Chapter Four

JOSH ARRIVEDat the school in his running gear feeling almost eager. He unlocked his office door, grabbed a towel and water bottle, and then made his way down to the track before the sun had even begun its climb.

As he walked, Josh couldn’t help but give in to a flutter of excitement under his ribs. For the past week, these quiet morning runs with Tyler had become the highlight of his day, even though they still hadn’t actually spoken. He longed to break the ice and get to know Tyler a little, but caution and gut instinct held him back, reminding him of the shy, awkward teenager he used to be.

Once on the track, Josh began his warm-up routine, stretching his muscles as his eyes flicked toward the parking lot every few moments. He was delaying, waiting for Tyler’s arrival, unable to shake the concern that he should have arrived by now. Finally Josh spotted Nadia’s car pulling into the lot and felt a wave of relief wash over him.

As Tyler exited the car and headed toward the track, Josh noticed something amiss. Tyler’s muscular mass and imposing presence were undeniable, even after a couple months out of the game, but he moved stiffly; instead of stretching properly, he seemed to be halfheartedly going through the motions, as if he was distracted or perhaps rushing through the warm-up. Yikes.

Josh wanted to call out to him, to nudge him to take better care of himself, but he hesitated. Would Tyler appreciate the advice or see it as an unwelcome intrusion? Who was he, after all? Some stranger that Tyler had never noticed in fifteen years.

That wimpy uncertainty held him back, and he continued stretching in silence, watching Tyler from the corner of his eye.

As Josh finished stretching and prepared to begin his run, he couldn’t help but steal one more glance at Tyler. His concern for Tyler’s well-being was genuine, and he wished he had the courage to offer some guidance to help his recovery. They just weren’t friends like that. As best as he could remember, despite spending at least two years in high school together, they’d never spoken twenty words to each other in the course of their lives.

Ugh.Being a kid was awful.

For now, all he could do was watch and hope that a couple of friendly nods and this strange morning ritual of running in silence at sunrise might someday give him the courage to be the friend and support Tyler seemed to need so badly right now.

As they started their run, Josh felt the familiar rhythm of their feet hitting the track. The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting a soft, pale glow over the stands and the trees beyond. The air was still, and the only sounds were their steady breaths and the gentle thud of their footsteps. They had fallen into this routine almost effortlessly, and even without interacting much, Josh found comfort in Tyler’s presence.

Despite their vastly different backgrounds—Josh the high school nerd turned coach and Tyler the celebrated NFL quarterback—this small hometown track had forged an unspoken bond that made these early mornings feel like a sanctuary, free of judgment or expectations.

On their third lap, several minutes into their run, Tyler suddenly twisted in pain, dramatically struggling to catch his breath. Panic flashed across his face as he clutched his side and went down hard, and Josh’s heart lurched in response.

In that moment, all his reservations fell away—his concern for Tyler overrode any lingering awkwardness or fear of rejection.

“Tyler!” Josh called out, cutting across the field to rush to his side. “Are you okay? What’s wrong?”

Tyler tried to straighten but winced at the effort. “Stupid heart… and cramp, I think. Thanks, Josh.”

“Wow, you remember me?” Josh grinned, genuinely surprised and pleased. “I didn’t think anyone would, especially not someone like you.”

“Someone like me?” Tyler raised an eyebrow. “A beat-up meathead living at his sister’s who struggles to get out of bed every morning?”

“You know.” Josh shrugged, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “A big-shot celebrity football superstar. Captain Fantastic.”

Tyler laughed, and the tension between them melted. “Well, at the moment, I’m just some dude trying to get his life back together. And running.”

“Looks like home isn’t always a bad idea,” Josh mused. “Maybe there’s something to this small-town peace-and-quiet nonsense.”

Tyler shook his huge hands. “My head feels so weird. Blurry.”

“Here, let me help.” Josh moved closer and placed a supportive hand on Tyler’s back. The guy’s pupils were enormous, and he looked gray under a sheen of perspiration. “Have you been hydrating properly?”

“Probably not,” Tyler admitted with a frown. He blanched like he was breathing through serious discomfort.

“I’m betting blood sugar and potassium are both low. And did you stretch enough before we started?”

“Huh-uh. Not really.” Tyler’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. He pressed a fist to his side with a scowl. “I know, I know. I never really bothered with that crap before. I’ve never needed—” Tyler offered him a tentative smile that got him too flustered to cover.

