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Off the Sidelines (QuirkyQuill and MrPositive)

Adrian took a deep breath, watching Cassie as she spoke, her words heavy with the history they shared, yet remarkably lighthearted. His mind raced, trying to process all that had changed and all that hadn't. Standing here in her living room, with her right in front of him, it felt surreal—and strangely comforting. Cassie had always been able to turn things around with a single joke, a wink, or a small smile. Her words hung in the air, echoing with the sentiment of ten years' worth of unsaid apologies, and the warmth of her hand on his cheek still lingered.

He smiled, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly as he thought about how to answer her.

"Yeah, the photograph," he started, the words almost slipping out in a chuckle. "Just goes to show—cameras are everywhere. Although," he nudged her gently with his elbow, a teasing grin lighting up his face, "they did get your good side, I'll give them that."

She laughed softly, an eye-roll included for good measure, and then added, with her signature touch of sarcasm, "Every side is my good side."

Her imitation of Meg, the exaggerated flip of her braid and all, made him laugh, and he could feel the weight of the past lifting, even if just a little.

"It is a nice picture of us—it's like the ten years between then and now just…never happened." He paused, his tone shifting. "But I do appreciate your take on it, Cass. A clean slate…that does sound pretty great."

Cassie's smile was a playful one, and her response shot back fast: "Just proves what I tell everyone—never Google yourself. No one needs that kind of negativity."

Then, as if she hadn't quite gotten enough of teasing him, she added with a glint in her eyes, "But you know, you've definitely gotten older. Think you might be thinning a little right here—" she raised her hand, mock-examining his hairline, and Adrian pretended to look wounded, leaning back slightly.

"Me?" He feigned shock, widening his eyes dramatically. "The years have been good to me! And at least I'm not sporting those blonde streaks anymore. Not your best look, Cass."

Cassie tilted her head back and gave an exaggerated sigh. "At least I didn't go full-on Ginger Spice with the money pieces. That was all Meg, and believe me, she regretted it."

She shook her head with a laugh, and he extended his hand, meeting her gaze. "Friends?" he asked, knowing it was the right step for now, but secretly hoping this might be just the beginning of something new.

She took his hand, shaking it firmly, and he couldn't help but think about how right it felt. After years of distance, of wondering what might have been, this moment had brought a sense of peace he hadn't felt in ages.

"Well," she continued, gesturing to the pile of laundry she'd been working through, "I was about to throw on a movie. Interested in staying?"

The question surprised him, but he answered quickly, nodding. "Definitely. Though nothing intense, if we're still going with the clean slate approach," he joked, nudging her again.

Cassie leaned her head toward the hall, calling out as she moved to fold more clothes. "What about the team? They ready for the first game? It's only, what, two months away?"

Adrian grinned, settling on the couch and flicking through Netflix. The question felt strangely casual coming from Cassie, like a scene from another time. He called back to her with the same playfulness she had tossed his way.

"Yeah, well, I think the team's coming together, but we've got a lot of work to do. Honestly, I'd just be happy with a winning season this year—don't want to hear any wild playoff predictions from you reporters." He laughed at the end, catching her as she came back into the room.

Cassie smiled, slipping onto the couch beside him. "Oh, come on. There's not a single reporter who's uttered 'playoffs' and 'Timberwolves' in the same sentence in the last few years. But now that you're back? Who knows."

Cassie had that look on her face, half-grin and half-devious smirk, and he braced himself, knowing her next question would be a good one.

"By work to do, you mean about how you tossed out the veteran quarterbacks in favor of the freshman?" she asked, her voice in the same half-teasing tone she'd used when grilling him about his old hairstyle.

Adrian laughed, shaking his head. "Well, I might have let one of them go. He'd already mentally checked out—realized it wouldn't be a quick fix and decided to get out while he could. But don't worry, strictly off the record, as always." He gave her a wink, tossing a pillow on the couch behind him to settle in.

They fell into a comfortable silence as Adrian settled on an episode of The Office, leaning back into the couch, the remote resting on the arm. Cassie's warmth beside him and the familiarity of the banter felt good—more than good, it felt like a new beginning.

"Good choice," Cassie said, as the opening credits rolled. "Show was never the same after Steve Carell left. Better to go out strong than fizzle and die," she remarked with a knowing glance.

"Completely agree," he replied, chuckling. He caught himself stealing a quick look at her as she settled in, thinking how comfortable she looked here, sitting with him like this.

But just as the episode's plot kicked off, Adrian noticed Cassie's breathing had become slower, her head dipping forward slightly. He looked over, and a small smile crept onto his face when he realized she'd fallen asleep, her head tilted softly to one side, her braid draped over her shoulder.

Careful not to wake her, Adrian spotted a throw blanket on a nearby chair and got up to tuck it around her. She barely stirred, letting out a soft sigh as she snuggled deeper into the cushion, her face relaxed, peaceful.

Adrian felt a pang of something he couldn't quite name—a mix of nostalgia and hope, perhaps. It struck him how much she still meant to him, this woman who'd been by his side through so much, and here they were again, sharing a quiet moment.

He reached for a notepad on the coffee table, scribbling a quick note and setting it down gently where she'd see it.

*Hope you get some rest. Thanks again for tonight. It felt really good to bury the past, and now we can move forward. See you soon, A.*

He looked down at her one last time, a small smile tugging at his lips, and quietly made his way to the door.
 
“Wait, wait, wait,” Meg held up her hand as she looked incredulously at Cassie. “You mean to tell me that Adrian showed up here last night, unannounced, and made this huge speech about how he had been carrying all this guilt around because he chose Rebecca over you, which is pretty much a declaration of love, and you effectively stuck him in the friend zone? Cassandra, what is wrong with you?”

“At no point in my version of last night's events did I say anything about a declaration of love.” Sounding defensive, Cassie dug into her container of chow mei fun and took a bite of her noodles.

“What else would it be?” Laughing sarcastically, Meg took a bite of her own lunch.

“Meg, he was just clearing the air. There's so much pressure on him right now.”

“You're making my point for me,” Meg said, pointing her chopsticks at Cassie. “He has all this stuff on his mind, yet you are front and center to the point where he showed up here unannounced. And you put him in the friend zone. Again!”

“Meg,” Cassie sounded exasperated, shaking her head. “I have always been in the friend zone with Adrian Stafford.”

“Only because you have always been too much of a coward to put yourself out there.”

Cassie's eyes shot up from her food, and she looked genuinely shocked at Meg’s words. This had just crossed into different territory, and the lack of teasing on Meg’s face told Cassie that she realized it too.

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. Cassie, you have always been too afraid to put yourself out there because you have never felt like you were good enough. First with Adrian in college, and since then you have dated, but you’ve never really opened yourself up to anyone. Deep down I think part of you knows it's because Adrian is the only guy on this planet you could ever actually fall in love with. What I can't figure out is if you're really afraid of it failing or if you're terrified that a relationship with him would succeed.”

Cassie could feel herself getting angry. She and Meg rarely fought, but there were times when they seemed to explode. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at the other woman.

“And what about you, Meg?” Her tone took on a bite to it that felt counterintuitive.

“What about me?”

“You are the one out here with a different guy every month. It's like a Flavor of the Month Club with you. And now Marcus is on your menu? Perhaps you are so focused on judging my love life with a microscope because you don't want to actually look at yours.” With that, she stood up and snatched her drink. “I have to go get ready for my Insta live.”

*

The next two months flew by in a blur. Cassie continued to bounce from sport to sport, jumping into different practices as the rest of the fall sports started training. A week after Cassie and Meg had fought, Meg showed up to Cassie's office with two pints of ice cream in tow and an apology. The two could never stay mad at each other for long.

Before Cassie knew it, game day had arrived. The Wolf Pack was playing on their home turf, and the hype and expectations were high. Cassie hoped she and the other reporters had set reasonable expectations for Adrian and his team, but she had all the faith in the world that they would see something today.

Pulling out her phone an hour before kickoff, she sent off a quick text to Adrian. The team had just gone back into the locker room after warming up.

C: Have you thrown up yet?

A: Never my thing. But I do have a large knot forming in my stomach. I’d forgotten how loud this place could be.

C: Oh, this is just pre-game. Just wait! I haven't seen it this packed in several years. You have people excited.

A: That’s my fear. Is the hype too much?

C: I think you deserve all the hype we've given you, and I would thank you to not sully my journalistic integrity by suggesting otherwise, sir. 😉 I think often it's the fans who need to adjust their expectations of what success looks like. You were made for this moment, Stafford. Your guys are fighting for every inch in practice. Regardless of the scoreboard tonight, if we see that fight for 60 minutes of football, it's a win in my book. Not that I'm saying my book is the only one that matters, but I have been known to influence other people's books. I also think this analogy has gotten out of hand.

A: Thanks Cass. You always know what to say. That certainly hasn’t changed in 10 years!

C: Go get ‘em, Coach!

Putting her phone away, she grabbed her mic and waited for her countdown to go live with her pregame predictions.

The stadium was packed as the clock ticked down to the start of the game. She and Meg made eye contact, both women looking nervous about what the night would bring. Meg was the only person Cassie would have shared that anxious look with, and she quickly wiped it from her face. Meg was with the rest of the medical staff, hopefully not being needed during the game.

The opposing team made their exit from the tunnel, their marching band firing off their fight song.

Then it was time.

The stadium lights flickered off and on, changing colors and bathing the stadium in blue and yellow, as the announcer built up that moment the team, being led by their coach, would come running out on their field.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, your Dogwood Timberwolves!” The stadium erupted into howls as the team came running out, their own fight song quickly vibrating through the stadium as the fans sang along.

Cassie's face broke out in a wide grin. These moments never grew old. The electricity that ran through this place every Saturday when the fans were excited and had hope was unparalleled. She took it all in from her spot along the back wall behind the team, keeping her distance.

Her eyes immediately found Adrian, and her smile shifted from the excitement of an alumna to something softer. Almost like clockwork, he happened to turn and their eyes met. Without even thinking about it, Cassie stuck her tongue out and crossed her eyes in a throwback to his playing days. Shaking her head, she shrugged her shoulders before mouthing ‘Go be you.’
 
The morning after his night with Cassie, Adrian tracked down Marcus in the team's film room. He knew his old friend wouldn't be expecting a "morning-after debrief" so soon, but he needed to lay down some ground rules. They both had a lot riding on this season, and he wasn't about to let anything—especially not Marcus's love life—jeopardize that.

"Alright, listen up, Romeo," Adrian started, smirking as he took a seat next to Marcus, who looked equal parts amused and exasperated. "Last night better not end up as one of your 'flavors of the month.' I have just patched things up with Cassie, so hurting Meg is off the table. Not to mention, this program needs us focused right now. Think you can manage that?"

Marcus laughed, holding up his hands defensively. "Hey, I like her, alright? I'm not about to mess this up or tank your season in the process."

Adrian nodded, letting a small smile creep onto his face. "Good. Let's keep it that way." He paused, before adding, "Besides, football comes first."

"Always," Marcus grinned, extending his fist for a quick bump. "Just, you know, try not to worry too much. Got it covered."

The exchange with Marcus lingered in Adrian's mind as the next two months of pre-season swept in with all their intensity. The team's roster needed to solidify, a decision loomed on who would start as quarterback, and there was always the question of how to build trust in a program that had struggled for years. After analyzing the players' progress during the scrimmages, he ultimately chose to start Blake Grey, the senior quarterback, over Trey Caldwell, the promising freshman. Blake wasn't the flashiest choice, but he had experience, and Adrian knew they couldn't afford to gamble with that position in their opening season game.

By game day, adrenaline replaced any lingering doubts he'd carried through the last-minute drills and adjustments. As they walked out of the locker room, the noise of the crowd hit him like a wall. The stadium was packed, a sea of blue and yellow with banners waving and fans chanting. This was the place he'd poured his heart into for years as a player. Now he was stepping into it again as a coach, and it felt like the stakes had never been higher.

He led his team down the tunnel, feeling a pulse of electricity in every step. The tunnel lights flickered in shades of blue and yellow, the announcer's voice booming over the sound system, building anticipation to a crescendo. The noise rose, the crowd feeding off the energy of the players, who jogged in time to the beat of their fight song.

The announcer's voice echoed through the stadium. "Ladies and Gentlemen, your Dogwood Timberwolves!"

The team broke through the tunnel and charged out onto the field, Adrian at the helm, with howls erupting from every corner of the stadium. Looking into the stands, he could see familiar faces, former teammates, faculty, alumni, and so many supporters whose hopes were pinned on this program's revival.

Then, almost instinctively, he caught sight of Cassie on the sidelines, taking it all in with a smile that reminded him why he was here. She met his gaze, and in an unexpected, playful moment, she crossed her eyes and stuck out her tongue—a gesture he recognized from his playing days. He couldn't help but laugh, his nerves easing slightly as he gave her a thumbs-up in return. With that final boost of confidence, he turned back to his team, ready to show them what this season, and this team, could be.

The game had been everything Adrian had hoped for and feared—a battle fought down to every last yard. From the start, his Timberwolves had refused to back down, matching the opposition's intensity and outplaying their projections. The crowd was alive, feeding off the team's grit, and the students and alumni poured their support from the stands, electrifying the stadium. Now, with only two minutes left on the clock, they were down by four, 21-17, and his players were visibly exhausted. They needed one last drive, and Adrian was prepared to give them everything he had to get there.

