Page 67 of Fighting Fate

He continued, "Being a part of the Titan Tigers is a dream come true for you. We've got to show him that you're just like your dad, make him proud, and make your mom and me proud. Show him that you are true, Chasen."

I nod my head. "Sounds like a plan, Dad."

5 YEARS AGO

"Okay, Miles, today's the day. Coach Kreft, Coach Pen, Coach Attikins, and Coach Drane, they're all going to be at your college tryouts. This is the moment we've been waiting for. It's go time, son."

No pressure, Dad, none at all. It wasn't like I hadn't been preparing for this day. As he mentioned, we had been gearing up for this moment for a while, although it was mostly his moment, one he had been anticipating and training me for. And now, the day was finally here, but I couldn't seem to muster up much excitement. It was more a sense of pressure, of not letting my dad down when he had been looking forward to this day ever since I joined the All-Stars.

Dad gave me a few reassuring pats on my shoulder and looked at me with a mix of caution and concern, as if he wanted to make sure I was alright. But just as quickly, he returned to his stern and determined self. "Alright, you look great, kid. Let's go out there and show them you deserve a spot on their roster, yeah?" His face lit up with an enormous smile that could rival any in the history of mankind.

I offered him a grateful smile and nodded my head, responding, "Sounds like a plan, Dad."

Another ping from my phone pulls me back to reality.

Dad

Remember, only 6ish months till NFL tryouts. You need courage, guts, dedication. It's a big leap from college football. Show those scouts you're up for it.

I mentally nod. Always ready, always a step ahead. I quickly type a response, hoping it conveys my confidence.

Miles

I'm ready.

I catch myself holding my breath as Milli's voice comes through. "Sunshine, you still there?"

Shit, yes. But before I can reply, another message from Dad dings.

Dad

How are you feeling? Watch for muscle soreness, fatigue, headaches.

The same routine questions, day in, day out. My irritation spikes, and I feel a flush of heat. But then Milli's voice interrupts my thoughts. "Miles?"

She seems about to ask something, but instead, she mentions needing to shower and hit the books, so she wraps up the call. A twinge of disappointment hits me, but it's quickly overshadowed by a buzz from my phone—a new message from her lighting up the screen.

Mills

You want to see me in the new dance uniforms? They're kinda skimpy.

I chuckle, feeling the tension ebb away. I can almost see her scrunching her nose adorably.

Miles

Will I have to knock out some of my teammates for staring?

Mills

Not to toot my own horn, but it's a very, very big possibility.

Miles

Uh huh, and what about me? Will I get in trouble for staring?

But it hardly makes a difference; I'm well aware of my tendencies, and without a doubt, I'll find myself staring, among other things.

Mills