"Myers! Get over here!" I stopped filling up the water bottles and jogged over to Coach T.
"Yes, sir?"
He looked down at me, "How ya been lately?"
His question caught me off guard causing me to stutter, "I-I, uhm, I've been good. Things have been good."
He pulled his sunglasses off and squinted at me, "You sure? Nothings goin' on at home or anything?"
What was with the 20 questions?
"Yeah everything's good at home. I just got a job to help with bills and stuff, but we're good as of now."
He scrutinized me for a couple seconds longer before sighing, "Alrighty then." I started to walk off when he cleared his throat, stopping me.
"I've heard you're not doing so well in your AP English class…"
Oh, great. Mrs. T had talked to Coach about my grades? Would this affect me being the trainer? I actually liked this, as stupid as it sounded, I liked filling up water bottles, doing laundry and cleaning. I felt like part of the team-the boys respected me- not only because of all the shit I do for them but cause Coach told 'em too. I was a part of something bigger than just a football team. These boys were brothers-and they treated me as if I was there long lost sister. I loved it.
"Does this mean I can't be the trainer?" I sputtered out desperately.
Coach laughed, "No, no, you're still the trainer. I was just going to suggest a writing tutor. My wife-even though she is not technically supposed too- let me know you're not doing well on your essays and I happen to know someone who could help."
A tutor? I guess I could use some help…
"Who'd you have in mind?"
He pointed at Riggins, "He's been taking a few classes at the Jr. College in the English department and he's gotten pretty good at writing… I just thought he could help you."
Riggins? Tim Riggins as my tutor?
I'd heard the legends, tales, stories or whatever you wanted to call them about Tim Riggins. He was a drunken womanizer who never showed up for school and if he did, he didn't do a damn thing. And now he's supposed to be my tutor?
"Uhh.. No offense sir, but didn't he barely graduate? And did he not drop out of college… then go to jail?" I questioned, in a hushed whisper so no one but Coach would hear.
He cleared his throat again, "Well, I'll let you in on a little secret. Everyone changes overtime whether you believe it or not, they do. The old Tim Riggins was a drunk. He's now an assistant football coach and he's going to college. Your past doesn't define you, Myers. Remember that."
I nodded my head, feeling stupid for question Coach Taylor. I'd only known him for a little over a month, but I felt like I'd known him forever. His whole family seemed to have that effect on me.
"Okay, sir."
"I already asked him if he'd be up for tutoring you, in case you decided you needed some help and he said he didn't mind. You just need to ask him after practice to set up a good time to meet up."
"Yes, thank you sir."
….
"Hey, Tim." I walked up behind him in the locker room, setting the basket of dirty practice jerseys on the ground.
"Yeah, Myers?" He turned and gave me a questioning look.
Jeez, he was gorgeous. Little beads of sweat had gathered on his forehead, sliding down the side of his face, making it seem as if his skin was shining. His green eyes stared into mine, making it hard to breathe.
Woah. You're not crushing on your this guy. Womanizer alert Steph, snap out of it.
My mind started its regular inner battle.
But Coach T said people change.
Yeah, maybe, but not guys who look like him and can have whomever they please. Besides he's too old for you! It's illegal!
I'm 18 he's 21, it's not legal.
"Myers?" Tim waved his hand in front of my face, snapping me back to reality.
My face flushed, "Uh, yeah, sorry… Uh, I was wondering if you could, erm.. Tutor me in English?"
He seemed some-what shocked. Had Coach T lied about talking to him already?
Tim composed himself, "Yeah, sure. I can tutor you whenever, just let me know when you have time."
"Could we do it tonight?" I asked quickly and much too enthusiastically than I wanted myself too.
"Uhm… Yeah, I guess. I have nothing else to do. Do you wanna go to the library or what?"
"Could you come to my house? All my books are there."
"Yeah. What time do you want me over?"
Well, it was 5 now and I wasn't working tonight, thank the lord, and I was almost done with the boys' laundry.
"How about 7?"
"Okay, I'll be there at 7. Where do you live?"
"Over on Oaks Street, I'm the light blue house on the corner. My car will be in the drive way."
He shook his beautiful head, "I'll be there," He flashed me a small side smile, giving me butterflies, "See ya later." He walked out the door, not once looking back.
I looked down at my stomach; you're not allowed to have butterflies over TIM RIGGINS. He is off limits! I mentally kicked myself for reacting to him the way I had. He wasn't just some High School boy. He was a college dropout, reenter college guy who worked as my boss and was a womanizer. He was all kinds of off limits. I shouldn't even be thinking about him now.
I growled at myself, as I grabbed the basket of laundry.
What am I thinking? I am losing my mind over Riggins.
Tim effing Riggins.