They started off strong. Blake, with a quiet confidence only a senior could bring, pushed forward, connecting with his wide receiver for a quick eight-yard gain. Another run by their tailback brought them to second and five near midfield. Adrian watched Blake clap his hands and set up, scanning the field. But as the ball snapped, a linebacker broke through the offensive line and made a beeline for Blake, colliding with him before he had a chance to release the ball.

Blake hit the turf, clutching his shoulder, and the stadium collectively held its breath. Adrian's heart dropped, and he exchanged glances with his coaching staff. This was not part of the plan. Medical staff rushed onto the field, and after a moment, Adrian made his way to Blake, who was grimacing in pain.

"Coach…" Blake's voice was tight as he tried to sit up, his face twisted with frustration. "I'm… I'm out."

Adrian's stomach knotted, but he nodded, keeping his voice calm. "Rest up. We'll finish this."

Adrian turned back to the sideline, searching for Trey Caldwell. The freshman looked pale, clearly thrown by the moment. Adrian strode over, placing both hands on Trey's shoulders and meeting his eyes.

"This is your moment, Trey. We've trained for this. Trust what you know and trust your team. You've got this."

Trey nodded, swallowing hard as he jogged onto the field, his nerves evident but his resolve settling in with every step. The stadium was roaring, and Adrian could feel the entire crowd rallying behind the freshman.

Trey's first snap went for a quick pass, just enough to keep the ball moving and shake off his nerves. Another run brought them close to the red zone, and the clock was ticking—time was against them. They managed a third and short, and the crowd roared as the Timberwolves made it to first and goal. Adrian could feel the energy, his own heart pounding as he watched Trey's every move, silently willing him to keep pushing.

With eight seconds left and no timeouts, it was third and goal. Adrian met Trey's eyes from the sideline, holding up three fingers to signal the play. It was risky, but Adrian knew Trey could pull it off.

The snap came, and Trey stepped back, scanning his options. The pocket began to collapse, but he didn't flinch, rolling out to his right to buy time. One of his wide receivers cut across the field, slipping away from his defender just enough for Trey to spot him in the back corner of the end zone. Trey planted his feet and let the ball fly.

Time seemed to slow as the pass arched through the air, cutting through the noise, the hopes, the anxieties. The receiver leapt, arms outstretched, and snagged the ball just as his feet landed in bounds.

Touchdown.

For a split second, there was silence, as if the whole stadium was absorbing what had just happened. Then the place erupted. Adrian let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his hands clenched as he threw them up in triumph. Players rushed the field, swarming Trey, lifting him up as chants of "Timberwolves" echoed from every corner.

Adrian stood back, a smile breaking across his face as he watched his team—his team—celebrate the win. It wasn't just about the scoreboard; it was about the grit, the heart, the fight they'd shown for every inch. It was the kind of moment he'd dreamed of when he'd first walked onto this field as a player, and now, as their coach, it meant more than he could have ever imagined.

Amid the roaring crowd, Adrian found Marcus, who was barreling toward him, arms raised in triumph. They met in an embrace, both laughing, a mix of relief and disbelief painted across their faces.

"Did you see that?" Marcus shouted, his face lit up with pure joy.

Adrian nodded, grinning. "You kidding? Freshman steps in and does *that*. Unreal."

They shared a look, the silent understanding of two men who had fought through countless long hours, setbacks, and doubts to get here. Adrian clapped Marcus on the back, the adrenaline and pride surging through him.

As the players continued celebrating around him, he scanned the stands, his eyes searching—and then, he found her. Cassie was watching him, her face bright with the same pride and joy he felt, her grin beaming down at him. Their eyes locked, and in that one shared look, he felt a connection that was stronger than anything he'd felt in years. This wasn't just a victory; it was a piece of his past, his dreams, and maybe, a glimpse of something new.

He mouthed - thank you.
 
In a moment of unprofessionalism that she would deny if ever asked, Cassie’s arms shot up and she screamed when Trey Caldwell pulled a miracle out of the bag and won the game. Without thinking, she squeezed Kenny in a huge hug, giving him an apologetic look as he motioned wildly to his camera she had just promptly jostled. She looked for Meg on the sidelines, but then remembered with a sinking feeling that she had gone back to the locker room with Blake. For all her bounciness, Meg took her job seriously, and when it was time for her to attend to one of their athletes, she was all business.

“You ready to get on the field?” She asked Kenny while setting her clipboard down on a nearby chair. Her eyes darted back to the field as she tried to find the best route to get through the players and coaches to interview Adrian. It was in that moment that her eyes met those familiar green orbs staring back at her, bringing a grin to her face.

Thank you.

Cassie’s grin softened into that smile that only he could bring out as she shook her head at him.

All you. She mouthed back, and offered him a two finger salute before the chaos set back in. Once Kenny had his video camera off of the tripod, the two dove into the foray. They managed to get a quick interview with Marcus and Trey before they made it to Adrian. When she got the signal that it was her turn, she stepped up to him, that grin back on her face. Holding her mic between them, she leaned in close to him, her mouth inches from his ear so he could hear her over the noise. It had never occurred to Cassie until this very moment just how close they had to get to the coaches during these interviews, but she was painfully aware of it with him.

“Coach, there was a lot of expectations and attention going into this game. What was your message to your guys before the game and during half-time to help them stay focused on the job at hand and push out all the other noise?” When he answered, she pulled back slightly, pushing the microphone more towards him, but that smile remained on her face. Cassie wondered if he realized just how charismatic he was when he spoke about something he was passionate about. She already knew that he was going to be one of those coaches that people fell in love with.

When he’d responded to her, she gave him a quick wink before she and Kenny scooted out of the way. Her heart twinged with emotion as she looked around the players and saw them full of so much life.

”Hey, you ok?” Kenny’s voice interrupted her, and she nodded her head.

“I’m great.”

*

The press conference had a very different kind of energy than the last several ones had.
When Eric came up and asked where she wanted to position her question, she asked for the first, which she rarely did.

“Coach, I just have one simple question. How’d that feel?” A mischievous grin spread over her face, and she caught Marcus in the seat next to Adrian choke on a laugh. He covered it up by taking a drink of water.

It was an inside joke that was born of one of Cassie’s first days interning with the school’s media team. She’d been working on interviewing, and had asked Adrian some question that escaped her to this day, and his response had been so boastful and prideful it had everybody around him laughing from the sheer absurdity of it. When they hiked the ball to him afterwards, nobody blocked for him and he was knocked flat on his back. The coaches were livid because of the hard contact in a practice against the quarterback, but the players were all laughing. Because Cassie was such a supportive friend, she’d sauntered over to him, microphone in hand, squatted down next to him, and promptly asked him, “How’d that feel?”

It had become a thing afterwards. Wins. Losses. Cassie would saunter up to him, most of the time with a non-existent microphone and ask him how he felt. They had all taken to asking each other that question when someone had a clumsy moment.

Several of the other reporters asked about Blake, and Adrian did a great job of deflecting those answers.

David was…David.

“Coach, one win in the bag is great, but how do you prove this wasn’t a one time fluke?”

*

Waiting for Meg to come out of the locker room, Cassie was scrolling her social media feed. Her field interview with Adrian had been posted, and much to her chagrin, the #Cassandrian crowd started up again.

Find someone who looks at you the way these two look at each other.

He really does have dreamy eyes.

Someone should write a romance novel based around these two.

Coach Stafford, I will gladly have your little football babies.

Just kiss already!

Rolling her eyes, she scrolled past those until she got a private message ping. Pulling it up, she groaned when she saw the name attached to three unread messages. Pushing on it so she could block him, her eyebrows furrowed at the tone of the messages.

CassHubby2543: He better not even think about touching you.
CassHubby2543: Stay away from him. You are mine and mine alone.
CassHubby2543: I don’t want to have to wipe that smile off your face, Cassandra.

An icy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach as she read, and reread, his messages. He had certainly sent her more unsavory messages than she could count, but none of them had ever felt threatening before. Shaking her head, she hit the report button and watched as they disappeared.

It wasn’t long afterwards until Meg came out with the rest of the medical staff, looking tired but mostly happy.

“Hey,” Cassie greeted her, wrapping her arms around her in a hug. “How’s he doing?”

“Eh, he’ll be all right. He might be done for the season, but only time will tell. They’re taking him to get checked out at the hospital, though, so my work here is done.”

“That’s hard.” Cassie said, her tone full of empathy. “Hopefully he can fight back for the end of the season. Or at least the NFL draft. He was on fire out there tonight. I’ve never seen him play like that.”

“Yeah, I think Adrian and Marcus were both going to head up to the hospital to check on him.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. I am starving. Let’s go pick up some food and head to the house.” As they walked to the car, Cassie could still hear the sounds of celebrating happening at the tailgates in the parking lot. The campus was going to be awake for several more hours tonight.

As Meg drove them home, she sent Adrian and Marcus a text in their group text message.

C: Hey, if you guys want to stop by the house after you leave the hospital, we’ve picked up mass amounts of bbq from Piggy’s.
Ma: Did you get any of their mac and cheese? Still maintain that it's the best mac in the world.
C: Of course I did, Marcus. We aren’t uncivilized.
Ma: We’ll see you in a bit.

They unloaded the car when they arrived home, and then took turns showering. Cassie had thrown on a pair of wide leg lounge pants and a tank top and flopped on the couch, letting out a long breath. Her back had started to tighten from being on her feet all night. The first few games of the football season always wreaked havoc on her. It was like no amount of standing and walking around at other sporting events could match the physical exertion of covering a football game. She pulled herself back to her feet when she heard the knocking on the door, and walked over to let the guys in.

“You had me at food.” Marcus announced as he walked through the door, his arms held out wide, as he promptly went in search of the kitchen. Cassie closed the door behind Adrian and locked it, but looked a little surprised when she turned around and he was waiting for her. Unable to contain herself, she grinned and threw her arms around his neck and squealed.

“I am so proud of you!”
 
As they pulled up in front of the girls' house, Adrian turned off the engine, listening to the engine click as it cooled. For a few minutes, he let Marcus's enthusiastic recounting of the game run its course, chuckling here and there but feeling his thoughts drift elsewhere. Tonight had felt like a new beginning, something to be proud of.

Walking to the door, he felt a sense of ease. This group was familiar, like family, and he didn't have to be Coach Stafford here—just Adrian, and that was refreshing. As they stepped inside, Marcus was already calling out about food, his arms spread wide as he headed straight for the kitchen. Cassie closed the door behind Adrian and locked it, then turned back to him, grinning wide before pulling him into an exuberant hug.

"I am so proud of you!" she squealed, her excitement infectious.

Adrian chuckled, returning her hug and letting his own pride shine through. "Thanks, Cass. Man, that was intense!"

When Marcus yelled from the kitchen to join him before he devoured everything, Adrian threw Cassie an amused look. The teasing and banter carried them into the kitchen, where they all made plates, the conversation flowing easily. Adrian, shooting a pointed look at Marcus and Meg after another round of quips, gestured between them with a wry smile.

"So, what's your situation?" he asked, trying to sound casual but raising a brow as Cass rolled her eyes.

The playful ribbing went on as they grabbed beers and headed into the living room. They watched the game highlights, the cheers from the stadium still echoing in his mind. He loved this—sharing laughs and stories, unwinding with people who didn't need him to play a role. But even in this space, the conversation circled back to football and life at Dogwood.

During a lull, Cassie offered to get more drinks, and he joined her in the kitchen, grateful for the brief moment alone. As she grabbed beers from the fridge, he decided to ask, treading lightly, "So, did Meg say anything about her 'date' with Marcus? He didn't exactly offer much detail."

Cassie made a face but nodded, vaguely sharing that things seemed to be going well for them without the specifics. "She hasn't gone out with anyone else, though, which is unusual for her," she added, her tone more thoughtful.

"Really?" He raised his eyebrows, momentarily surprised, then shrugged it off. "Marcus hasn't mentioned anyone else either. Surely not…"

Then, almost without thinking, he turned the topic toward her. "Speaking of dating, how are you still single after all these years?"

Cassie's face showed a flash of surprise, but she answered with her usual openness, explaining the unique challenges her career posed to her love life. Her words about dating limits and avoiding the coaching staff stung a bit more than he wanted to admit. He managed to cover it with a nod, keeping his tone light. "For what it's worth, any guy would be lucky to be with you," he said sincerely. "But I get it; finding someone who understands both sides isn't easy."

Cassie's laughter softened his mood as she answered, "You're my friend; you're obligated to say that." She winked, then asked him if he'd dated since the divorce, her tone growing softer.

He appreciated that she approached it gently. Smiling, he admitted, "One or two dates back at the high school, but only recently did I start to feel half-decent about it."

The look Cassie gave him then was warm and full of empathy, and she reached out, placing her hand over his. "I really am sorry, Adrian. You deserved so much better than what you got."

Her words struck him deeply, and he felt a surge of gratitude. Squeezing her hand, he replied, "Thanks, Cass. That means a lot. Losing what I thought was forever… it showed me how much time I wasted on someone who didn't care enough."

She looked at him, eyes warm and unwavering. "I'm still here," she said, softly but firmly.

Adrian held her gaze, and for a moment, he felt something unspoken pass between them. But before he could find the words, they heard footsteps. Meg stepped into the kitchen, taking in the scene before her.

"You two okay?" she asked, her gaze flicking down to their hands.4

Cassie quickly pulled back, nodding. "Yup!
 
Cassie couldn't remember the last time she had crawled into bed with everything feeling so light. There was something about the four of them spending the last couple hours in each other’s company that lifted her soul. She was exhausted, to be sure, but it was a satiated exhaustion. The kind that came when one was truly content and happy. Curling around her pillow, Cassie let out a long sigh, her eyes closing.

