Chapter 30

Chapter Thirty

Tony

I knew Caleb would be at the football kickoff meeting. It didn't matter how weird things were between us. He'd be there for Scotty. Consequently, I wasn't surprised when he strolled in with a few minutes to spare. I was, however, surprised by Scotty's smile and by both of them taking seats close to Angel, Cosmo, and me. John and Eric, who had walked over with me, were behind us. Eric was how I knew the crew had had a bad call today, a farm fire where it was a legit miracle no one was injured or worse.

I was more than relieved to see Caleb with a faint scratch from his mask on his face and weary eyes, but blessedly in one piece. Get used to it, Capo. If everything went the way I hoped, I'd be worrying about Caleb for a long time to come. Not that he seemed to care about any such plans of mine at the moment.

Caleb greeted everyone as he took his seat, me included. However, his eyes slid right over me, no lingering look or meaningful sly smile tonight.

"Excellent work today, Scotty." Angel's tone was extra peppy, undoubtedly due to the large amount of funds the parent club was about to announce at the meeting.

"It was fun." Scotty gave another of those rare but welcome smiles. "John and I raced to see who could plant more fall annuals."

"Look at you having fun gardening," Caleb teased. "Next, you'll be bringing home some houseplants."

"Maybe." Scotty shrugged. "Plants don't bug me about the dishwasher."

"Hey, now." Caleb undoubtedly would have said more, but Coach Willard started the meeting.

Leaning heavily on his cane, Coach Willard handed out copies of the finalized schedule of games and practices and reviewed team rules. Most families were returning from previous seasons, so the code of conduct reminders passed with only a few questions. A couple of parents took issue with new district-wide rules about signs, noisemakers, and heckling, but the meeting moved along with Angel reporting on the fundraising success and upcoming efforts, including pumpkin sales.

"My pumpkin can beat your pumpkin." Scotty leaned back to nudge John, and Cosmo snort-laughed loud enough to earn a look from his mother.

As Angel took her seat, Coach stood up again, frowning deeply. "There have been a lot of rumors lately."

Near me, Caleb inhaled sharply before glancing over at me. I shook my head subtly before Coach continued.

"Seems folks have been on about my health and ability to coach. And trust me, no one is happier than my Beverly that I'm announcing I'm bringing Tony Capo on board as my right-hand man and assistant. And come next year, my hope is that the school board appoints him as my successor."

Coach Willard paused as much shuffling and murmuring took place around the room. I wasn't surprised by the announcement or the reactions, but my pulse started to rev as Coach motioned at me. "Tony would like to say a few words."

As I stood, I risked a glance at Caleb, who appeared stricken, a WTF meme-worthy face with wide eyes, slumping shoulders, and a slack jaw. Not giving him a heads-up had been a deliberate choice because I didn't want to second-guess my decision. I hoped I could later make amends and alleviate his despair, but right then, all I could do was plunge ahead.

"Hi. I'm Tony Capo. A lot of you know me as Cosmo's uncle," I said to much laughter. "But I'm also an alumnus of Mount Hope High. We had a little success my senior year." That got another round of smiles and nods. "And Coach will never take the credit, but he's why I graduated. Not to put too fine a point on it, but he saved my life."

Coach Willard shifted in his seat, looking distinctly uncomfortable at the praise. Too bad. I was going to tell my story.

"Things were rough at home. Really rough." I glanced at Angel, who gave me a tight nod. "Coach and Beverly sent me home with food more than once. Football and the team were my safe place, and through Coach, I learned discipline, self-respect, and the importance of teamwork. This served me well in my twenty-year career as an Army Ranger. My hope is to be that same guiding influence for the next generation. There's no replacing Coach, of course, and we'll all have to learn and grow together. I hope to earn all of your trust and support, but there are a few other things you should know about me."

I paused to take a breath. Next to me, Angel offered an encouraging smile, but Caleb stared stonily down at the floor. God, I hoped I wasn't ruining every last chance I had with him. No choice but to go for broke with my next play.

"Like many service personnel, I'm dealing with the after-effects of years of deployments. Loud noises bug me, and I've already warned the team that getting a celebratory bath from the drink cooler is one of my worst nightmares." That got a few nervous twitters. "It's not easy to talk about mental health, but I figure if I want the kids to be able to talk about their well-being, I better be open about mine. Working with the team this summer has helped tremendously."

