Chapter 84

I had been counting down to Thursday like it was the only thing holding my week together. Every class, every rehab stretch, every sleepless night—I kept telling myself, "Just get to Thursday. Get to him." But that afternoon, just as I was getting ready to leave campus, Coach pulled me aside. "There is a banquet tonight," he said. "Big names. Potential sponsors. You are coming." I blinked, confused. "Tonight?" He nodded, already half-turned. "Suit up. Smile. You are one of our standout players. You are part of the pitch now." I tried to talk my way out of it. "But my wrist hasn't healed yet," I said, holding up my injured hand. "I still need rest. Can someone else go in my place and make it up later?" But Coach wasn't budging. "Zane, this could decide the team's future funding. We need to show them what we have got. You are the face people remember. You showing up matters." And just like that, everything shifted. My plan for tonight to meet Garcia was dashed. Garcia would have to wait.