Page 2 of The Backup Plan

Yes, be careful.

He counted ten voicemails and fifteen more messages from people claiming to be with the university’s P.R. team, forty-six from friends and teammates, and not one from any of his coaches. Maybe he’d go to weights in a few minutes and someone would tell him they sent P.R. the wrong name, and it was a mistake.

The phone lit up as he drew back to throw it off his bed, and he looked at his messages one more time.

Unknown #3

You’re one of us now, loser.

Cameron

Who’s this?

Unknown #3

Jay Rottler gave me your number. I’m adding you to the chat. Get the app and you’ll get the invite.

Cam clicked to install the secure messaging app. Jay Rottler, his high school teammate who now played for his college team’s rivals was giving out his cell number? They hadn’t spoken for years.

You have been added to the chat “QB1 Fight Club” by Hayden Hamilton.

Hayden

I told you I could find him. Guys, Cameron Porter, Cam, the guys.

Cory

Congrats, Cam. Cory Thatcher, Michigan. Don’t let Hammy fool you with the fight club crap. It’s all love here.

Marshall

Hammy’s not fooling anybody, and he’s fresh off the bench, too. Good to have you, Cam. Marshall North, Rutgers.

Cameron

Where am I, exactly?

Hayden

You’re in the QB1 Fight Club, obviously. Starting QBs from mostly-decent schools here to talk trash. And you know where I’m from.

Marshall

You’re from the practice squad. You haven’t sniffed a start. At least our boy here had one last year when Jordan got hurt.

Cameron

Why ARE you here, Hayden? You’re supposed to be bench warming at least another year like I am. Was. Whatever.

Hayden

Meningitis got us bad at camp and about thirty guys caught it. Malik Whitehead was Patient Zero.

Cameron

Is he okay? Is everyone okay?