“It’s okay. We all have to learn sometime.” Josh gave him a reassuring head bob. “Just take a few deep breaths and try to relax your muscles.”

As Tyler followed Josh’s instructions, his breathing began to slow and even out. “Thanks, man,” Tyler said softly. “I really appreciate this.”

“Of course,” Josh replied, feeling an unfamiliar warmth spread through him. For the first time, he felt a real connection with Tyler—not the fantasy but the man, flaws and all.

“Let me check your pulse,” Josh suggested. Gently, he pressed his fingertips against Tyler’s wrist, feeling the strong rhythm beneath his skin. “It seems fast, but not too bad considering. Just keep breathing deeply and let’s get you moving a little and some water. Your muscles are going to hurt worse if they cramp. You should be eating a banana every morning and night for the potassium. Good sugar for the run too.”

“Thanks,” Tyler murmured, allowing Josh to continue assessing his condition without protest. It seemed as if the trust between them was growing. Tyler’s vulnerability was wrecking all Josh’s noble intentions.

“All right, I’m going to try to massage out that cramp in your leg.” Josh carefully placed his hands on Tyler’s huge calf, which was every bit as powerful as it looked. He could feel the tight knot of muscle beneath his fingers and began to gently knead the area, hoping to release the tension.

Tyler didn’t seem to mind the contact at all. He groaned in pleasure. “God. That.” He glanced at Josh. “You teach too, right?”

“Yeah.” Josh rolled the muscle more slowly. “History, electives and AP sometimes. But not every year.”

“I love history. Used to love history, I guess. I was a crap student.” He chuckled and groaned again, watching Josh’s hands on his big calf.

“Is that helping?” Josh asked, looking up into Tyler’s bright hazel eyes. Touching him like this made Josh feel almost guilty.

“Unnh. Yeah, it’s starting to feel better already. Wow, man. That feel effing amazing,” Tyler replied with a relieved smile and a twinkle in his eye. “You really know what you’re doing.”

“Coach high school a while and you see every kind of injury.” Josh chuckled, trying to hide his own nerves. “But seriously, make sure you take care of yourself. Stretching and hydration are key. And a big banana.” He pointed at Tyler with a comic scowl.

“That’s what they all say.” Tyler nodded as he straightened. Finally he reached for Josh’s hand, and he stood without wincing. “Yes, Coach.”

“Good. Now, why don’t we try walking the track for a few minutes? Grab some water. We want to ease your muscles back into motion before you even think about running,” Josh suggested, releasing Tyler’s leg as he stood up.

“Sounds like a plan,” Tyler agreed, taking a tentative step forward.

Josh slowed his pace deliberately. Clouds scudded over the peaceful track. By now, the crickets seemed just about done and the air was warmer, carrying the scent of fresh-mown grass. They stopped at the fountain and then ambled back. Already Tyler looked less grim.

“Really beautiful out here.” Tyler blinked at the horizon. “I never noticed all this when I was younger.”

“That’s high school. Hormones and homework. Who has time for a sunrise?” Josh glanced over at Tyler. Their eyes met for a moment—a deeper connection than anything Josh had experienced in a long time. Did Tyler feel it too?

As they walked side by side, Josh couldn’t help but notice the slight hitch in Tyler’s stride. They needed to slow down. “You said you’re into history? Anything in particular?”

“Renaissance, probably. No, how about Roman empire,” Tyler replied, his face lighting up. “They just did so much modern stuff for the first time. Roads, coinage, junk food, plumbing.”

“Public games!” Josh exclaimed, excitement filling his voice. “I’ve never been.”

Tyler laughed and pushed him. “To ancient Rome? Obviously.”

“No, Italy. I’ve never—” Josh looked down at the grass. “I’ve never gone anywhere, really.”

“Highly recommend. Italy is….” Tyler fell quiet. “Sorry. That’s a crappy thing to say.”

“Why?”

“I’ve only been to Italy with the team. We shot an advertisement. I didn’t really go anywhere or see anything. You know, a day in the Vatican, an hour at the Trevi Fountain. So I haven’t really been there either. Not really, like, actual me.”

“You should.” Josh shrugged.

“Well, you should too.”