Then promptly popped open as Meg flung herself into Cassie’s bed.

“Hi, bestie,” her teasing voice interrupted the darkness as she squished right up next to Cassie.

“Meg,” she whined, fake crying, “what are you doing in here? It’s stupid late.”

“I know you didn’t think I was going to let that scene in the kitchen slide, did you?” Meg sounded offended at the very notion.

“Meg, there was no scene. Go to bed.”

“The two of you were holding hands, ma’am!” She sat up halfway, her eyes wide despite the fact that it was too dark for Cassie to actually see her face.

“We were, but it wasn’t like…that.” Giving up on her quest for sleep, Cassie sighed and rolled over to face Meg. Somehow she was transported back to the college dorm when Meg would come in late and burrow her way into Cassie’s bed because she just had to talk.

“Yet, somehow the two of you make hand holding look like a transcendent experience.”

“That’s a very big word this late at night. Your English Lit professor would be proud.”

“Cassie,” Meg whined, shaking Cassie’s shoulder, “I need details about what led up to that moment.” Rolling her eyes, Cassie pushed herself up into a sitting position, leaning against her headboard.

“It really wasn’t as dramatic as you’re making it out to be, Meg. We were talking about stuff. He asked about my relationship status, and it led to us talking a little bit about Rebecca. What you saw was a friend consoling another friend.”

“Wait…he asked you if you were single?” Meg practically squealed as she managed to find Cassie’s hands in the dark and squeezed them.

“More like why I was still single. It was related to the conversation we were having, so don’t read into that.”

“Well, someone has to read into it because clearly age and wisdom have not enlightened you at all when it comes to the opposite sex. How is it that you never notice when men are interested in you?”

“How is it that you manage to think every man on the planet is interested in me? Statistically, that’s not possible.”

“But this is Adrian. It’s different.”

“Yes, it is different. We’re trying to heal a pretty cracked friendship, Meg. Can you please just let us do that without you trying to get us down the aisle every other day?” Cassie’s voice had lost the defensive edge to it, and now just sounded tired. Meg picked up on it and eased back a bit, nodding. “Thank you.”

Truthfully, when he had taken her hand, everything inside of Cassie had gone still. After all these years, all it took was the slightest touch from him and it was like every nerve was on fire.

*

“What the heck was I thinking?” Cassie sounded a little panicked as she looked at Kenny, who was laughing hysterically while trying to adjust his video camera. “No, really. Kenny, have I completely lost my mind?”

“I mean, probably, but everyone’s going to love this.” Kenny managed to choke out his words between laughter.

Cassie was standing in the end zone of the football team’s practice field in her running clothes. Her hair was up in a bun piled on top of her head, and she looked as though she had just swallowed a frog. A group of the football players came walking out to her, all of them laughing.

“All right, Nichols, let’s see what you got,” Jermaine Hanson, one of the wide receivers, opened his hands wide as he spoke.

Shaking her head, Cassie rolled her eyes, convinced at this point she really had lost her mind. She had been joking around with some of the guys the previous day when she was at the field for interviews, and it somehow turned into a challenge between some of the players and her. Now, she was about to embark on a foot race the length of the field. On. Camera.

“You’re going to go easy on me, right?” She grinned, rubbing her hands together. The red light on Kenny’s camera went on, and she knew he’d started to record.

“Oh, no, ma’am,” Jermaine said, shaking his head. “I’m also smart enough to not underestimate you. I know you had your own record as an athlete at this school in your day.”

“In my day?” She crossed her arms over her chest, looking affronted. “Could you not make me sound like I’m a dinosaur?”

“My bad, my bad,” he said, laughing. “Who you racing today?”

Cassie’s lips cocked to the side as her eyes traveled down the line of players, contemplating the group before her.

“Who’s the slowest?” She threw the question out there, mostly because she knew the response would be good on film. They didn’t disappoint. They all said different names, which turned into thirty seconds of chaos as they all pointed fingers at each other trying to defend their honor. Laughing, Cassie held up a hand and got their attention.

“All right, all right. Ray, you’re the next man up,” she said, pointing towards the offensive lineman. The rest of the men all hooted as Ray shook his head.

“Does that mean you think I’m the slowest? That cut me deep, Cass. Real deep.” Ray placed his hands on his chest, pretending to be heartbroken. Cassie adored Ray Greene. He had always been one of the quietest men on the team, and that hadn’t changed in his four years at the college, but he was always a hard worker. He was also a beast on the offensive line.

“Not at all. I just think you’re more likely to act like a gentleman and not make me look too bad out there.” Grinning, she jumped up and down a few times, swinging her arms to keep her muscles warmed up. “Let’s do this!”

The rest of the guys moved to the sidelines as Kenny repositioned himself and communicated with the other three camera operators they’d brought with them. Kenny had been adamant from the beginning that he would not be running for the sake of footage.

Ray and Cassie lined up in the end zone, looking at each other with dramatic expressions on their faces. Cassie reached up and pointed at her eyes with two fingers before turning and jabbing them in his direction.

“On your mark!” Jermaine’s voice boomed over the field. “Get set! GO!”

They both took off at a fast pace, and Callie managed to keep up with him until they hit the sixty yard line. At that point, he continued to gain while she fell behind. Her pride wouldn’t let her fall too far behind, though, and by the time Ray crossed the other end zone, she was only about ten yards behind him.

“Oh. My. Gosh.” She panted as one of the cameras came up close to her. Bending over, she put her hands on her knees and lifted her head in time to catch Ray doing the same thing. They both burst out laughing. “That is so…far.”

“Tell me about it.” Ray said, shaking his head. “You should try it in pads.”

“No. No thank you. I hate it.” Still gasping for air, she shook her head, her gaze shifting to the rest of the players who came jogging up.

“Whew,” Jermaine shook his head, clapping in her direction. “That was actually impressive.”

Cassie stood up, putting her hands on her hips as she gave him an incredulous look.

“You do that…like… a lot. Especially as a Wide Receiver. I don’t think people appreciate how big that field really is.” She was trying desperately to get herself back into a respectable journalistic posture, but her lungs were on fire.

“Multiple times a game. Without breakin’ a sweat.” Jermaine grinned, his entire face lighting up. “It’s not easy. If it were…it would be called softball.”

“Oooohhhhh…” Several of the guys covered their mouths, eyes wide, as Jermaine delivered the verbal blow.

That got her attention. Cassie’s mouth fell wide open before she narrowed her eyes at him with a playful stare.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding.” He held up his hands in self-defense, shaking his head. “I respect our Lady Wolves.” The rest of the team was starting to pile out onto the practice field, signaling to Cassie that they would need to wrap up.

“Listen,” Cassie held up a finger as her other hand remained planted firmly on her hip, “it looks easy because they are incredible at what they do. I will have you know, Hanson, that I am 7-0 against football players on the mound. I guarantee, they all thought it looked easy too.”

“I think you could strike him out,” Ray chipped in, helpfully. Cassie always knew she liked him. Jermaine gave him a slightly betrayed look. “He thinks it’s easy, let’s get him out there with a bat.”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea,” she said, her voice saccharin. “Tomorrow. Eleven. Softball field.”

Jermaine stared at her for a moment, finally nodding his head. Adrian and Marcus walked up on the group as Cassie stuck her hand out like she was making a deal.

“Tomorrow at eleven.” He repeated, shaking her hand. He turned his head slightly and looked at her as though he were trying to decide if she was speaking the truth. “7-0? Really?”

“Yup!” As she dropped her hand, she looked over at Adrian, her smile growing wider. “Just ask your coaches.”

Winking, she turned and walked off with her crew, laughing as she could hear the players break out in another “oooohhhh.”

“Coach, you really let her strike you out?” Jermaine’s voice was the last she heard as she regrouped with Kenny.
 
As Adrian lay in bed that night, the darkness seemed to amplify everything—the steady tick of the clock, the weight of his own thoughts, and most of all, the persistent reminder of Cassie's hand in his. It should have been nothing—just two old friends caught up in the moment. But that familiar spark, the easy comfort of their shared laughter, her hand slipping into his as if it belonged there... it was all rushing back, threatening to undo the years he'd spent trying to bury what he once felt for her.

"Get it together, Stafford," he muttered, shifting in bed and dragging a hand across his face, hoping he could will himself into indifference. She was Cassie, after all, his friend. The laughter, the teasing—these were the remnants of a shared past, nothing more. But deep down, he knew that it was more than that, whether he wanted to admit it or not.

The following day, as he stepped onto the practice field, Adrian caught sight of Cassie standing among a handful of players, hands on her hips, laughing as she exchanged good-natured banter with them. The sight made him pause, a slight grin tugging at his mouth as he watched her challenge Ray to a foot race. She was determined, stubbornly so, as if winning that one small race meant the world to her. The energy she brought was infectious; it lit up the field and softened the edges of the players' sometimes-brusque personalities. Adrian wasn't the only one drawn in—everyone around her seemed to lighten up, even Ray, whose booming laughter echoed across the field as Cassie came up just a few strides behind him.

"Coach, you really let her strike you out?" Jermaine's voice rang out, aimed at Adrian, breaking his thoughts. Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. He moved forward, his tone shifting to a more serious note as he called out to the team. "All right, that's enough. Let's get to it. Jermaine, if you can put half that mouth into these drills, we might actually get somewhere today."

Jermaine rolled his eyes but smirked, dropping into his stance as Adrian set the pace for practice. Watching his players run through drills brought a kind of calm back to Adrian. There was something reassuring in the routine, something steady and predictable amid all the memories stirring within him. This, at least, he understood. Football was as straightforward as it came: effort, discipline, and perseverance. It was the kind of fight he knew how to handle, unlike the internal battle he was facing.

---

Just a few days later, they were on the road for their most challenging game yet: an away game against the top-ranked team in the country. Adrian could feel the electricity crackling in the air as they walked onto the field, and he knew every player felt it too. This game would test them in ways they hadn't been tested all season, and he could see the mix of nervous anticipation and grit on their faces.

He stood by the sideline as the game kicked off, his eyes focused on his quarterback, Trey, who had a national spotlight on him tonight. There was no question that the game would be a monumental challenge, but if they could give their best here, it would mark a turning point.

As the game progressed, Adrian moved up and down the sidelines, his voice a steady drum of encouragement. Despite the relentless pace, Trey and the team were holding their own, managing to keep the score close. They were moving as a unit, and Trey's passing game was sharper than ever, slicing through the defense with precision and earning murmurs of admiration from the crowd.

"Kid's got heart, I'll give him that," Adrian said to Marcus, who nodded in agreement as they watched Trey rally the team down the field.

"He's been waiting for a game like this all season. Everyone's been saying he's not good enough, not fast enough. He's out here to prove 'em wrong," Marcus replied, arms folded across his chest as he scanned the field with a hard look.

Adrian nodded, his eyes locked on Trey, who was preparing for the next play. "Kid's got a lot of eyes on him tonight. He keeps this up, and people are gonna take notice."

As the game wore on, however, the opposing team's skill began to show. Their defense tightened, and their offense hit back harder, widening the gap in the score. Adrian could feel the tension building as his players started to tire, the adrenaline slowly draining as the game reached its final quarter.

Standing near the sideline with Marcus, he kept his voice steady, hoping to keep his players' spirits up even as the clock ticked down. "We're still in this," Adrian called out to his team, his voice cutting through the heavy atmosphere. "Every play counts. Make every yard count."

As if in answer, Trey broke out with a 30-yard pass, threading the ball perfectly through the defenders. The wide receiver caught it and bolted for the end zone, narrowing the gap in the score and earning a wave of cheers from the team's fans who had made the trek to support them.

"Did you see that?" Marcus leaned closer, grinning. "Trey's playing out of his mind. Kid's like a machine tonight."

Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, but he's still human. He needs to pace himself—we're only one mistake away from losing momentum." He raised his voice, calling out, "Trey, keep your focus! Don't force anything!"

But despite their best efforts, the top-ranked team's experience ultimately outweighed their own. In the final minutes, they pulled ahead, securing a narrow victory. The final whistle blew, and Adrian exhaled heavily, disappointment settling in. It had been close—a few more plays, and the outcome might've been different.

In the locker room, a hush fell as the players took in the loss. Adrian stepped forward, looking at each of them. This was a moment he'd been through countless times as a player and coach, the raw disappointment of a loss weighing down the shoulders of young men who had given everything they had.

"Listen up," he said, his voice carrying through the silent room. "You gave everything out there tonight. You didn't back down, you didn't fold under pressure. That's what it means to be a team. To get out there and fight, even when the odds are stacked against you." He took a breath, letting his words sink in. "You might not see it now, but this is where it starts. Showing up like this, time after time, even when it hurts."

He looked over at Trey, who sat with his head down, shoulders slumped in exhaustion. "Trey." Adrian's voice softened a notch. "Hell of a game, son. That arm of yours caught the attention of everyone out there tonight. This won't be the last time you'll get a shot like that, and you made damn sure they'll remember your name."

Trey looked up, a faint smile breaking through his frustration. "Thanks, Coach."

Adrian nodded, feeling a surge of pride in his players despite the loss. "Keep your heads up. You all earned that today." His voice softened, carrying a hint of something he hadn't felt in a while—a growing belief that this team, with enough time and effort, could reach heights none of them could yet imagine.

