Off Season (The Blake Boys Book 15) by Rhonda Laurel Page A

were his words worth? His accomplishments in his sport didn’t necessarily mean he had any sage advice to dole out. It was more about his image and being seen. He knew plenty of guys who made appearances at clubs and entertainment events because promoters knew they would attract a crowd and the media. He’d been living off his face and body for a long time, now he’d wanted his words to mean something.
    Seth parked in the parking lot by the field. He and Ross both looked at the small stadium but didn’t attempt to get out. There were so many great moments here. He could feel them all rushing back. There was a big banner hung on the side of the athletic building that said: Branson Hills High. Birthplace of superstars Seth Blake, John Blake, Tate McGill, and Ross McKinney .
    “This was definitely a simpler time,” Ross murmured.
    “Yeah, you could throw the ball around without a million pair of eyes on you and have fun.”
    “I always hated not being able to have fun with football. Coach would let us horse around, but we always got the job done. Do you remember the time Tate ran that sixty-yard touchdown? I was a freshman and in awe of you guys.” Ross shook his head in disbelief. “Don’t get me started on him missing his calling. I mean the singing thing ain’t bad, but he was a natural.”
    “Tate was always a gentle soul. That’s why the girls loved him.” Seth laughed. “He knew how to strum a few chords and flash those baby blues like a lost deer and the ladies adored it.”
    “I always thought he and Chrissie would end up together. Just like I thought you and Penny would be the first to marry.”
    In the distance, someone was waving at them. It was their old coach Boyd Thompkins. Seth and Ross climbed out of the truck to greet him.
    “Well! Well!” The older man grinned as he walked toward them. “As I live and breathe. Two of Branson Hills’ finest.”
    “Coach, it’s good to see you!” Seth gave the man a big bear hug.
    “Same here. I was wondering when you would stop by now that you’re back in Texas where you belong.” The coach gave him a onceover and turned to Ross. “This one graces me with his presence at least once every six months.”
    “I promise, now that I’m home I will be visiting more often.” The team was now congregating in a circle to see who the coach was talking to.
    “Looks like the team is ready.” Ross pointed over to them. “I just wanted to give a quick pep talk to see if I could keep up the momentum.”
    “What about you?” Coach slapped Seth on the back. “You got something to say today? We can’t afford the astronomical speaking fees you must command these days.”
    “My daddy would tan my hide if I did something foolish like charge my old high school for a lecture.” Seth scratched at his beard. “I’m just here to offer a few encouraging words, same as Ross.”
    “Good.” The coach blew his whistle and waved for the team to huddle. “Boys, we are in for a treat today. We have two great alumni with us today. Ross McKinney and Seth Blake.”
    Seth listened attentively as Ross swatted down questions about endorsements and celebrity, citing that everyone on the team was a long way from getting their own line of athletic products and dating supermodels. Once they quieted down, he launched into his summary of the team’s performance. He told them they were good, but now the real challenge was keeping the momentum high while they tunneled through the rest of the season. When he offered some helpful advice to some of the players, they grumbled a little bit and mumbled about the coach’s decisions. Which got Seth to thinking about Riley. Youngsters these days thought they knew everything and didn’t want to be guided. Sure, he’d talked to Riley, but had he really listened? He wasn’t so sure one conversation would be enough to re-program the quarterback’s selfish way of thinking.
    Ross tagged Seth to talk. The same old questions flared up, but he