Josh looked across the field to the gym and the school beyond. “Hardly. With the school’s schedule? I barely have time to go to the grocery store.”

Tyler stared at him for a quiet moment. “One of these days, then.”

“Absolutely. One of these days.” Josh shook his head. “I don’t want you to think I don’t go anywhere. Never been anywhere. I’m not a shut-in. But mostly travel means hauling teenagers around in a bus. Or quick road trips for an overnight. But I’ve never been farther east than the Rockies.”

“I love road trips.” Tyler’s breathing and gait were steadier now. “Football doesn’t leave me a lot of downtime during the season, but when I can? Just pack a bag and hit the road with nowhere to be.”

Josh nodded, a genuine smile spreading across his face. “That’s the best.”

“Well, the best would be a road trip in Italy, but I don’t think that’s happening anytime soon.” He frowned down at his body. “When I first got back into town, my sister dragged me up to this tiny little town in the mountains with the most amazing diner.”

“Hearthstone! I love that place.”

“That’s the one.” Tyler nodded. “Home-churned butter?”

“Exactly.” Josh bobbed his head back. “In fact, guess who took Nadia her first time?” He pointed at his own chest.

“Aw, man.” Tyler beamed back at him. “Really? Then I owe you one. Best damn waffles I’ve ever had.”

As they continued to walk and talk, Josh could see Tyler improving. After walking two laps, his breath came smoother, his steps steadied, and his shoulders released. It felt incredible to connect with him like this. It was something he hadn’t expected but couldn’t deny—he felt drawn to Tyler in a way that made anything seem possible. Which seemed both ridiculous and important at the same time.

Finally they resumed their run, a little slower now. Josh’s thoughts ran alongside them. Could Tyler actually be interested? In him? Or was he simply being friendly and appreciative? Only time would tell, but one thing was certain: Josh planned to find out.

As they continued jogging, the conversation flowed easily between them, touching on favorite hikes, old classmates, and even a few embarrassing high school memories.

With each shared laugh and knowing glance, the bond between them deepened, and Josh found himself falling more and more under Tyler’s spell.

“Did you ever watch cartoons growing up?” Tyler asked, turning to face Josh as they jogged.

“You kidding?” Josh enthused. “Cartoon Network was sacred in my house. South Park obviously, and Dexter’s Laboratory. The big one for me was Powerpuff Girls.”

That last one popped out before he thought about how queer that might sound to a big buff jock, even one that dated other jocks sometimes, but Tyler’s eyes and smile widened abruptly, as if some secret joy had lit up his whole body.

“No way!” Tyler smacked him. “I was obsessed with the Powerpuff Girls. Buttercup all the way. Let me tell you, I did not advertise that in the locker room.”

“Seriously?” Josh hesitated, not sure how to respond. What did he mean? Maybe because it wasn’t a “boy” cartoon? Was Tyler hinting that he knew Josh liked him? Maybe the Powerpuff Girlswere Tyler’s way to signal he wasn’t opposed to the idea. This kind of code-cracking was the worst part of growing up gay in a small town. “You… are full of surprises.”

“I am.” Tyler laughed and winked. “Hands-down the funniest show on TV. I had posters, sheets, and everything. I still binge-watch them when I’m feeling crappy.” Then his face darkened. “My dad made so much fun of me.”

Josh frowned. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. He was an asshole.” Tyler shook his head and seemed to emerge from whatever dark memory had dimmed his spirits. “I turned out okay.”

Josh smiled. “Indeed you did.”

Their eyes caught again.

Just then, with Tyler so open and trusting, Josh wanted to confess everything: his crush, his hopes, his pleasure, his gratitude. Before he did anything stupid, he made a quick decision and punted. “Thirsty.”

Tyler jerked his chin toward the empty bleachers. “Water break?” He panted slightly as they slowed to a walk in tandem.

“Please.” Josh followed him to the water fountain, skin prickling from exertion and adrenaline, grateful for the chance to catch his breath and regain his composure.

Tyler stepped aside to let Josh at the fountain. As he did, he pulled off his dripping shirt and tucked it into his waistband. “So damn hot.” A crisp dark treasure trail rose to his perfect navel. As Tyler wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, he shot Josh a flirtatious grin that made Josh’s stomach flip.

Josh practically lunged for the water and tried to keep his eyes on the spigot, not on the span of tan muscle a few inches away.