As they packed up and headed toward the bus, Adrian lingered, glancing back at the empty field one last time. They'd lost, but tonight had shown him a glimpse of something important. His team had a spark—a tenacity he hadn't expected to see this early. And as much as he knew it would take time and relentless work to get where they wanted, he was ready to face the challenge head-on.

Marcus clapped a hand on Adrian's shoulder as they walked back to the bus together. "You know, Coach, we may not have won, but you're building something special here."

Adrian nodded, his eyes still on the field. "Yeah," he said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Yeah, I think we are."

Back on the bus, Adrian settled into his seat, his mind already sifting through what he'd say to the team in the coming days, what he'd need to adjust in practice, and what needed sharpening. But beneath all of that was a quiet sense of purpose, one he hadn't felt in a long time. This journey wasn't just about rebuilding a football program. It was about rebuilding himself, his players, and, maybe even in a small way, the town that supported them.

Looking out the window at the retreating lights of the stadium, he found himself thinking not just of the future but of all the threads from the past that had led him here—Cassie, his old dreams, and the quiet, undeniable hope that something meaningful was taking shape right here, even in defeat.
 
“3…2…” Kenny held up one finger before he pointed in her direction, the red light turning on. Cassie turned on her reporter's smile as the studio reporters became audible in her ear.

“Cassie, we just showed the viewers your time with the team this week as they prepped for this game. I have to say, we are all impressed with that foot race.” John Collins, the head anchor, laughed. Laughing herself, Cassie shook her head.

“What is less impressive, John, is how sore I still am.”

“You held your own better than I think I would have. It was great to see the energy from the team. Can you speak a little to what you’ve seen?”

“The difference between last year and this year is night and day. These guys have bonded more over the last few months than they did all last season. It's easy to see that camaraderie. They're fighting for each other in practice. They're quick to support one another, but also aren't afraid to speak to each other when something doesn't go well. The leadership from the coaching staff and the players has been remarkable to see.”

“Do you think this is the Coach Stafford effect?”

At that question, Cassie’s smile shifted from something formal to one more relaxed.

“Coach Stafford certainly came in with a new energy that I think has been instrumental in reviving these guys. He set the standard from day one about what he expects and he's done a tremendous job earning the respect of his players and coaching staff. He’s out there running with them at practices, spending time getting to know them outside of the game. He and Coach Carter have really changed the culture inside that locker room.”

“Thanks, Cassie. I think everyone is eager to see what the Timberwolves bring to the table tonight against the number one ranked Mustangs. If I heard correctly, though, it sounds like you are now 8-0 striking out football players.”

Cassie laughed, knowing that her challenge with Jermaine had ended up in the video cut.

“That is correct, John.”

“All right, Cassie. We’ll check in with you throughout the night.”

“Thanks, John!”

“And, we're off.” Kenny grinned at her as they went dark, and Cassie set her microphone down in its box. “When they scoop you up for the big time, please remember to take me with you.”

Grabbing her water bottle, Cassie took a long drink from it.

“They actually called me yesterday.” Her nose scrunched slightly as she watched his reaction unfold.

“Wait, what? Did they offer you a job?”

“Not exactly. They're looking at three of us. I don’t know who the other two are, so don't even ask,” she said, holding a hand up to preemptively stop the question he had been about to ask. “They want to bring one more person into the studio full-time.”

“Cassie, that's great!” Kenny exclaimed, but seeing something in her expression, tempered his excitement and looked at her questioningly. “Isn't it?”

“Yeah,” she nodded, her tone unconvincing. Kenny just stared at her until finally she kept going. “It's just… I don't know. It's really hard to imagine myself sitting at a desk while someone else is actually in the field. I love being out here in the action.”

She lifted her hand and motioned towards the bleachers that were mostly full.

“You don't get this energy in a studio. Plus, I would have to move to Connecticut, and I'm not sure I want to do that.”

“I get that.” Kenny nodded, not entirely sure he did get it, but he also had no qualms about relocating on a dime.

Their time for chatter quickly ran out, and before long, the game was in motion. Cassie was quickly swept up into the tension and excitement of the game, going live on national television during time outs and breaks. Right before halftime, she and Kenny repositioned themselves near the tunnel for her quick interview with Adrian.

When he stopped by her, she leaned in close, again very aware of him. How he managed to smell so good while coaching a major football game was beyond her. He should be sweaty and gross by now, but somehow he was just sweaty and definitely not gross.

“Coach, your guys have done a tremendous job fighting through this first half,” she started, her mouth coming close to him so he could hear her over the crowd. “What do you need to see in the second half of this game?” Her eyes watched him as he responded to her question, and she was reminded just how good he looked when he was locked in and focused. His intensity was almost in direct opposition to the laid back Adrian who’d sat on her couch, laughing with the three of them. She liked both sides of him, but this side of him left her with very unprofessional thoughts, and she had to actively work to maintain a neutral face. When he finished answering her question, she smiled at him and nodded.

“Thanks for your time, Coach. Good luck in the second half.”

The end of the game arrived, and while Cassie didn't love the scoreboard, it was better than she anticipated. The players and coaches held up well during the press conference, but she could certainly see the exhaustion setting in by the time they wrapped.

On her drive back to the hotel, Cassie stopped and picked up two cups of soft serve from a drive-thru. It wasn't anything fancy, but given the late hour, it would have to do. When she arrived at the hotel, she made her way to Adrian's room and knocked gently. The team had settled in for the night and the hallways were quiet.

When he answered the door, she held out the cup of ice cream, the spoon teetering on top
as she gave him a reassuring smile.

“Consolation prize?”
 
As Adrian opened the door to his hotel room and found Cassie standing there with two cups of ice cream, he felt a genuine warmth in his chest, a comfort he rarely allowed himself to feel these days. He raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise mixing with a smile as she offered him one of the cups.

"Consolation prize?" she said, a reassuring smile on her face as she held out the ice cream with a spoon teetering on top.

He shook his head, still grinning. "Come on in."

Cassie stepped inside and plopped down on the uncomfortable hotel couch, sliding her shoes off and crossing her legs with the ease of someone who felt at home. Adrian settled down in the chair across from her, taking a bite of the ice cream, which was already melting slightly around the edges.

"This is the other side of intense," he said, his voice carrying the satisfaction he felt deep down. "Tonight was incredible. Nobody gave us a chance, but the guys gave it everything. I'm a proud coach tonight—even in defeat."

Cassie's face lit up as she took a bite. "I hoped you would say that. Last year, they'd all but given up by the first quarter. Watching them fight until the last second—it was incredible. How's the team holding up?"

Adrian sighed, digging into his ice cream for another bite. "They're gutted. They know how close they came, and that stings. But I made sure they understood just how proud they should be of themselves." He paused, giving her a thoughtful look. "So, how did your big spot on national TV go, Miss Big-Time Reporter?"

Cassie gave a mock innocent look that didn't fool him for a second. "They liked it," she said casually, taking another spoonful of ice cream. "Especially the race footage and—" she hesitated, clearly relishing the moment, "—the softball game."

Adrian narrowed his eyes, feigning exasperation. "Oh, so you ratted me out, huh? We made it ten years without that coming out. You just ruined my reputation."

Cassie's wicked grin was all the answer he needed. "On national television, too," she replied, completely unrepentant. "Think of it as payback for all the times you made fun of women's sports."

Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. "Anyone still looking down on women's sports is out of their mind. Especially after the season your softball team had. Alright, I guess Marcus and I are just going to have to work a little harder to take back the top spot," he said, grinning at her over his spoon.

"Oh, is that right?" Cassie replied with a playful challenge in her eyes. She leaned forward and, with a thumb, swiped at a bit of ice cream that clung to his upper lip. The moment caught Adrian by surprise, the small gesture somehow feeling a little more intimate than it should. He managed to recover, laughing as she withdrew her hand.

"Hey, give me back my ice cream!"

She laughed and held her hands up, surrendering. "Hey, I'm just making sure you know how to eat it," she teased, the gleam in her eye making him shake his head.

As they chatted, sharing the easy banter that was so natural between them, Adrian found himself slipping back to the simpler days of their friendship—back to Adrian's playing days, late-night study sessions, and all the moments that made Cassie a part of his life he never could quite let go of. It felt good, talking to her like this again. He wasn't just Coach Stafford with her; he was Adrian, a side of himself that only surfaced when she was around.

Eventually, he cleared his throat, setting his empty ice cream cup aside and leaning back, his gaze wandering to the hotel room door for a brief moment. "Wonder what Meg and Marcus would say if they saw us now," he mused with a grin.

"Considering Meg practically ran to Marcus's room, I don't think they're thinking about us at all," Cassie quipped, earning a laugh from Adrian.

"Oh, no doubt," he said, almost choking on his laughter. "Do you think they're... serious?" He couldn't keep the curiosity out of his voice. It was something he'd been wondering, watching his friend and Cassie's best friend grow closer over the past few weeks.

Cassie shrugged. "This is as serious as I've ever seen her, for what that's worth," she said thoughtfully.

Adrian chuckled. "Who would've guessed? Maybe it took two players to finally tie each other down."

"Is that literal or figurative, Coach?" Cassie replied, her eyes glinting mischievously as she leaned forward.

He held up a hand, shaking his head in mock disapproval. "Don't go putting images in my head! Jeez, Cass, keep it clean."

Cassie's laughter rang through the room, light and familiar. "Hey, you're the one who said it! I'm just asking clarifying questions. It's my job, remember?" She pointed a finger at him, looking all too pleased with herself. "Although, maybe you just gave away a little insight into how your brain works."

Adrian sighed, trying to hold back a smile. "Alright, alright, Miss Big-Time Reporter. Put away the mic. I think it's time you call it a night."

Cassie grinned, nodding as she stood, a satisfied look on her face. "Alright, Coach. You've got an early wake-up call tomorrow, anyway." She paused at the door, turning back to look at him, her expression softening. "You were great tonight. I don't care what the scoreboard said."

Her words hung in the air, something in them making Adrian's heart ache in a way he hadn't expected. For a moment, he just looked at her, not saying anything, but hoping she understood. Finally, he managed a quiet, "Thanks, Cass. It really means a lot that you stopped by. I know you're just as busy as I am, if not more."

She gave him one last smile, lingering in the doorway for a moment before nodding. With that, she slipped out into the hallway, and Adrian closed the door, leaning back against it, lost in his thoughts.

As he stood there, a quiet filled the room. In the stillness, he realized how much she had shaken him up tonight, her presence pulling out the pieces of him he thought he'd buried under years of loss, betrayal, and regret. Cassie had always been there, in one way or another, her laughter echoing in his memories, her voice reminding him of everything he used to be. And now, here she was, in person, pulling him back to those memories, making it feel like no time had passed at all.

Pushing off the door, he walked back to his bed and sat on the edge, staring out the window at the city lights. His mind turned over everything they'd shared tonight—their banter, her casual way of teasing him, the way she had slipped back into his life as if she had never left. And maybe, just maybe, he was okay with that.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two weeks later, the Timberwolves were back on the field under a crisp, clear Friday night sky. Their record was slowly gaining respect—remarkable for a program that, a year ago, was the punchline of every sports joke in the state. Adrian could feel the shift in the air. The energy in the stadium was different now, with more students and parents filling the stands, each of them louder than ever. Local newspapers were covering the team's journey, and online highlights from their practices and games were making their rounds on social media.

The first game of the two-week stretch was a home game, one that the Timberwolves dominated from start to finish. Adrian had implemented a relentless offensive strategy, keeping the opposing defense on its toes and maintaining a comfortable lead throughout. By halftime, they were up by three touchdowns, and by the fourth quarter, they'd scored another two. Adrian felt a thrill he hadn't experienced in a long time. His players were fully embracing the system, and their hard work was paying off in every play. Even some of the skeptics in the local sports media were beginning to acknowledge that something special was happening with the Timberwolves.

Cassie had covered the game, her excitement evident in every broadcast segment. After the game, she interviewed a couple of the players who were shining stars that night, and Adrian could tell how much it meant to them to be recognized publicly. Her genuine enthusiasm and care for the team had only made her more beloved by the players and fans alike. It didn't go unnoticed by Adrian, either, who found himself checking in with her at the sidelines between quarters, laughing over inside jokes and reliving each thrilling play.

A week later, the Timberwolves faced a much tougher opponent on the road. It was a narrow, back-and-forth game from the start. The other team was relentless, and Adrian's players were physically exhausted after having only a short recovery period from their last game. By the fourth quarter, the score was tied, and the tension was thick as both teams battled it out yard by yard. In the final two minutes, the opposing team pulled off a lucky break—a missed tackle on a long pass—which led to a touchdown that edged the Timberwolves out by a single point.

Despite the narrow loss, the team's determination and fighting spirit had caught the attention of more than just the locals. Regional sports outlets began calling Adrian and his assistant coaches for interviews, eager to learn about the transformation of the Timberwolves program. Even some NFL scouts were beginning to take an interest in a few of his standout players.

After the team returned home, Adrian found himself sifting through dozens of texts and emails from supporters, alumni, and even former players, congratulating him on how far the team had come in such a short time. It was late when he finally settled down, scrolling through Instagram to unwind. He paused when he saw he had a new direct message notification. Curiously, he tapped on it.

The message was from an account with no profile picture, simply named "Watcher23."

The message read:
"Stay away from her if you know what's good for you. She's not yours."

Adrian's brow furrowed as he re-read the message, his initial confusion giving way to concern. He knew immediately that "her" meant Cassie. A sense of unease settled over him, and he sat there staring at the screen, considering his next steps.

