen. What would be different about this game? All you have to do is make up your mind it’s going to go the way you want.”

“You’re right. I’m letting worry and doubt occupy my thoughts, and there’s no room for either of those.”

“For now, focus on enjoying the rest of your breakfast.”

I crook my finger, and she walks around the island. Leaning over, I press a brief kiss to her lips. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Breakfast, your advice, your confidence in me. I want you to know something… Since I was a child, football has been my one true love. It’s always been the most important thing to me.”

She nods and cuts in. “I know, and I would never try to change that.”

I place my finger on her lips. “Shh, just listen to what I have to say.” She nods, and I draw my hand back. “Football has always been the most important thing to me,” I reiterate. “But now, we’ve found our way to each other, and that’s not the case anymore. I have a second love—you. Autumn Cartright, I love you.”

Smiling, she stares up at me through teary eyes. “I love you too.”

No matter what the outcome of today’s game brings, I’ve got the woman of my dreams by my side, and I’m going to take comfort in knowing that.

Cooper sits down on the bench next to me. “How are you feeling?”

Knee bouncing, I scratch my head. “That’s a tough question right now. So many emotions and thoughts are hitting me at the same time. But more than anything, I’m excited to get out there and play.”

“I have all the confidence in your ability to lead this team. Look how well our practices have been going all week since you took over.”

“We have been working hard and gelling well. I’m optimistic about today’s game. I know we can get the W if we all stay on task.”

Thor and Griffin walk across the locker room and stop in front of us. With their height and combined shoulder width, they’re like a human wall, blocking our view of the rest of the space.

“How’s it going, QB?” Thor asks.

“Good.”

Griffin makes a face. “What’s this ‘good’ bullshit? Why not fucking fantastic? You’re the quarterback now, for fuck’s sake. Own that shit.”

He’s right. I’m the goddamn quarterback.

“You’re right,” I say, feeling more confident.

Griffin smirks. “Of course I am.”

“I need to get pumped up and play this game with all the enthusiasm I bring to practice,” I say.

“Absolutely,” Thor agrees.

“Why were you being so reserved? That’s not like you,” Griffin points out.

“It’s not, but I’ve never been in this position before, so everything is new. I don’t have my routine down yet, and I don’t know what works for me and what doesn’t.”

“This isn’t your first game. Why wouldn’t you treat it as any other one you’ve played in?” Cooper asks.

I raise my palms. “The stakes are much higher for me now.”

“Yeah, but your effort can’t be more than the one hundred percent you always give,” Thor says.

Nodding slowly, I think about his observation. There’s a lot of merit in what he said. I always put in maximum effort, and that’s all I can do whether I’m in the game as the starting quarterback or the backup. “That’s true. Actually, all three of you are right. Thanks for the fresh perspective. I was feeling a little overwhelmed.”

“That happens to us all at times. Whenever I start to feel that way, I try not to think about anything but what I’m doing at that precise moment,” Griffin shares.

“When it happens to me, I picture myself playing lights out football and our team winning the game,” Thor says. “Positive visualization always helps me.”

“I do that too. I imagine myself catching all the balls and scoring touchdowns.”

“Visualization isn’t new to me. I’ve been imagining myself as the quarterback of this team for two years.”

“You have proof it works,” Thor says. His gaze sweeps to the large clock on the side wall. “Time to get ready, fellas.”

I feel the curl of excitement unfolding in my stomach. “Hell yeah.”

As I walk onto the field as the starting quarterback for the first time, the energy in the stadium is almost palpable. The sound of the crowd’s cheering lifts me up and lessens some of the anticipation and nervous energy coursing through me. The sun is shining as my eyes scan the field. This is just like practice , I remind myself. Yeah, only with sixty thousand plus fans watching.

“You ready to do this, big guy?” Thor asks.

“Damn right,” I say, sounding more confident than I feel. I glance around at my teammates, and they all give me nods of silent encouragement. I call out the play and we break the huddle. We line up in the shotgun formation and I call out, “Here we go.” Planting my foot on the field, I’m ready when Thor snaps the ball to me. I throw a screen pass to the running back. He takes it another seven yards for the first down.

The fans go wild, their shouts so loud, I can barely hear my own thoughts. As we huddle up, they quiet down. Griffin grins. “Great play, QB1.”

“Thanks. But we’re just getting started.” I have no idea how prophetic my words will seem at the end of the game when the Silverbacks come out victorious with a final score of 49-14. We played a fantastic game for all sixty minutes. Were there a few things we could’ve done better? Absolutely. But I’m proud of my team and of myself.

My teammates engulf me in a celebration of our win. I’m repeatedly slapped on the back as the fans jump to their feet, cheering thunderously. I think about Autumn and my family in the crowd, witnessing this moment, and it fills my heart with warmth.