Unintentional, right?Was Tyler feeling the same magnetic pull, or was it all just wishful thinking?

They traded places again for round two at the fountain. As they guzzled water and wiped sweat from their brows, laughter came easier.

Josh soaked up every crinkle-eyed grin Tyler offered like a desert tasting rain. Tyler didn’t put his soaking shirt back on, and little by little Josh got used to seeing all of him up close and impossible.

“Thanks for putting me back together again today,” Tyler said, sincerity muffling his voice. “I was in a bad way. I think I needed this. You.”

“Anytime,” Josh replied, struggling to keep his voice steady. “We make a good team.”

“Agreed.” Tyler’s gaze lingered on Josh’s face for a moment longer than necessary. “We really do.”

“So, think you’ve got your legs back under you now? Let’s take it again, but at a more chill pace,” Josh suggested, worried about his bulge but keeping his eyes on Tyler. Lord, he smelled good. “No racing. Take it down. Less Buttercup. More Blossom.”

“Deal,” Tyler agreed, bumping shoulders with Josh like they were old friends.

They took off around the track again, slower this time. Josh matched Tyler’s labored pace, stealing sideways glances, still tingling from their charged proximity. The safe distance between them now felt scarier than wet, bare skin and racing pulses.

As they ran, the light conversation flowed with long stretches of comfortable silence. With each footfall, Josh’s heart swelled with a mixture of joy and uncertainty. He couldn’t help but enjoy the easy camaraderie they’d fallen into. Even minimal acquaintance was way better than silent infatuation.

The sun climbed behind the haze of clouds, and around seven, the parking lot tide started to come in as the school geared up for another day. Josh noticed Tyler’s breathing had returned to normal, and his earlier discomfort seemed to have vanished. Relief washed over him, then a pang of disappointment as he realized their run was coming to an end.

As students began to arrive for the school day, their laughter and chatter floated through the crisp morning air. Despite the growing clamor, Josh found himself lost in Tyler’s warm solidity and the friendly tangle of their conversation.

Josh tried to focus on the rhythmic sound of their shoes hitting the track and the cool breeze brushing against his skin, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Tyler, his deep laughter, his wounded eyes, and the sense that a door between them had been unlocked. He wouldn’t risk their fledgling friendship over something that might only exist in his imagination.

“Hey, you all right?” Tyler asked, squinting as he glanced over at Josh.

“I’m good. So good. Great, actually,” Josh replied, forcing a smile.

“Just checking.” Tyler patted him on the back.

Josh glanced at his watch and sighed. “About that time. Carver asked me to come by his office.”

“Last lap, then. I don’t want to make you tardy.” Tyler knocked into him, chuckling.

“We’re fine.” His heart raced. His mind raced. If this was a second chance, was he blowing it? This was going to take some getting used to, being up close and personal with Tyler. But so far, the reality had only deepened the fantasy.

As they rounded the final bend of the track, Josh pushed to finish strong, and Tyler kept pace with him. Their feet stuttered to a walk at the finish line as they tried to cool down. They both panted and kept moving, their legs jerky with exhaustion. Josh bent forward for a moment, and sweat dripped onto the grass.

When he straightened, Tyler was watching him intently. “That’s what I’m talking about.” Tyler winked and felt his own pulse. “Nice one, Coach.”

“Same,” Josh began, deciding to make the attempt. “We could do some stretching. It’ll help keep your muscles limber.”

“Sounds good,” Tyler agreed with a nod, his hazel eyes meeting Josh’s for a moment.

They stepped down onto the scrubby grass of the football field. Josh ran through simple stretches, muscles releasing slowly as the school woke up on the other side of the fence.

Tyler followed each movement stiffly, frustration playing across his handsome features with every twinge and pull as they reached, twisted, and gently urged the muscles to let go. Josh ached to smooth away that pain somehow.

“You’re okay, Ty,” he said in a low voice. He put his hand on Tyler’s huge back, feeling his ribs rise and fall. “Take a breath. You just have so much muscle mass it needs a moment to give in.”

Tyler nodded, scowling, but little by little, the tension released. He grunted in pleasure. “Oh yeah. God, that’s better.”

The two of them mimicked each other’s movements. Now long shadows fell across the track as they worked in tandem, occasionally balancing against each other like bona fide teammates.