As he switched off his phone, Adrian took a deep breath. He'd handle this the right way—calmly and carefully. Whoever this "Watcher23" was, they were not about to intimidate him. And as for Cassie, he'd make sure she knew she wasn't facing this alone.
 
Returning to her room, Cassie closed the door behind her and leaned against it for a moment, staring at the ceiling as she replayed the night. Time with Adrian had always been so comfortable, and it amazed her how easily they slipped back into joking around and just talking about nothing and anything. It also didn't escape her notice how little effort it had taken for her heart to fall for him all over again.

Sighing, she shook her head at herself.

Cass, get it together. Mentally chiding herself, she walked over and grabbed her laptop out of her bag and settled on the bed with it. She spent a few minutes checking their videos that had been posted, and looking at the rest of the football scores from the day. Chewing on her bottom lip, Cassie looked around the room like she was checking to make sure nobody was watching, despite the fact that she was very much alone, before typing Adrian's name into the search engine.

Groaning at herself, Cassie laid her face in her hands and shook her head, again.

“Oh my goodness, Cassie, you're Googling him. What is wrong with you?” Lifting her eyes to the computer, she began to scroll down, getting past all of the recent news, and cringing past a Reddit page titled “All the photos that prove #Cassandrian is a THING.” Finally, she came across older news and blog titles. Though she’d been aware of Adrian’s stint in the NFL, she had intentionally avoided anything attached to his name all those years. Now, she moved down the page, her brow creasing as she read headline after headline.

Former Hyped QB Flops in the Big Time
Stafford Should Hope for an Injury
QB Stafford Benched…Again. No Surprise Here
Blows for Stafford Continue: Disappoints Wife as Much as the Fans
Stafford Struggles with All the Balls
QB Wife Caught in the Opposite Locker Room
Failure in the Field…and the Marriage Bed
Apparently the Field Isn't the Only Place Stafford Can't Score
Stafford is the King of Performance Problems

At some point, Cassie’s hand had come to rest over her mouth. The sheer amount of low blows angered her, not just as someone who knew Adrian, but as a reporter. It reminded her just how horrible many people with a platform could be. Clicking over to photos, she moved down the page, most of the recent ones of him with the Timberwolves. It took awhile, but she did manage to get past the recent photos and his stint at the high school.

Photos of him in different uniforms spilled over the page, but Cassie was mostly struck by the emptiness in his eyes in so many of them. That spark she'd always known to brighten his green eyes had dulled. Her stomach clenched when she came to a series of grainy photos of him and Rebecca on a beach somewhere. She'd leaned in and was kissing him. She definitely didn't look like a woman who was being unfaithful to her husband. Until Cassie got to a photo where she was looking straight at the camera. Her stomach clenched at the realization that Rebecca had been putting on a show. Had Adrian ever figured that out?

Closing her computer, Cassie sat against the headboard, feeling a resurgence of loathing for the woman. Had she ever actually been there for Adrian? When he had a lackluster performance at a game, had she done anything to help him feel better? Or had she snubbed her nose at him and left him to shoulder everything on his own. Seeing more photos of Adrian looking defeated and lifeless made Cassie suddenly feel like a total failure. His words he spoke to her about him not being a good friend resonated differently. She had been a terrible friend. It was easy to ignore his struggles because she refused to look at them. Meg was right. She, Cassandra Nichols, was a coward. Only a coward would allow her own feelings to cause her to push away a friend during such a pivotal time in his life.

A knock on the door startled her, and when she saw it was Meg on the other side and opened it, she met Meg’s smile with a look of utter misery. Meg immediately took on a look of concern as she pushed her way into the room.

“What happened?”

“I am a terrible person,” Cassie said, closing the door and turning to face Meg.

*

Exhaustion hit Cassie like a ton of bricks three weeks later. Despite the bye week after the loss for the football team, she had covered the practices, and traveled for both the women's soccer team and the women's volleyball team. In five days, she had flown from North Carolina to California and then straight to South Carolina. When she'd return to Dogwood, she covered the men’s baseball fall scrimmages, got back to work with the football practices, and took on one of the softball fall games.

Two games later, the Timberwolves were holding even, but Cassie could see their hunger growing with each passing week. They were almost at the halfway point of the regular season, and she was preparing to interview Adrian in his office as a mid-point check-in. She had just flown in late the night before after covering another away game for the soccer team.

Walking into the kitchen, still feeling groggy, she found Meg already dressed and drinking a cup of coffee as she scrolled through her phone. When she looked up, her eyebrows furrowed.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just tired,” Cassie said, her voice a little hoarse. “This time of year is always crazy, but it doesn't help that so many people are out sick.” Pouring herself a cup of coffee, she held the warm mug up to her cheek, relishing the warmth.

“You aren't getting sick, are you?” Meg looked at her a little warily.

“I never get sick.” Cass reminded Meg before taking a small sip of her coffee. The warm liquid trickled down her throat, and she could feel the heat of it all the way down to her stomach, but she found that it made her feel a little queasy.

“Cass, you really don't look good.”

“Thanks, sweetheart.” Offering Meg a wry grin, she set her cup on the counter, finding that the mug felt too heavy to hold on to.

Meg walked over to her and placed her wrist on Cassie's forehead.

“You're burning up!” Meg practically chided her, as she grabbed Cassie by the shoulders and steered her into the living room to the couch. “Lay down. I’ll be right back.”

Cassie was too tired to argue, so she unceremoniously flopped onto the couch, curling up. Meg returned quickly, looking like an overprotective mother, with the thermometer in her hand. Cassie couldn't help but giggle when Meg stuck the thermometer in her ear.

“Thanks, Mom.” She managed to squeak out as the thermometer beeped in her ear.

“Oh my God. Cassie, you're at 104.”

“Is that why it's so cold in here?”

“And clearly your brain is already scrambled. All right. I'm getting you to the doctor. I’ll call Kenny and let him know.”

“I have an interview today,” she said, suddenly looking more stubborn.

“No, you don't.”

*

A couple hours later, Meg dropped Cassie back off at the house, made sure she was laying down on the couch, force fed her medicine, and promptly left to get to work. Cassie had managed to catch the flu that had taken down half their media team.

When she arrived at the training facility, she jumped into work. A few hours later, she walked into Adrian's office, managing to keep her record of interrupting Adrian and Marcus alive and well.

“I’ve tried to call Cassie three times to check on her. She's not answering, and I can't decide if that's a good thing and means she's resting or if she's unresponsive because her fever spiked again. How did your interview with Kenny go?” Settling down in the chair next to Marcus, Meg looked at Adrian. Kenny was definitely a behind-the-scenes guy, but with all of the reporters either out sick or having cover elsewhere, he'd found himself having to read off Cassie's questions off camera.
 
Adrian couldn't shake the unease in his gut about Cassie. The message from Watcher23 had been troubling enough, but her sudden illness only compounded his concern. He'd tried calling her a few times, and each missed call left him more unsettled. As he sat down at his desk, he tried to refocus on his work, but his mind kept drifting back to her.

When Meg arrived at his office, he looked up, relieved for the distraction. She dropped into the chair beside Marcus, who looked just as relieved to have someone break up the monotony of admin tasks.

"I've tried to call Cassie three times to check on her," Meg said, sighing. "She's not answering, and I can't decide if that's a good thing and means she's resting, or if she's unresponsive because her fever spiked again. How did your interview with Kenny go?"

Adrian rubbed the back of his neck, exhaling a chuckle. "Yeah… Kenny's not exactly cut out for interviews. He managed to read through all of Cassie's questions, but some of those were—well, they were definitely…personal."

Meg laughed, shaking her head. "I bet. Cassie never has been one to hold back."

Adrian nodded, smiling despite himself. "One question actually asked about the biggest personal mistake I'd learned from." He chuckled. "Took him about five seconds to realize he'd probably put his foot in his mouth with that one."

Marcus grinned. "I'll bet Kenny nearly turned purple. That guy's allergic to small talk, let alone something like that."

"Pretty much." Adrian sat back, feeling the smallest weight lift off his shoulders just talking about it. "But honestly, I appreciated it. Gave me a chance to talk about the kind of grit and resilience we're trying to build here. And, yeah, maybe it was a little awkward, but I think it was worth it."

Meg leaned forward, nodding in agreement. "Hey, Cassie knows what she's doing. She pushes boundaries in the best way possible."

Adrian smiled, more grateful than he could admit. Cassie had always been that way—honest and unafraid to ask hard questions, to get people to open up. She had this rare talent for digging deeper, not just on the field but with people. And he knew that, if anyone had the patience to see this program through the tough moments, it was her.

Once Marcus and Meg went back to their own work, Adrian sat alone in his office for a while, thoughts spinning. Something tugged at him, the persistent feeling he needed to do more than just check in. A plan began forming in his mind, and without another thought, he grabbed his keys, locked up, and drove across town to Cassie's.

---

Adrian knocked lightly on the door of Cassie's place and waited a few moments. The house was quiet, and he almost thought she hadn't heard him until she opened the door, looking pale and wrapped in a blanket.

"Hey," he greeted, lifting a plastic bag in one hand. "Brought some chicken soup. Meg mentioned you'd been fighting a pretty high fever, so I figured you might need a little backup."

Her surprised expression softened as he held out the soup. "Meg's worried about you. So is half the team. They all wanted me to pass along their 'get well' wishes."

Cassie managed a small smile, and he continued, more gently. "Don't worry, I'm not here to keep you up. Just thought you could use a little soup and some quiet company." He stepped inside, closing the door softly behind him.

She led him to the living room, where he placed the bag on the table, pulling out a container of hot soup and a spoon. He handed it to her carefully, then took a seat in the chair across from her.

"You're allowed to take a break, you know," he said, his voice soft but with a hint of the playful tone he used on the field. "Believe me, everything at work will still be there when you get back."

Watching her sip the soup, he felt a strange calm settle over him. Being here, even in this simple way, brought him more peace than he'd felt in weeks.
 
The day had been one massive foggy dream for Cassie. She hadn't moved since Meg had maneuvered her back to the couch after they returned from the doctor. There was a vague recollection of Meg setting down a Powerade and demanding she drink it all. Cassie had every intention of doing so, but soon after every muscle in her body ached and there was no force powerful enough on this earth to keep her awake.

Her fever had sparked a myriad of bizarre dreams, one of which she was being chased by a giant banana with short, T-Rex arms.

Cracking her eyes open, she was confused why someone was playing a drum in her living room. It took several minutes for her to comprehend the sound as someone knocking on her door, and not, in fact, an offbeat rendition of “We Will Rock You.” Groaning, she sat up, and after another minute managed to get to her feet. Opening the door, she squinted against the light and was surprised to see Adrian standing there.

“Thank goodness you’re not the banana,” she said, her voice sounding scratchy as she leaned against the door frame.

Food. He’d brought her food. Had she eaten today? To be fair, she couldn't actually remember what day of the week it was.

“That's sweet, thank you.” Moving slowly, she stepped back as he entered, and trudged back to the living room. Her body felt like it was made of stone, and she was only partly confident she could make it all the way back to the couch. Every time she blinked, she could feel the heat radiating from her eyelids. Curling back up on the end of the couch, she rested her head against the back cushion and closed her eyes. It felt like someone was hammering a nail into her skull.

“You shouldn't breathe around me. I don't want to get you sick.” Without opening her eyes, she listened to his movements, eventually prying her eyelids open when the sound of the bag stopped. Reaching over, she took the container, every motion requiring an inordinate amount of focus to complete.

Cassie managed to eat a few bites before setting down the soup, eventually giving up on the spoon and just drinking the broth from the container. Eventually, she sat the remaining soup down on the table. She stared at the Powerade for a moment before reaching over to grab it, thankful to find that Meg had already cracked the lid open. Taking a small sip, she grimaced as the drink stung her throat going down. Returning it to the table, she pulled the blanket around her a little tighter and snuggled down on the couch.

"Believe me, everything at work will still be there when you get back.

A small smile appeared on her face as she looked at him through half-lidded eyes.

“That’s what I’m afraid of.” She sounded drunk to her own ears. When was the last time she’d been this sick? Cassie couldn't remember.

“I made a deal with my body a long time ago that it could only get sick in the off season. My immune system didn't hold up its end of the bargain.” The fact that she didn't really have an off season was irrelevant.

“Why is it so cold?” Furrowing her eyebrows, Cassie pulled the blanket tighter around her and closed her eyes once more. They were too heavy to keep open.

“Oh…the interview. How did Kenny do with the interview?” Clearly, her mind was scattered at the present moment, but it did occur to her that her beloved cameraman had stepped in for her.
 
Adrian watched Cassie with a mixture of amusement and concern as she sank back into the couch, pulling the blanket around her shoulders in a cocoon-like grip. She was pale, her eyes barely open, yet somehow, her humor was intact—even if it was a bit hazy around the edges. The sight of her fighting to keep her spirits up, even when she could hardly stay awake, tugged at him.

He gave a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "Don't worry about me catching anything. Got an immune system tougher than old Coach Wallace himself. I'll make it out alive."

Taking a seat across from her, he kept his tone light, hoping she'd find some comfort in the easy rhythm of conversation. He didn't want her to feel the need to perform, to be the strong, dependable Cassie everyone relied on. Tonight, she was allowed to let go, to rest. And he was determined to be here for as long as she needed him to be.

As she mumbled her joke about making deals with her immune system, he gave her a small, lopsided smile. "Sounds like your immune system didn't get the memo about your 'off season.' But hey, even pros like you deserve a timeout now and then, right?"