I meet the opposing quarterback in the middle of the field and he tells me I had a great game and how they’ll be ready for us next time. I tell him not to be so sure.

Spirits are running high when we return to the locker room. Setting my helmet in the top cubby of my locker, I strip off my jersey and pads.

“Damn, Rogan. What a great first game for you,” Cooper says.

“No, bro. It was a great first game for us . We’re a team and we win and lose together. My effort wasn’t any greater than anyone else’s.” I head into the bathroom for a quick shower. I’m a sweaty, grass-stained mess, and I don’t want to greet my woman and my family like this. The hot water feels amazing on my aching muscles but I don’t linger. Wrapping a towel around my waist, I’m about to return to the locker room when Brett is there blocking the way.

“I owe you an apology for the way I’ve been acting,” he says.

“Did coach put you up to this?”

“Not directly. But I should never have posted from Autumn’s laptop like I did. I’d apologize to her but I think it’s best if I keep my distance.”

“I appreciate the apology as I’m sure she will. It would be great if you and I could work together for the good of the team.”

He nods. “You’re right. I may not like being the backup but that’s where I’m at… for now anyway.” He walks away and I hurry to locker room to get dressed.

The media joins us a few minutes later and Autumn is one of them. She hurries over to give me a hug.

“I want to hold you for an hour but we’re both at work,” she says, pulling away. “I’m so freaking proud of you. You were amazing out there.”

“Thank you. I’m so glad you were here with me. I felt your presence, and knowing you were watching and cheering me on made it that much more special.”

“I’m going to get to work, and I’ll be waiting for you when you’re done.”

“Okay. Nice shirt.” I wink.

She puts her hands on her hips and smiles. “This old thing?” She turns to walk away, and peers back at me with a mischievous smile.

“Goddamn,” I whisper to myself.

“What’s that?” Cooper asks.

I shake my head. “Just admiring my woman in my jersey.”

He grips my shoulder. “You’re a lucky guy for sure.”

After a few minutes of answering questions for the media, Coach Chubb takes a few minutes to address the team.

“You played strong and fought hard. It was a well-earned win. I want to congratulate our new quarterback, Rogan, on not only starting his first game but on getting the win.” He raises the football in his hand. “This game ball goes to Rogan. Come and get it.”

My teammates cheer and slap me on the back as I step forward. Coach Chubb hands the ball over to me, then shakes my hand. “Congratulations. Keep up the great work.”

Gripping the pigskin in my hand, I return to my locker and put the football inside my duffel bag to bring home with me.

After I’ve headed out to the podium to answer questions for the local media, I’m finally able to go see my family. I meet up with Autumn in the hallway and we walk toward the lobby together hand in hand. We find Niall and Maeve waiting, both beaming as we approach.

Maeve throws herself at me and I hug her tightly. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks, sis. I remember a time when I never thought I’d ever hear you say those words.” I laugh as we part.

She shrugs. “Me either, but you’ve grown up a lot since then.”

Niall clears his throat. “What about me? Don’t I get to congratulate my superstar little brother?” I shake his extended hand and he pulls me into his arms, proudly thumping me on the back.

Autumn shakes her head. “Men. Only they show how proud they are by hurting one another.”

Maeve laughs. “Right? I’m Maeve by the way,” she says.

“I’m Autumn. It’s so nice to meet you.”

“Oh, sorry,” I say. “I should’ve introduced you first. Niall, this is my girlfriend, Autumn.”

Niall clutches his chest. “Girlfriend? Am I dying? Is this the end of the world?”

“You might be,” I say.

“Autumn, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He shakes her hand.

“And you as well. I’ve heard a lot about both of you. I’m glad you could make it today.”

“It’s too bad Mom and Dad couldn’t on such short notice,” Maeve says.

“They called me last night to wish me luck.”

“What do you think about going out to grab a bite to eat?” Niall asks.

I glance between the two of them. “You’re staying at my place, right?”

Maeve nods. “Yeah, unless you don’t want us to.” Her gaze goes to Autumn before returning to me.

I smile. “I want you to stay with us. I don’t get to see you nearly enough any more.”

“We’ll head out to the parking lot. We parked like a mile away,” she says.

“It’s not that far,” Niall says, shaking his head.

“You remember how to get to my house, right?” I ask.

Niall taps his head and nods before they walk away. Autumn and I don’t move until they’ve disappeared from sight and then she launches herself into me. Wrapping my arm around her, I sweep her off her feet while she lays a kiss on me that short circuits my brain.

“What was that for?” I ask, breathless.

“A combination of things. One, I’m proud of you. Two, you looked so sexy out on that field. Three, that’s to tide you over until your brother and sister leave. And four, I love you.” She rubs the tip of her nose over mine, then stares down at me with a combination of pride and love that I can clearly see.

“I love you too.”