Josh demonstrated a standing stretch by grabbing his ankle and pulling his foot toward his glutes. He extended a hand. “Quadriceps?”

Tyler just chuckled with a sheepish grin and let himself be pulled up. “They’re killing me, thanks for asking.”

“Let’s give it a shot.”

As he started the stretch, Tyler lost his balance, bumping into Josh. He caught himself on Josh’s shoulder. His big fingers gripped the muscle hard, his spicy scent everywhere. Before he could second-guess the impulse, Josh covered Tyler’s fumbling fingers with his own, applied a firmer pressure, and leaned his body in to increase the stretch.

“Now hamstrings.” He demonstrated, bringing his own chest toward his knee, feeling the pleasant pull.

Heat rolled off Tyler’s broad torso, stirring a treacherous yearning in Josh’s belly, but he kept his voice as steady as he could. “Easy. Easy does it. Take it slow.”

“Ugh. Jeez.” Tyler grunted, trembling with effort. “C’mon, you bastard hams…. My ass and legs have always been so overdeveloped. Tree trunks.”

“No kidding, Fantana. I’ve seen the memes.” Not for nothing, Tyler’s outrageous bubble butt had gone viral many times over. Even back in high school, the junk in his trunk was a part of his myth. Feeling emboldened by their banter, Josh leaned right across Tyler’s back with his own torso, using his weight as firm counterbalance, the sweat sliding between them.

Tyler froze at the contact, then sank deeper into the stretch with a groan. “Oh damn… that’s it! Oh my—Jesus…. Good. Ooof.” Relief flooded his scratchy voice. His eyes closed, and he grunted in raw, rumbling, extended animal pleasure.

Suddenly Josh’s shorts were way too small to do their job properly, but Josh stayed put and took his time helping Tyler balance himself, wallowing in the casual intimacy of the moment.

Too soon, Tyler eased out of the stretch with a satisfied sigh. When he twisted to grin at Josh, their faces only inches apart, time collapsed to single matched heartbeats. Then Josh broke the sudden tension by springing upright abruptly and pacing backward toward the gym.

Tyler looked confused. “I should probably get a move on too. I’ve got an appointment with my new shrink.”

“Hey, don’t forget to hydrate after all this, okay? Throughout the day even,” Josh teased gently, trying to mask the bittersweet emotions churning in him.

“Oh yeah. And my big banana.” Tyler winked.

Josh shrugged and chuckled. “I don’t want to find you lying in a fetal ball in the lot tomorrow morning because you acted stupid.”

“Deal.” Tyler laughed, then wiped his face and his wet chest. “I think I need a shower.”

Josh froze. “Uhh, sure.”

“Nah. Kids are here, and that means phones, which means pics and video. Bummer. Last thing I need is nudes in the tabloids when I’m this run-down.”

Josh rolled his eyes. “Tyler, you’re in amazing shape. You know that, right? You have an eight-pack.”

“No, you know what I mean. NFL shape.” Tyler huffed a rueful laugh through his nose. “I know it up here.” He tapped his head. “But in here….” He thumped a fist over his heart.

Josh nodded. He knew plenty about that.

Tyler raised his eyes longingly at the doors to the locker room. “I’ve got to admit… a hot shower beating on my skin sounds like heaven right now.”

Don’t say it.“We got a grown-up shower. You could use my office. You know, if you wanted,” Josh suggested, heart drumming. He was torn between wanting Tyler wet, naked, and alone versus Tyler safely headed home to his own place. He didn’t need any further temptation.

“Twist my arm. But you got work.” Tyler’s eyes twinkled with humor and something more—something that made Josh’s heart hammer. “Wishful thinking. I should get home.”

“Well….” Off that smile, Josh had an outrageous impulse to invite Tyler to hang out. He didn’t want to waste his shot, but he didn’t want to jump the gun either. Instead, he crossed his arms and used his best coach voice. “Good job today, Fantana.”

“Thanks for looking out for me, Coach.”

“Anytime, superstar,” Josh shot back playfully, nudging Tyler’s shoulder as they approached the parking lot.

“Seriously, though,” Tyler continued in a lowered voice. “I appreciate it. You’re… you’re a good guy.”

“Thanks,” Josh replied, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks. “You are too.”