He noticed her brow furrow as she pulled the blanket tighter, shivering despite her fever. Adrian instinctively looked around the room, hoping to find something to make her more comfortable, but seeing nothing obvious, he reached for a throw blanket draped over the back of the chair and gently tucked it around her. "There you go," he said softly, more to himself than to her. "We'll have you warm in no time."

The interview came up next—how like Cassie to remember work, even while running a fever high enough to have her seeing dancing bananas. He let out a quiet laugh, the sound more relaxed than he'd been all week. "Kenny did all right," he began, leaning forward, elbows on his knees. "Didn't exactly enjoy talking about his 'biggest personal growth moments,' but he survived. Said you'd better not make a habit of sick days, though." He paused, a glimmer of humor in his eye. "You've got him sweating like a cornered cat with some of those questions, you know that?"

She gave the faintest smile at that, eyes already drifting closed as he continued, his voice barely above a murmur. "I think he might've made it to at least 70 percent of what you'd call 'acceptable,' so, you know—not too shabby."

In the quiet that followed, Adrian found himself watching her as her breathing deepened. Her brow had relaxed, the furrow smoothing out as she settled into a more peaceful state. He leaned back in the chair, stretching his legs out and settling in, content to stay as long as she needed. He felt oddly at peace sitting here, watching over her. She was always so strong, always so quick to pick up the pieces for everyone else, and seeing her like this—vulnerable, needing someone else—reminded him of his own purpose. It was as though just being here, in this quiet moment, he'd found something he hadn't realized he'd been looking for.

"You're always the one taking care of everyone else, Cassie," he murmured, almost to himself. "You've earned the right to let someone else handle things for once."

Settling deeper into the chair, he pulled his phone from his pocket and checked the time, sending a quick message to Meg to let her know Cassie was fine and that he'd be here for a while. He thought about the strange message from Watcher23, but decided it could wait. For tonight, he would focus on being here for Cassie, just as she'd been there for him and the team so many times.

Letting out a breath, he leaned back and closed his eyes, feeling an unexpected sense of calm wash over him.
 
“But hey, even pros like you deserve a timeout now and then, right?”

“No time,” she murmured, her bottom lip poking out in a mock pout.

When she felt the addition of another blanket, her eyes cracked open and she felt something inside her warm at the sight of Adrian tucking her in. It felt strangely intimate. Smiling faintly at him, her gaze brushed over his face, taking in every detail her hazy brain would allow.

“Did I ever tell you how much I love your eyes?” Closing her eyes again, she nestled down further into the couch, exhaling deeply, seemingly unaware that she'd even spoken.

"You've got him sweating like a cornered cat with some of those questions, you know that?”

His words made her chuckle, but she grimaced as the motion hurt.

“Yeah, sorry about that. I typically only write my questions down… not the conversation that eases people into the question. Bless him.” She could imagine the scene, though. Kenny, holding a piece of paper off camera, reading the questions verbatim with no fluff.

It wasn't long after that she lost the ability to stay awake, her body demanding and taking the sleep it required. If they spoke any further, Cassie had no memory of it. She had a vague memory of Meg waking her up at some point, the living room dark save the light filtering in from the kitchen, shoving more medicine into her mouth, along with more fluids.

A few days later, she was significantly more cognizant about the world around her, but still feeling puny. Meg managed to get her to eat some solid food before she left for the day. Later that day, Cassie actually showered, but promptly bundled up when she got out.

Grabbing her phone, she groaned at the overwhelming amount of notifications. Her Instagram had over a thousand alone, and she could feel her headache returning. Her email was likely worse. Instead of responding, she took a picture of her Powerade, cold medicine, and tissue box and uploaded it.

Sorry for the radio silence, everyone! Flu-1, Cassie-0. Grateful to my team for holding down the fort. Hoping to be back in action next week.

Closing out of the app, she pulled up her text chain with Adrian.

C: Hey...thanks for stopping by earlier this week. I thought I had just dreamt you up, but Meg confirmed she had to kick you out of the house.

*

Cassandra Nichols came to the very strong conclusion that she did not, in fact, enjoy having to watch the Timberwolves play from the comfort of her own couch. She hadn't quite recovered enough to get back on the sidelines, so instead, she occasionally went live on her feed throughout the game, living the tense moments with her followers.

Her private messages were pinging left and right.

As much as I love seeing you on the sidelines, this has been so much fun! Hope you're feeling better!

Go Wolf Pack! Cass, you are truly a superfan.

I'm not sure if you actually read these, but I’m Jermaine Hanson's aunt, and I just want to tell you how much I appreciate how supportive you are of these boys. They work so hard, and people are just so ugly to them when they don't win.

That one made her smile, and Cassie typed out a quick message back. Jermaine is such a wonderful young man! He is such a great leader for his teammates. I know how proud you all are of him.

CassHubby2987: Dearest Cassandra, I hope you are resting up and are on the road to recovery.

Tilting her head, Cass looked at the message with a confused expression. It was weirdly innocuous.

CassHubby2987: I need you healthy so you're ready to take everything I’m going to give you.

“There it is,” she muttered, hitting the report button.

When they won, she nearly jumped up on her couch. Grabbing her phone, she sent a text to Adrian, knowing it likely wouldn't be seen for a couple hours yet.

C: My absence from the game better not be the new good luck superstition.

*

The next two weeks breathed life back into her. Though she was sluggish the week after she got back on her feet, by the time she returned to work, she felt so pent up that she was practically vibrating with energy.

The weather had begun to turn, the days growing cooler and the leaves beginning to change. This was Cassie's favorite time of year. She jumped into pumpkin flavored everything, relished sweater weather, and spent as much time working outside as she could reasonably manage.

Eight weeks into the season, the football team was dancing for a bowl game invitation, and the excitement around the team had moved from tentative to immersive. Even though they were sitting at 4-3, the team was showing a passion and fight they hadn't seen in years. The stats were also off the charts for several of the players, despite the losses. They were earning more running yards than they had in previous years. Their completion rate had doubled. The momentum had swung in the right direction.

The Monday before the Halloween game, Cassie joined the rest of the media for a weekly press update about the team. The team was playing a rival from South Carolina that upcoming Saturday, and while not as contentious as their in-state rivalry with the Cougars, the competition between the two states was almost comparable.

Cassie found herself sitting in her favorite spot after the interviews, publishing her write-up before closing her laptop. Once she was done, she packed everything away and walked over to the fountain. Pulling out her phone, she sent off a text to Adrian.

C: Hey, you. Meg and Marcus are off on their.own exploits again tonight. I'm still on campus by the East Fountain if you're still around and want to hang out.
 
Her voice had been soft and distant, but her words struck a nerve in Adrian he hadn't been expecting. "Did I ever tell you how much I love your eyes?"

As he sat there, watching her slip deeper into sleep, her comment took root in his mind, unshakable. What had that meant to her? Or had it been a fever-induced confession she wouldn't even remember by morning? He let out a sigh, leaning back and staring at the ceiling as his mind raced.

It wasn't just her words, but the way she'd said them—unfiltered, as though it had slipped past her guard without hesitation. She was always so collected, even when she let her guard down for a moment of vulnerability, it wasn't like this. It made him feel oddly responsible, like he'd been given something precious to hold and wasn't entirely sure what to do with it. And that feeling unsettled him in ways he couldn't quite explain.

"Get a grip, Stafford," he murmured to himself. He had a tendency to overthink, especially when it came to Cassie, but this felt like more than his usual restlessness. He found himself going over the moments they'd shared, the way she'd leaned on him while she was sick, how she hadn't hesitated to let him in during one of her most vulnerable moments. And now, here he was, thinking about it like it was the answer to some question he hadn't known he was asking.

The next few days drifted by in a blur, with football practices and game preparations demanding most of his attention. When her text came through a few days later, a simple thank-you message for stopping by while she was sick, he felt the familiar warmth of her presence even through the screen. She'd been out of commission for days, and yet somehow, that brief contact stirred something within him. There was something grounding about knowing he'd been able to be there for her, that he was becoming a part of her life outside of football.
When Saturday's game arrived and Cassie was forced to watch from her couch, Adrian couldn't help but think about her absence on the sidelines. She was an undeniable force of nature when it came to supporting the team, and her energy—even if he'd never admit it—was something he'd come to rely on. After the win, he saw her text: "My absence from the game better not be the new good luck superstition." He chuckled, thinking of her watching from her couch, undoubtedly as fired up as if she were on the field.

"You're irreplaceable, Cass. Luck's got nothing to do with it." He typed back, feeling a strange satisfaction knowing she'd see it soon enough. He knew she'd appreciate the small gesture, even if she couldn't be there in person.

The next few weeks brought a renewed focus to the team, as well as a revitalized Cassie. She was back with her usual fire, immersing herself in the energy of the season, practically buzzing as she bounced around the sidelines during practices and games. And Adrian, though he kept his distance, found himself drawn to her more and more. Watching her from afar, he noticed the way she interacted with the players and the pride in her eyes whenever they scored a touchdown or made a defensive stop. It was clear she was deeply invested, maybe even more than she realized.

By the time October rolled around, with the team eyeing a bowl game, Adrian found himself reflecting on how much Cassie had changed the dynamic. It wasn't just that she cared about the players; she understood them, encouraged them, pushed them to be better. He'd seen so many coaches and reporters come and go in his time, but few had Cassie's intensity or her way of connecting. And as much as he wanted to deny it, her energy had breathed something new into him too.
Then Monday came, along with a text from Cassie: "Hey, you. Meg and Marcus are off on their own exploits again tonight. I'm still on campus by the East Fountain if you're around and want to hang out."

Without thinking, Adrian grabbed his keys and made his way to where she was. As he approached the fountain, he saw her sitting on the edge, scrolling through her phone, still bundled in her fall jacket despite the cooling weather. She looked up and gave him a wave, her face lighting up as he approached.
 
M: Don't wait up!

C: I stopped waiting up for you years ago.

M: That stings a little.

C: Make good choices!

M: That's your job!

Rolling her eyes, Cassie shook her head smiling as she hit the button to put her phone back to sleep. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply, the air a mixture of chlorine from the fountain and the last of the flowers that hadn't quite died out yet from the warmer months. That's when she saw Adrian approaching, the lights around campus casting him into silhouette. Smiling, she waved at him, her pulse quickening at the sight of him.

The more at ease she felt with him, the harder it was becoming to ignore the fact that she was still just as attracted to him as she’d ever been. He’d always managed to flip her stomach upside down, even from that first moment they had met with the water incident. The way his green eyes had flashed with amusement, and the sound of his laugh. Or, rather, the sound of him trying not to laugh while she did the same in the face of a drenched athletics director. Cassie didn't know how it was possible to react so viscerally to him after all these years.

Every time he smiled at her, it was like her heart clinched a little tighter.

“Well, if it isn't the man of the hour,” she said, grinning as she offered him a mock bow. “I'm starting to feel like I'm in the presence of royalty these days.” Teasing him, she reached up and tucked her hair behind her ear, tilting her head to the stone slab beside her as a silent invitation for him to join her. She had one leg crossed over the other,the fountain to her back.

“I'm not sure how you managed it, but you looked both very relaxed and very uptight tonight,” she chuckled as she spoke, looking at him. “How are you feeling, Coach?”
 
Adrian's lips twitched into a smile as he approached, catching the way Cassie rolled her eyes at her phone before tucking it away. Her lightheartedness tonight was palpable, and for a moment, he forgot he'd been walking with his hands buried deep in his pockets, wrestling with his own thoughts. He couldn't ignore the quickening of his heartbeat as he neared her—she looked relaxed, with a softness in her expression that caught him off guard every time.

She called him the "man of the hour," bowing with that playful grin he'd come to expect. Her joke about his "royal" status brought a chuckle from him, though he felt the slight twist in his chest that happened whenever she teased him. It was that combination of wit and warmth that had hooked him from the start, and it got him every time.

"Royalty, huh?" He shook his head, chuckling as he took the spot she'd gestured to beside her, his hand bracing against the cool stone of the fountain's edge. "Guess I'll have to work on my wave, then. Might as well embrace the title." He gave a mock-serious wave, as if acknowledging a crowd of admirers. But under the banter, he could feel the pull, that familiar yet unsettling draw she had over him.

When she commented on his unusual mix of "relaxed and uptight," he let out a quiet sigh, his gaze following the ripples in the fountain as he considered how to answer. He could see his reflection wavering slightly in the water, and it reminded him of the way his mind felt tonight—unsteady, as though he were balancing on the edge of something unknown.

"Truthfully?" he began, glancing back at her, "I feel a little of both, if that makes sense. Relaxed because, well…" He paused, finding it harder to put the feeling into words than he'd expected. "I guess because being here, with you, feels natural. Comfortable." His gaze returned to the water, his mind sifting through what he could and couldn't say.

"But uptight," he continued with a wry smile, "because this team is something else this season. We've got the stats, the motivation, even the beginnings of a real fan base. But every game feels like it's balancing on a tightrope." He shook his head, letting a soft chuckle escape. "I swear, it's like being back in the league. The stakes feel almost as high, and I keep thinking there's this bar we're supposed to hit—and, well, I'm not sure if we're there yet."

There was a brief silence, one that felt oddly comforting. Cassie didn't need to say anything; she just listened, her presence making it easier to get the words out. Somehow, that understanding glance of hers made him feel seen without feeling exposed. It was a delicate balance that she'd mastered, one he found himself relying on more than he cared to admit.