My face heated like someone had turned the lights way up. Indeed, every eyeball in the room seemed fixed on me, Caleb included as he'd finally raised his gaze. And he didn't look quite so murderous. Little positives to cling to.

"The last thing I want to share is that I'm bisexual. And I know some of you are probably wondering why I'd even mention that. Who I date or partner with shouldn't and doesn't have anything to do with my ability to coach. It's not relevant to my years of leadership experience. I've got a stack of references at the ready that speak to the things that are relevant, but I also know there are some people who might care."

I paused for another breath and a quick glance around the room. A few people were nodding, but I couldn't be sure what part of my speech they were agreeing with. Coach Willard looked none too happy with his arms crossed over his chest. I hadn't warned him any more than I'd warned Caleb for a similar reason. I hadn't wanted him to talk me out of my choice. Now it was done and out there, and he could choose to withdraw his support or not, but I stood steady with the conviction I'd done the right thing.

"For those who think it might matter, I'm sure you'll have your chance to inform the school board of any concerns before next year. I wanted this information out in the open for a lot of reasons. Like Coach, I don't like rumors." That got a soft snort-laugh from someone, possibly Eric or Angel. "Primarily, I want to earn the team's trust, and I can't do that if I'm keeping some big secret. But more importantly, I'm aware I'm a role model. And someday, there will be a kid on this team—maybe even one of yours—and my being out and open about who I am will matter to them. I don't ever want anyone to feel like they don't belong." I made eye contact around the room, not singling anyone out but trying to make my point clear.

"Hear that? Y'all bring whomever you want to homecoming." Cosmo's strident interruption got a round of hoots and laughter.

"Exactly. There's a place for everyone on our team. And being out matters to me because I might want to bring a date to homecoming or dance at the next fundraiser with someone special." Not looking directly at Caleb at that moment took an act of tremendous willpower. "To wrap things up, I'd like to thank Coach for the opportunity to be an assistant this year. If anyone has specific concerns, they can talk to me after."

"Or me." Angel stood next to me, looking every bit the protective mama bear she'd grown into.

"Or me." Cosmo joined his mom, and then John and Eric also stood.

"Or us." Stu and most of the defensive line stood along with several other players until a good portion of the room was standing and clapping. All I could do, however, was sit before my shaking hands and knees gave me away.

The meeting ended shortly after my speech, and I made my way over to Coach Willard.

"Should have warned me," he grumbled.

"Would it have made a difference in your offer?" My stomach churned.

"You going on about me saving your life." He shook a thick finger at me. "Can't make me all misty in front of the team. You saved yourself, Capo. And those sisters of yours. Remember that. And as for whom you dance with, all I care about is that I never have to chaperone another homecoming dance." He gave a curt nod before adding loud enough for everyone around us to hear, "See you at practice."

As I made my way to the cafeteria exit, I had to endure hugs from Angel, back pats from Eric, and kind words from several mothers, and then finally, right when I was almost free, I felt a familiar hand on my shoulder.

"You said people should come up to you afterward if they have concerns." Caleb had a hard-to-read expression without his usual smile.

"And you do?" I glanced longingly at the double doors. If he was going to reject me outright, I might prefer a bit more privacy.

"Yes. I'm concerned about this homecoming date of yours." He narrowed his eyes.

"Jealous? Or here to apply?" I smiled at him. "Because the position's already yours."

"You sound rather sure of yourself, Capo." Despite his stern tone, he finally returned my smile.

"I am."

"Not worried about your feet?" Caleb raised his eyebrows. "I'm rather notoriously bad at dancing."

"My feet will survive." I laughed, only too happy to be discussing high school dances. Hell, I'd take Caleb to Mars if I thought it would ensure a future. "As will our reputations. Yeah, we're former coworkers, and maybe there will be a little gossip if we're together openly, but we can weather that."

"And some things are more important than reputation or gossip," Caleb said solemnly.

"Couldn't agree more." My chest felt light, like I'd won an Oscar, Heisman, and Medal of Honor all on the same day.

"Speaking of reputations, are you going to come over tonight?"

"Scotty going out with the guys?" I glanced around the half-empty cafeteria but didn't spy Scotty, Cosmo, or the rest of their crew.

"Not sure." Caleb flashed a devilish smile my way. "Come over anyway."

"Sounds risky." I grinned so wide my teeth hurt. "I'm in."