“You don’t even know, man.” Tyler just kept smiling at him. The moment felt both surreal and all too real.

Before Josh could dwell on the implications of their exchange, they arrived at Tyler’s car. As Tyler fumbled with his keys, Josh took a deep breath, gathering the courage for what he knew he needed to say.

“Tyler,” he began, his voice dipping, “I’m glad you’re doing this.”

“Me too,” Tyler admitted, his gaze softening. “I really dig the quiet, but it’s great to talk too. To you, I mean. I didn’t know if I was allowed to talk to you.”

“Allowed? Of course you can. It’s been a long time since I felt comfortable training with someone.”

“Same.” Tyler nodded back at him, toeing the asphalt. “It’s been… well, it’s been a miracle, actually.”

“Good.” Josh nodded, relief washing over him. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for something more between them. “Same. Morning runs have always been sacred for me.”

“Exactly how I feel.” Tyler’s famous smile spread across his face. He smacked Josh’s shoulder, his hand lingering a heartbeat too long. “I think this means we’re officially running buddies now. With big bananas.”

“Looks that way,” Josh agreed gently. “But you promised to take it easy and listen to your body. No weird jock masochism?”

“Deal.” Tyler nodded, his hand lingering on the car door for a moment. Then he climbed inside with some winces and groans. “Well, tomorrow morning, I guess.”

“Count on it,” Josh replied, then glanced at his watch. He didn’t have time to rinse before he swung by Carver’s office.

Tomorrow can’t come fast enough.

In Hamilton High’s main office, the smell of stale coffee and fresh photocopies filled the air. He hesitated in the doorway, still toweling his face.

Why would Principal Carver summon him this early?

“Hey, hot stuff!” Vicky called out, cradling the phone between her shoulder and cheek. Her eyes twinkled mischievously as she winked at him. “He’ll be just a sec.”

“Vick, you leave that nice boy alone.” This from Otis, the school’s janitor, who was wiping down the office windows.

Josh couldn’t help but smile at the flirty receptionist, wondering what wild theory she’d come up with about their imaginary romance this time.

“Can’t blame a girl for trying, though.” Vicky knew he was gay. The flirting had become a kind of friendly game she played to lighten the mood and let him know she had his back. She’d even set him up on a blind date with her cousin the bookkeeper three years ago.

Just then Myra Waxman poked her head in and frowned at the sight of him. “If you can spare me a moment, Mr. Ayres.” Why did she look so put out? “I wanted a word.”

Just in time, Vicky rescued him. “Head on through.” Glancing in Myra’s direction, she gave a comedic grimace. Every year Myra got another bee in her bonnet and wanted everyone involved.

Otis chuckled, scratching his graying beard. “Luck,” he said in a low voice, his eyes serious. Vicky flirting, Myra waiting to scold him, and now this? Something was up.

“Got a minute, Josh?” Principal Carver poked his head out of his office, his dark skin contrasting with the light blue door.

As Josh passed, Vicky offered a nervous, silent thumbs-up. Her encouragement did little to quell the rising anxiety within him. What was this meeting about?

Carver gestured to the chair across from his cluttered desk. “It’s bad news. Not athletics, but I want you to hear it from me first.”

Ominous.Swallowing again, he nodded and sank into the chair, his mind darting through every possible scenario.

“So….” Carver rubbed his temples wearily. “The library. The busybody brigade has gotten permission to shut it down entirely.”

“What?” Josh felt the blood drain from his face. “What now?”

Carver clicked and reclicked his pen. “You warned me. I should have taken these people more seriously.”

“A crusade.” Josh stiffened and felt like his heart had fallen through the floor. “I knew they’d try. When Mr. Dobbins first complained about Heartstopper, I knew.”

“Well, last night they got to Maus and Beloved. Pretty nasty.” The principal wiped his face.

“Oh. Jesus.” Josh scowled. He knew all too well how quickly “concerned” citizens and book-banning could snowball into something dangerous. “Revolution of the Stupids.”

“The board voted on a new list of titles. Boom. But then Suarez called an executive session and threw us out of the room.”

Josh rolled his eyes. “Passing the buck and caving to bullies, as usual.”

Carver held up a folded piece of paper. “I just got the memo. End of term, they’re closing the doors pending review.”

“Phil, kids have a right to access books and information.” Josh struggled to keep his indignation under control. “You got to be kidding me.”