He gave a low chuckle, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees as he looked out over the fountain. "You know, it's funny," he said after a moment, "I was just thinking about how much has changed since we both first started here. I remember that whole incident with the water—thought I was going to lose my scholarship, or at least start off as the guy who soaked half the admin staff." He laughed, shaking his head. "But you? You just took it in stride. Gave me that look like you'd seen it all before."

Glancing over at her, he felt the urge to say something he hadn't quite allowed himself to voice. "In a way, I think that moment was… well, let's just say it was a good omen." He chuckled, almost as if laughing at himself. "Maybe that sounds strange, but you made everything feel possible that day. Like things were gonna turn out okay, even if I wasn't sure how at the time."

With a deep breath, he let his gaze linger on her, a comfortable warmth settling between them as the night air grew crisper. He found himself wanting to share more, to tell her about the nagging thoughts he'd been wrestling with. But it was a delicate balance, one he didn't want to tip too far. Cassie had become more than just a friend, and as much as he cherished their connection, he also knew that venturing beyond that line carried its own risks.
 
Her head tilted backwards slightly as she laughed at his wave. “Well done, sir. Well done. Own it.”

As he settled next to her, she shifted, pulling her left leg up on the wall so she could turn to face him. Tilting her head, her face slid from playfulness to something softer as he began speaking.

"I guess because being here, with you, feels natural. Comfortable."

His words brought a knowing look to her face and she felt a sense of home weave its way around her heart. Time with Adrian had always felt natural and comfortable. It had been like that with Meg, too, from the start of their friendship. That sixth sense that she had found a forever person in her life.

“Well, I'm not sure if we're there yet.”

Cassie’s eyebrow lifted inquisitively at this last statement, and a look of slight disagreement crossed her face.

“Is it that you haven't hit the bar yet, or that you've set the wrong bar coming into it?” She looked at him curiously, her fingers tapping gently on her leg. “From where I’m sitting, I think you guys have exceeded expectations, and you’ve done it with a pretty big injury at the start changing whatever gameplan you started with. It doesn’t mean you don’t keep climbing, but, the change is there. It just needs more time to cook.” Her eyes scrutinized him for a moment, trying to read him in the dim light.

“Is that how you felt playing professionally? Like you had to come out of the gate with everything figured out and perfection at your fingertips from the start?” The thought of it made her stomach clench. She could empathize with that mindset. She had certainly had moments like that where she didn’t offer herself grace for being human. Thank goodness she’d had Meg in her ear to remind her and bring her back to reality. She doubted that Adrian had Rebecca in his ear telling him what he needed to hear. It was easy to get into one’s own head to the point of causing self-destruction.

“Adrian, you didn’t fail out there. You know that, right?” Reaching out, she wrapped her hand around his, squeezing it. “I know that’s not how you saw that chapter in your life going, but you got to do something hundreds of thousands of little boys growing up dream of doing, and so few actually get the chance. You did something special here that will be talked about generations from now when they talk about moments of glory at this university. And you worked so hard to get that call to the NFL, and without even seeing you during those years, I have no doubt you worked your butt off every day to push yourself to be the best that you could. The entire success and failure of a team does not rest on the shoulders of one player. Your coaches here were able to pull something out of you that the others couldn’t figure out. That’s on them. Not you.”

His hand was so warm against hers, and Cassie suddenly became aware that she’d even taken his hand. Releasing it, she pulled her hand back into lap. When he spoke of that night they met, she giggled at the memory. Giggling was not a form of laughter she often found herself making, but that particularly incident brought it out every time. Gasping, she looked up to the sky and held her hands out like she was seeking favor from on high.

“Finally, ladies and gents, he admits that it was his fault.” Grinning at him, she shook her head. “I was terrified. They were more likely to kick out the girl who played softball than the future quarterback.”

“Like things were gonna turn out okay, even if I wasn't sure how at the time.”

The impish sparkle in her eyes became more tender as he spoke, feeling a little overwhelmed that he saw her that way.

“I still think that. You are right where you’re supposed to be. You just need to believe that the words you speak to your team apply to you too. You are so quick to uplift them when things don’t go the way you all want them to, and it’s so obvious that you are being genuine with them. You see the good they do even when the outcome isn’t in their favor. Hard work doesn’t guarantee us success, but it does put us in the best place to achieve it. That message belongs to you too.” Reaching down, she ran her fingertips across the surface of the water, the cooler days having dropped the temperature of the water. The left side of her mouth quirked up into a mischievous grin.

“You just need to relax, Stafford. Be spontaneous to blow off steam. Let your mind think of other things.” With that, she promptly reached up with both hands and pushed him backwards into the fountain.
 
For a second, Adrian could barely process the cold water surging over him. One moment, Cassie's hand was wrapped warmly around his, grounding him in a way he hadn't felt in years, and the next, he was submerged in freezing fountain water. He blinked, pushing his wet hair from his face, feeling the shock quickly morph into amusement. She really had pushed him into the fountain.

"Alright, you want spontaneous?" he called, laughter tinged with challenge as he looked up at her, cheeks flushed from the cold. The humor in her expression only fueled him further. "Fine—I'll show you spontaneous."

He hauled himself up, reaching out a dripping hand toward her with an exaggerated, pleading look, as though asking for help. But the moment her fingers brushed his, he tugged—gently enough to give her a second's warning, but firmly enough to pull her in. She hit the water with a splash, and Adrian couldn't hold back his laughter as he watched her face shift from surprise to laughter of her own.

Shaking the water from his arms, he leaned back, savoring the rare, liberating moment. His laughter echoed through the empty courtyard, the sound so foreign to his own ears that it surprised him. For a split second, he forgot about the pressure, the games, the endless self-imposed expectations. Here, with her laughter ringing out beside him, he felt more like the version of himself he'd been all those years ago.

"I've gotta admit," he said, chuckling as he kicked his feet lightly in the fountain, "I didn't expect a nighttime dip. But I think you're right—sometimes you've just gotta let go. Though," he shot her a playful look, "for the record, if I get hypothermia, it's all on you."

The air between them was filled with an easy warmth, and Adrian let himself simply be in the moment. But as he watched her, her hair clinging to her face, eyes bright with laughter, he couldn't help but wonder again: *Did she feel the same?* The question sparked, but he quickly pushed it aside. Tonight wasn't about complications; it was about feeling alive again, even if only for a fleeting moment.

Grinning, he splashed a small wave of water in her direction, his voice light. "Alright, Nichols. What's next on your spontaneity list? Because I've got a feeling we're just getting started."
 
The look on his face caused her to erupt into laughter, and she felt like she had served just the tiniest bit of revenge for her birthday dunk a decade prior. When he looked at her, she started shaking her head immediately.

“No!” Holding a finger up as he reached towards her, she did her best to scramble to her feet, but he was too quick. “Adrian Stafford-” was all she managed to shriek out before he yanked her in, the water shocking her system with how cold it was. Wiping her face, she couldn’t stop laughing, despite the way her lips immediately began chattering.

“If I get hypothermia, it's all on you."

“Poor, tough football player,” she pouted in his direction, although the teasing lost a bit of its luster with the way her voice undulated through her shivering. Another shriek escaped her as he sent a wave of water in her direction. Her sweater suddenly weighed three times as much, and she tried to drag herself to her feet, but stumbled slightly and toppled on to him.

“I’m sorry,” the words choked out through her laughter, her eyes tearing up. Giving him a playfully peevish expression like this was all his fault, she splashed him one more time for good measure before trying to detangle herself from him.

“This was not planned. You don’t plan spontaneity.”
 
Cassie's weight pressed against Adrian as she tumbled down, her laughter echoing off the rippling water, infectiously light and carefree. For a moment, everything else vanished—he was wholly wrapped up in the sensation of her warmth against him, her closeness, the feel of her fingers brushing his arm as she tried to steady herself. Her laughter softened, and he found himself glancing down at her, studying the contours of her face in the dim glow from the campus lights, wondering if she could feel the electricity sparking between them, the unspoken tug that had quietly grown in their shared moments. He'd been careful to keep his guard up, his feelings at a distance, but right now, the lines he'd drawn felt hazy. Did she feel it too?

She shot him a look, her eyes twinkling in that way that always set something off inside him, even years ago. She teased him as she tried to push herself up, splashing him one last time in a mix of laughter and lingering defiance, despite her clear attempts to shake off the shock of the chilly water. Adrian's heart pounded as he smiled back, trying to keep his voice light. "This is what happens when you try to plan spontaneity," he murmured, his words softened by a vulnerability he'd tried to keep out of his tone. She blinked at him, an amused eyebrow arched, making his grin widen despite the cold water seeping through his clothes.

Finally, as reality trickled back in, he let out a small laugh, feeling the chill from the fountain creeping into his skin. "Alright, alright—I'll call a truce before one of us actually catches hypothermia. My place is only a block away; we can get out of these wet clothes and warm up." He hoped his voice sounded casual, like he'd made the suggestion out of simple practicality. But his pulse beat louder in his ears, betraying the simplicity of the invitation.

They clambered out of the fountain, Cassie still giggling, her hair damp and wild around her face, and he couldn't help but shake his head, half-amused, half in awe of her lightheartedness. Adrian shrugged his shoulders, trying to brush off the memory of the way her laughter had felt, like a warmth that had seeped all the way through him.

"So," he added as they started walking toward his place, "promise me no more unplanned water incidents. Or," he said, feigning seriousness as he held his hand over his heart, "I might have to start carrying a towel every time I see you."

The sidewalks were nearly empty, the world quieting as they strolled together in the cool night air. Adrian tried to ignore the slight shiver in his hands, a mix of the chill and the lingering rush of adrenaline. "And hey," he added, a playful grin finding its way to his face, "if you're still cold when we get there, I'll even make us some of that famous Stafford hot cocoa. My mom always said it could thaw out even the iciest of days."

He glanced her way, his voice dropping to a murmur. "Not that you need it," he said with a lopsided smile. "Somehow, Cassie Nichols, I think you're already good at bringing warmth with you." As the lights of his house came into view, he felt a strange hope rising, as if tonight held something new, just out of reach, waiting for him to be bold enough to grasp it.
 
Adrian’s heat had cut through the water as she tried not to touch him, despite the inevitability that she had to in order to get up. She had forgotten how deceptively muscular he was. One of their shared complaints back in their college days was how they were both shorter than the average athlete in their respective sports. While not short by average standards, both softball and football had a tendency to attract particularly tall athletes. Cassie had always wondered if that was one reason Adrian had been underestimated initially. The man was sturdy, though, and as her hands caught the muscles under his drenched shirt, she was vividly reminded of that fact.

Climbing out of the fountain, she nearly fell three more times, dissolving into more giggles at her own clumsiness. As cold as she’d been inside the fountain, the night air cut into her, bringing a fresh wave of discomfort.

“Warmth. I choose warmth.” She could barely spit her words out as they began to walk towards his place after she’d hiked her backpack onto her shoulder. Eventually, she moved closer to him and wrapped her arms around his middle, seeking out whatever body heat she could from him as they walked down the sidewalk. It didn’t even occur to her at first that doing so would have a very different feeling than when they had done it as goofy college kids. It did strike her, though, the minute she became very mindful of him that she’d let her guard down enough to not maintain physical distance.

“That was an incredibly stupid idea,” she said, her teeth chattering almost comically, trying to casually pull herself back away from him. “Not the part where I pushed you in. You’ve had that coming to you for ten years now, but the part where you pulled me in. You know I’m a baby when it comes to being cold.”

"Somehow, Cassie Nichols, I think you're already good at bringing warmth with you."

His words sent a renewed chill down her back, his tone of voice somehow hitting a nerve more so than his words. She smiled at him, the joking gone. It was at that moment she felt her phone vibrate, the feeling repetitive in her pocket. Furrowing her brow as they reached Adrian’s house, she pulled it out and saw Meg was calling her.

“Hold on.” Still shivering, she hit the green button on her phone. “Hey, what’s up?”

“Cass!” Meg’s voice cracked on the other end of the phone.

“What’s wrong?” Cassie’s voice completely changed, something in the pit of her stomach tightening.

“I’m okay. I was headed home and someone ran a stop sign and hit the front of my car.”

“Oh my god, are you hurt?”

“No. No, I’m fine, really. Just a little shaken. The car is pretty trashed though. Can you come get me?”

“Of course. Where are you?” All joviality had seeped from Cassie as she nodded. “All right. I’ll see you soon.” Hanging up, she looked at Adrian, a mixture of an apology and worry on her face.

“Hey, I’m sorry. Meg was just in a car accident. She needs me to come get her. Can I grab a change of clothes and have you run me back to my car?”
 
Adrian's heart sank at Cassie's news about Meg's accident, and a flicker of disappointment tightened in his chest, though he quickly pushed it down. Tonight had felt like it was heading somewhere unspoken, and just like that, it was cut short. He forced a small smile, determined not to let his disappointment show. "Of course," he replied, nodding as he guided her up the steps to his house. "Let's get you warmed up and into something dry first. I've got some spare clothes that should work."

He rummaged through a drawer and found an oversized sweatshirt and a pair of athletic pants he thought might fit her well enough. "Here you go," he said, handing the clothes over with a gentle smile. "Bathroom's just down the hall."

He turned back to give her some privacy, trying not to let his mind linger too long on the missed opportunity of the evening. Instead, he busied himself in the living room, drying off as best as he could and glancing occasionally down the hall, waiting for her to reappear.

