Getting Closer

Chapter Eight - Charlie

"I'll be with you in a moment, Charlie," Coach says as I enter the gym. "Head into my office."

Nodding, I sling my backpack over one shoulder and head to the boys' locker room. Standing awkwardly in his office, I try not to make any eye contact with the other boys as they change for cross country as to avoid any unnecessary glimpses and to avoid questions about where I'm attending college or if I trained over summer break. I've already had some teachers ask about my plans for next year and I had to give them all shrugs and a useless explanation of I'll see what happens.

After texting Seth that I'll meet him by my truck in a few minutes and sending a quick text to Kate that she can join us for dinner tonight, Coach walks in and slaps my shoulder. "Sit Evans," he orders as he takes a seat for himself. Once I do, he leans back and says, "We've already had some colleges asking about you and your future."

"Oh."

"That's great news, Charlie. And you'll have a wide variety of choosing based on your academics and your numbers from last season."

He waits for a reaction from me but I only blink at him. "Alright."

Coach keeps urging me, "And that doesn't even include the professional clubs that are interested in you."

"Right."

"They're already calling you the next Bryce Harper." I sigh. I've certainly heard this from my teammates over the last few years as I made varsity when I was a freshman. But I hate being compared to someone that has so much more talent than I could ever boast. Coach sees my uncertainty and smiles. "I just want you and your parents to be aware of your possibilities next year, Charlie. And there are loads of them for you."

I nod again. I've known this already by how excited my dad is and how Seth and Max have always been by my side the whole time. "I'm keeping my mind open," I say neutrally.

I rise to leave but Coach says quickly, "I also wanted to ask if you would like to join any other sports this fall."

"Teams have already been in practice for weeks, Coach. Isn't it too late?"

He shrugs, "We could always use an athlete like you, Charlie. And it could also keep you nimble throughout the year."

"I'll think about it, Coach."

"Good. Let me know if you change your mind."

***

"Jesus H. Christ, Charlie!" Seth complains after I get back to my truck. "I'm burning up here!" Rolling my eyes, I get in without acknowledging him. Turning the key in and blasting the air conditioning, Seth jumps in and looks at me. "Did Coach ask about what you're doing next year?"

I frown as I put my truck in reverse. "Of course he did. Everyone has been asking me lately."

"It's because you're so irresistible."

"Shut up."

Knowing I'm in a shit mood, Seth pokes my bicep and asks, "So what do you want for dinner? Last time your dad yelled at me for ordering shit food."

I snort, remembering just last week at how my dad roasted Seth on his choices of food. While Seth and I ate happily, my dad had to eat leftovers just to prove a point. "You can't go wrong with Mexican food."

"Then we should invite Max. Bring him back to his roots."

"You know if you said that in front of him, he'd strangle you."

Seth laughs. "Oh I know. But it's so much fun messing with the fucker."

As we head down the main commercial area, I laugh, "We could order Korean food to bring you back to your roots."