“It kills me.” Carver looked utterly defeated. “We fought them hard on this, Josh. Assholes with too much time on their hands.”

“Well, my degree is in history. And let me tell you, it always starts with books….” He held Carver’s gaze long enough to make his meaning plain.

Carver’s eyes met his in unspoken understanding. Objections to undesirables would come next. “Any ugliness, I need to know pronto.”

“Students have a right to read.” Josh was stiff with rage. “You realize the kids will flip out. All the kids. Especially the ones whose parents did this.”

Carver frowned. “Then we all need to keep our eyes open. Any backlash from students, any attacks on faculty or staff, you come to me immediately. Intolerance has no place in education.”

“But it’s a school. We’re a school. We’ve got the only library for twenty miles.” Josh rubbed his eyes. The Hamilton High library had been his safe haven most of his teenage years. He’d spent hours and hours curled up in there trying to make sense of his world. He’d crammed for tests and written every paper in those kiosks. He shook his head in impotent disgust. “Idiots.”

“Well, last night they axed the library budget. Meredith and Stan will work through end of term, but then… pfft.” He opened his fingers like the librarians were evaporating before his eyes.

Josh nodded, his mind churning and his stomach in knots. What was Carver working up to? “It’s a crusade, Phil. Next thing they’ll want to shutter the whole school.”

“Oh, I don’t think they’re that crazy.” Carver sighed, folding his hands on the desk. He leaned back in his chair, clicking and reclicking his pen again. “Tyler Fantana doing okay with the facilities?”

Even hearing the name made him smile. “Oh yeah. Tyler’s recovery is… slow but steady. He’s… uh—” Josh froze. He didn’t want his face to give anything private away, so he pivoted. “An NFL pro around the place? I got kids who never played so much as Ping-Pong volunteering around the gym, but fame makes people nuts. Makes my job a heck of a lot easier.”

“Love it.” Obviously Carver was circling to something else. “So he has a way with a crowd.”

“Like you can’t imagine.” Josh shrugged. “At a minimum, litter is down, and everyone’s suddenly started washing their gym clothes more often. Win-win from where I’m sitting.”

Carver laughed. “Having an MVP defending literacy and diversity might make a difference. He’s beloved around here. A real hometown hero.”

So that was it. Carver hoped their homegrown NFL star would run library interference before the clock ran out. Except tight ends are offense.

“Tyler’s still recovering, sir,” he said gently. “I’m not sure he’s ready to step into the spotlight.”

“If he’s feeling grateful, a few well-placed interviews, some op-eds… could keep our library open.”

Josh shifted his weight, considering. He wanted to keep Tyler from getting snagged in this local mess. He’d been staying out of the limelight since he’d come home. Last thing Tyler needed was local drama. But Carver made an excellent point: a famous local who was not exactly straight, not exactly white. Tyler’s support might turn the tide.

Josh’s phone buzzed insistently in his pocket. “My gym class. I should get going.” He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply.

“I don’t want to overstep,” Carver began. “But the one and only Captain Fantastic might remind this town what matters. And what shouldn’t.”

He didn’t come right out and say, We’re both minorities, but the unspoken danger seemed palpable.

“Agree, sir.” Josh had never dragged his personal life into the school, but there are no secrets in a small town. He met Carver’s eyes. “I’ll see where he’s at, but I don’t want to push.”

Carver clapped Josh on the back. “I appreciate it.”

Josh took a deep breath as he left Carver’s office and then navigated the halls back toward the gym, his mind muddled and messy. Despite his reservations, Josh had to try.

Tyler would be there at sunup. Josh just had to figure a way to broach the subject.

A whistle pierced the air and a couple of Josh’s students came bounding up to him, breaking his train of thought. A short boy named Miguel said, “Yo, Coach, for real. I thought I was late.”

Josh laughed and bobbed his head. “Then I better hustle, huh?” The junior coach was already taking attendance and herding the kids toward the doors.

“We going to start class or what?” asked DeSean, balancing a football on his index finger.

Josh squared his shoulders, back in coach mode. “Sorry, gentlemen, be right there.” He took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

He swung by his desk to change his sweaty shirt and then trotted out to the field. As he stepped outside, the afternoon sun momentarily blinded him.

He could do this. For the team, for his town, for himself.