After a few minutes, Adrian headed back to the hall, intending to knock and check if she needed anything else. But just as he rounded the corner, the bathroom door swung open, and he found himself face to face with Cassie, in the midst of pulling on the oversized sweatshirt, her damp hair framing her flushed cheeks. Her breasts, nicely framed by her bra, were right in his view. They both froze. Her eyes met his, widening slightly as they both processed the unexpected moment of closeness. The silence stretched on, thick with tension, neither of them moving, breaths caught in their chests. He felt his face flush, a strange heat cutting through the chill that still clung to him.

After what felt like an eternity, Adrian finally blinked and tore his gaze away, swallowing hard as he stepped back. "Uh, sorry," he stammered, the warmth of his voice stumbling. "I didn't— I'll, uh, I'll give you a minute."

He turned quickly, rubbing the back of his neck as he made his way back to the living room, heart pounding harder than it had in a long time. He couldn't shake the image of her standing there, so close, the air between them humming with an energy that hadn't been there before.

A few moments later, Cassie reappeared, bundled in his spare clothes, and they shared a brief, slightly awkward smile as they headed to his car. The drive to her car was quiet at first, with both of them seemingly lost in their own thoughts. Adrian kept his eyes on the road, but his mind replayed the evening's events, from the laughter in the fountain to the warmth of her hand on his arm, and that charged moment in the hallway. As much as he tried to keep his focus on the drive, his thoughts lingered on her, on the way she seemed to bring lightness into his life.

He pulled up beside her car, hesitating for a moment before shifting in his seat to face her. "Text me when you get home, and let me know that Meg is OK”.

He gave her a warm smile as she got out of the car, watching her as she got into her own. He stayed until she pulled away, before letting out a breath.

Well she definitely thinks I’m a creep now.
 
It took every ounce of strength not to whine like a child. As full as her heart had been moments ago, she now felt deflated. She was grateful that Meg was safe, and Cassie felt guilty for feeling selfishly disappointed at the moment, but that cozy connection had been severed.

“Thanks,” she said, her voice coming out small as she followed him into his house. It was the first time Cassie had been inside his house, and it truly registered just how out of her league he really was. Logically, she’d known that as a professional football player and now a coach, he’d made tens of millions of dollars if not more. It was something else entirely to step inside his million dollar home and be reminded of that fact. She realized just how small her life was compared to his. She also couldn’t decide if the house felt like him. It was hard to reconcile the Adrian who had just been splashing around in a fountain with the one who lived here.

He drew her attention back to him as he handed her the dry stack of clothes.

“Thank you, again. Are you sure I don’t need a map?” Winking at him, she walked off in the direction he’d pointed, trying to be quick. Once inside the bathroom, she stripped off her wet clothes, grimacing at the way the cold fabric felt as she peeled it off her skin. Pulling up the pants, she folded the waistband over several times so they would cling more tightly to her, feeling a weird sense of deja vu. It probably wasn’t the first time she’d ever worn his clothes. Hanging her wet clothes over the side of his tub, she decided she’d come back for them another time. Meg said she was fine, but she’d also sounded wound up, and Cassie needed to see her with her own eyes.

Multitasking, Cassie got the sweater mostly on before swinging open the door, ready to bolt out. Then promptly lived every girl’s school time nightmare as she nearly ran into Adrian, the sweater barely below her head.

“Oh! I’m-” She spoke at the same time he did, her face heating up as she yanked the sweater the rest of the way down. Horrified was the understatement of the century. “Sorry, I was trying to be quick, and…” her voice trailed off as he spoke again at the same time. When he fled from her, because that’s how she perceived it, she reached up and buried her face in her hands, fake crying silently into them as she rubbed her face. Lowering her hands, she forced herself to take a breath. They were both grown adults. They had both seen naked bodies before. This didn’t have to be weird.

Doesn’t have to be weird, Cass. Don’t make it weird. It’s fine. You guys shared a bed occasionally in college. It’s. Fine.

The drive to her car was a very different kind of quiet, and Cassie found herself staring straight ahead the entire way. The night had taken several unexpected turns, and she was trying not to spend the time analyzing them at the moment. There would be time for that later. Preferably when the smell of him and the closeness of him wasn’t completely addling her brain. When he pulled up next to her car, she looked at him, her smile small.

“I will. Thank you again. I’m sorry for the sudden change of plans.” Grabbing her backpack, she pulled her keys out and popped her trunk to grab a change of shoes. Before closing his doors, she gave him a slightly hopeful look. “See you at Coach’s Club tomorrow, right?”

*

Cassie reached Meg in record time, and hopped out of the car, the blue flashing lights casting an eerie glow on the darkened street, causing the shattered glass still on the road to catch the reflection. Meg’s car had been loaded onto the tow truck, but Cassie shuddered at the mangled front end.

“Cass!” Meg’s voice caught her attention, and she found Meg standing by one of the police cars. Halfway running to her, Cassie pulled her into a tight hug.

“I’m so glad you’re okay.” Reaching up, Cassie cupped Meg’s face in her hands, inspecting her as if she needed to see it for herself.

“I am. I’ll be sore for a few days, and I’ll go get checked out tomorrow just to make sure everything is fine.” Meg wrapped her arms back around Cassie, needing the comfort of her best friend.

“Are we good to get you home?”

“Yes. I’ve given my statement. It was one of the students at the college. She just didn’t see the stop sign and plowed right through. I think she was more shaken up than I was.” Shaking her head, Meg walked with Cassie to the car and slid in. As Cassie got back in the driver’s side, Meg suddenly looked at her with a funny expression.

“Those aren’t your clothes.” It wasn’t a question.

“No?” The squeak in Cassie’s voice came out in the form of a question.

“Cassie…whose clothes are you wearing?” Meg’s voice held a command that would have grabbed the attention of the entire football team. Cassie remained silent, suddenly finding the need to concentrate very diligently on the empty road as she drove. “Cassandra Nichols.”

Cassie winced and sighed, realizing it was hopeless to try to hold anything back from her.

“They belong to Adrian,” she finally relented, her voice a mixture of timidity and defeat.

“What?” Practically yelling, Meg whipped her head around to look at Cassie, not showing any signs that whiplash had settled in yet.

“See, I knew you were going to freak out. There’s a perfectly innocent explanation.”

“Dang it. I was hoping there wasn’t.”

“We were at the school and ended up in the fountain, and we were both wet and it was cold, so we walked to his house for a change of clothes…” Her voice trailed off as she realized she was babbling.

“Oh no, and then I called and ruined everything. I cockblocked you!” Meg sounded dismayed. “I have been trying to get the two of you together since Freshman year, and the night it was finally going to happen, I ruined it.”

“Meg,” she said, laughing and shaking her head, “you didn’t ruin anything because nothing was going to happen. We were just spending time together, and it got a little out of control.”

“No, that man was taking you home and was going to make sweet, passionate love to you all night, and then I ruined it.” Throwing her hands up, Meg let out a rather unbecoming sigh.

“That man, as you so eloquently put it, was going to do no such thing. He accidentally saw me half naked and couldn’t get away from me fast enough. I can assure you, he has zero interest in taking me to bed.” A fact that Cassie was trying very hard to ignore.


*

Whiplash did, in fact, catch up with Meg the following day. Cassie drove her to the doctor, who cleared her of any serious injury, and then dropped her back off at the house. Work flew by quickly as she conducted a couple of player interviews, and before she knew it, she and Meg were driving back up to the university for the monthly event.

“I’m starving,” Meg said, as they got onto the elevator. “I feel like I haven’t eaten all day.”

“Well, lucky for you, the food is always top notch here.” Grinning, Cassie watched the numbers change as they ascended, mouthing along to the familiar ding when the elevator stopped. The two women stepped off the elevator and into the room, Meg moving a little stiffer than usual, but still just as high energy.

“Oh, we should get a photo!” Meg said, turning to her. Chuckling, Cassie reached into her pocket, and realized she’d left her phone charging in the car.

“Dang.” Scrunching up her face into a pout, she rolled her eyes at herself. “I left my phone in the car. I’ll run back down.”

“Do you want me to go with you?”

“No, that’s silly. Go grab some food. I see Marcus over there by the balcony door.”

“I also see Adrian over there,” Meg said, slyly.

“Yes, yes he is. It’s hard to see him behind all the cameras pointed at him.” Laughing, Cassie shooed Meg forward while she headed back to the elevator. As she stepped outside the building, she looked down at her purse to find her keys, and had just looked up when she heard a voice that stopped her in her tracks.

“Cassandra Nichols.”

Raising both eyebrows, Cassie looked genuinely stunned. “Rebecca? What…what are you doing here?”

She was flabbergasted to see the blonde woman, dressed impeccably to show off every inch of leg she possessed, standing in front of her on the sidewalk.

“I’m an alumni. I reserve the right to come back and support my school.” Her voice was dripping in feigned innocence as she casually lifted one shoulder, which made every nerve ending in Cassie prickle.

“That’s funny. I’ve never once seen you come back here in the last ten years.”

“Well, some of us have been off living our lives. I can’t help it if you’ve been stuck here this whole time. How sad for you.” She tilted her head to the side and poked her bottom lip out, giving Cassie every ounce of fake pity she could muster.

“Right. Why are you really here, Rebecca?”

“I’m just here to see my husband,” she said, her voice still carrying that tone that grated on Cassie. “I’ve missed him, and I want to make things right. He still loves me, so it’s just asinine that we’re trying to pretend like we shouldn’t be together, so I’m here to remind him what he’s missing. I know you understand.” She shrugged a shoulder nonchalantly and walked past Cassie, pausing when she was shoulder to shoulder with her. The fake smile dropped, and she narrowed her dark eyes as she looked down her nose at Cassie. “While I’m sure you’re the one behind that whole #Cassandrian fad online, just know that nothing is ever going to happen between the two of you.”

That was that. Rebecca left Cassie standing on the sidewalk feeling as though the world were cracking below her feet. Shaking her head, she swallowed down that diminutive feeling that Rebecca had always brought up in her, refusing to let that woman make her feel small all these years later.

Phone. Reminding herself of why she’d come out here in the first place, Cassie headed to the car and grabbed her phone. She was now more reluctant to go back up, but knew if she lingered too long, Meg would come barreling after her. When she arrived back at the top floor, she stepped off the elevator just in time to see Rebecca saunter up to Adrian and slide her arm through his. The moment she did, camera flashes lit up that side of the room, and Cassie made a beeline for the opposite side, feeling sick to her stomach.
 
Adrian pulled into his driveway, replaying the evening's events, though one moment stuck more than any other. The instant Cassie had opened that bathroom door, caught in the middle of getting dressed in his oversized sweatshirt, he'd felt an undeniable jolt. The sight of her with damp hair framing her face, her eyes wide with surprise, stirred something deep within him that he hadn't allowed himself to acknowledge before. It wasn't just attraction; it was a feeling that clawed at him, making him acutely aware of how much he still cared for her. And it wasn't just about the way she looked. It was the familiarity, the comfort, the thrill, and the vulnerability all tangled together. It took every bit of his self-control to pull back without betraying just how badly he wanted to be closer to her.

As he entered his house, the faint scent of her scent still lingered in the air. He shook his head, trying to brush away the image of her—warm, close, and so unexpectedly open with him again. The night had been perfect, in its messy, unexpected way, and then it had all been cut short. He sighed, telling himself not to dwell on it, but his mind betrayed him, drifting back to that moment again and again as he prepared for the next day.

When the evening of the Coach's Club event arrived, Adrian reminded himself it was all about school spirit, donors, and alumni. But as he settled into the gathering, a familiar face in the crowd caught him off guard: Rebecca. She was posing with a slick confidence, flashing her best smile for the cameras, an intrusion into a place she had no business being. He forced a tight smile, barely holding it together for the photographers. The moment the flashes subsided, he seized the opportunity, quietly steering Rebecca toward the balcony, far from prying eyes.

Once they were alone, he faced her, his jaw tight. "Rebecca, what the hell are you doing here?" he asked, his voice just above a whisper but laced with irritation. He kept his hands jammed into his pockets to keep himself calm. "You can't just show up out of nowhere."

She tilted her head, feigning innocence as her smile lingered in that way that used to charm him—but now only set his teeth on edge. Adrian let out a mirthless chuckle. "No, don't pretend you're here for some innocent reason," he snapped. "We're divorced, Rebecca. Divorced. You have no reason to show up like this."

"Oh, come on, Adrian," she cooed, but his patience had worn thin.

"I don't think you get it. This isn't one of your little games. You cheated on me with half the staff in Oakland." His voice was harsh, quieter than he wanted, but there was no stopping the blunt truth. The years of bitterness that he'd thought he'd buried long ago started to surface, gnawing at him. "So, no, you don't get to stand here and act like we're some happily reunited couple. If you keep showing up like this, I'll have no choice but to get a restraining order."

Her face faltered, and he could see her trying to muster a defense, but he didn't give her the chance. "It's over, Rebecca," he continued, his voice turning cold. "I moved on a long time ago, and it's time you did, too."

Without waiting for her reply, Adrian turned back toward the door, leaving her in the cold night air alone on the balcony. Inside, he took a steadying breath, his heart still racing. He barely registered the click of cameras as he returned to the room, but his mind wasn't on the event any longer. He needed to leave. He made a beeline for Marcus.

"Hey man, I need to go. Rebecca is here, and I will lose it if I have to be in the same room as her for more than 5 minutes. Please tell Meg and Cassie. I'll see you tomorrow for practice".

With that, he was gone and headed for home. He had felt so good to stand up to Rebecca after all this time. She was not worming her way back into his life again.
 
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