Chapter 7
"How is it all going? It's going great. But listen, I need to talk to Guidance Counsellor Taylor. I'll get back to the wife in a minute" Coach Taylor was pacing the balcony of Buddy's apartment, talking to his wife. He laughed softly as his jibe registered on the other end in Philadelphia.
"I've got this kid, new star quarterback from across town...Yeh, Buddy did it...No...I don't know, but you remember that Morel family?...Yeh, it's the Morel boy"
Coach had his hand over one eye. He slid it up to his forehead and over his dishevelled brown hair as he paced back and forth. Eric reaching out to Tami was his subtle way of bridging the gap between them. Over the years he had discovered that she not only enjoyed being involved in what he did, she was darn good at giving advice too.
"Yeh, that's the one...Well, yeah, you would not believe it but I found out he's sleeping with the Dean's daughter...Yes, our Dean. The girl's all upset because someone video-taped it"
He stepped aside as the flyscreen door creaked open and Buddy stepped tentatively out on to the balcony. His eyes followed Eric as he paced back and forth. No doubt he felt somewhat responsible for the actions of his star recruit.
"Well, it wouldn't be my problem, but I was planning on recruiting this kid...I can't...Yes, he's very good, he's just got a terrible attitude. Seems like you can't be good and have a good attitude any more...I have to, he's too good to ignore" He turned and walked back towards Buddy, still on the phone.
Eric sighed "You're right. I was hoping you wouldn't say that but you're right. Is there anyone else I can speak to, Counsellor, or is it just you and my wife?" He chuckled half-heartedly "Alright. I love you with all my heart...I will say hello to Buddy." He hung up.
"Listen, Eric, I know this is real awkward for you and all being tied to this girl's Daddy, but try not to let it interfere with your view of the kid. He's a special talent" Buddy said.
Coach looked up at him, putting his cap back on, his eyes narrowed. "Buddy, awkward is an understatement. If the Dean finds out about this, not only is there no way I can recruit the kid, it reflects badly on me. This is my town"
"I know, but listen we'll sort it out. We'll sit the girl down-" Buddy's eyes were wide and his salesman persona had kicked into overdrive.
"Sit the girl down? I'm not going anywhere near the girl. Those boys are going to apologize for what they did and- Damn it, I though Riggins was bad...This kid is bad, bad news" He waved a finger at Buddy.
"Coach, I hear you but there's no need to be hasty. Nothing you and I and the boosters can't do something to fix. You just leave it with me, now" Buddy put a hand on Eric's shoulder.
Eric ran a hand over his forehead, trying to wipe the stress away. He was never this stressed back in Philadelphia. "No bribes. I do not want the girl bribed, Buddy. That will make it even worse"
Buddy threw his hands up in front of him. "I wasn't even thinking about that, Coach" His chins danced as he feigned innocence. "Just you give me twenty-four hours"
Eric groaned as Buddy steered him back inside. "Now you go get yourself cleaned up and have a good rest. This will all be sorted out by tomorrow evening, I guarantee it"
Eric eyed him suspiciously as Buddy urged him through the door. "I don't want to know"
"You won't have to, Coach" Buddy chuckled. "Towels are in the drawer by the bed"
Eric tossed his hat on the couch and headed over to the shower. Twenty-four hours would have been reassuring in another place. But in a small town like Dillon twenty-four hours could seem like an eternity. Details would spread like wild-fire. The party was on the previous night and Buddy had heard the story from one of the Rally girls' mothers who was on the booster committee. Buddy was both a blessing and a curse. But in a situation like this he was probably more of a blessing.
When Eric emerged from the shower Buddy was standing at the door, talking to someone who was standing outside on the balcony. He appeared pleased to see the person, smiling his best car-salesman smile and shaking the person's hand vigorously before inviting them to step inside.
"Uh, Coach, I-" Matt stepped through the door as Eric was still half-dressed, pulling a sweater over himself. He clutched his towel tightly and closed the door to pull some trousers on.
Matt was sitting with Buddy at a small round table when Eric came out to meet him.
"I'll leave you two to talk," Buddy winked "I've got to make some calls" and he stepped back out on to the balcony.
"Nice to see you, Mr Garrity" Matt said politely.
"So, Matt. You've heard about what our genius quarterback got himself into last night?"
"Uh yeh, I did Coach. Mr Garrity told me to do a few things...But I kinda wanted to talk to you about something else" Matt's eye contact was fleeting, his old shyness coming back to haunt him.
"Julie" Coach said, looking him straight in the eye.
"Uh...yeh. It's Julie" Matt said, nodding.
"Well, out with it then" Coach said impatiently. He still wasn't entirely comfortable with talking to Matt about his daughter but he liked the kid.
"I don't know what to do, Coach. She's mad at me and...it's kind of not my fault" He looked up at Coach, sheepishly. "It's just – I've already apologised so many times-"
"Look, Matt. Women are kind of complicated. I'm going to make this simple. I understand why you're down here and I don't hold it against you. You're a good guy and I'm glad that Julie's dating you and not someone else. While you and I are down here it's strictly football. You can sort out your feelings with Julie when you get back and I know you will. Now, let's keep it that way" Coach tilted his head to one side, waiting for confirmation that his message had hit home.
"Uh, yes Coach. Strictly football" Matt nodded.
"Now get on home and say hello to Grandma for me" Coach slapped him on the arm.
"Yes, coach. She says hello too and I will" He got up and backed out towards the door. "I'm just going to talk to Mr Garrity on the way out"
Coach Taylor didn't smile but his eyes shone reassuringly back at Matt as they had previously on so many occasions. "Good night, Matt"
