Dogwood Hill. Sherryl Woods

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СКАЧАТЬ going to want to play ball and I want the best for them and that includes a coach who can turn this team around. I know it’s politically correct to say that winning’s not everything, but these lopsided losses are discouraging.”

      Aidan imagined that was a serious understatement. He’d studied the team’s record, not a win in the past five years. He decided to focus on the stadium, which was a real positive.

      “To be honest, I’ve seen a few college and even pro stadiums that weren’t that impressive,” Aidan told him. “You did a great job.”

      In fact, if it hadn’t been for all the peripheral angst attached to this particular job, it would have been a dream, no question about it. Aidan couldn’t imagine anyplace else where he’d be given carte blanche to invigorate a high school football program with whatever it took to make it successful. Those resources usually came at the college level.

      Still he said, “One step at a time. Let’s have that meeting and see how it goes. You know I don’t have a track record coaching high school football. You may decide I’m not right for the job.”

      “Not a chance,” Mick said. “I’ve done my homework. I know you were a leader in the locker room and not just on the field. That, along with the recommendations from your coaches, speaks highly of you.”

      Aidan couldn’t help feeling flattered, but he couldn’t let himself be swayed. “Okay, let’s say I do say yes, I have one question for you in the meantime.” He was hoping the answer would solidify his resolve. The last thing any coach needed was too many bosses micromanaging his decisions.

      “What’s that?” Mick asked as they walked outside into the warm spring sunshine and headed toward a large and surprisingly muddy truck that had obviously seen some time on a work site recently.

      “If I take this job, exactly who do I answer to? The principal, the school board or you?”

      Mick’s booming laugh filled the air. “I won’t be the person signing your checks,” he replied candidly. “That doesn’t mean that folks in town don’t tend to listen to what I have to say.”

      Aidan nodded. “Good to know. Any other tips for getting along in Chesapeake Shores?”

      Mick gave him a long look. “You stick around. Come to Sunday dinner at my place. All the O’Briens will be there. We’ll be happy to fill you in on everything you need to know. If you’re not already convinced, we ought to be able to seal the deal.”

      Aidan’s pulse began to race. Could it possibly be that easy? A few days in town and he’d come face-to-face with his father? Could he sit at Mick O’Brien’s table and keep what he knew to himself, at least as long as it took to decide if he wanted to reveal the truth? Would he be able to look into Thomas O’Brien’s face without unleashing all the vitriol he’d stored up? A meltdown over a roast and mashed potatoes would certainly put an end to his coaching career in this obviously close-knit town.

      He drew in a deep breath and made yet another of those quick decisions, this one fraught with all sorts of disturbing potential consequences. Fate had brought him here. Until he gave the school his answer, he might as well make the most of it.

      He met Mick’s gaze. “I’ll do that, sir, if you’re sure it’s not an imposition.”

      “Nothing my family likes better than seeing a new face at the table,” Mick assured him.

      Aidan couldn’t help wondering if they’d still feel that way after his visit.

      * * *

      Aidan immediately liked Rob Larkin, the principal of the high school, who seemed to have no qualms at all about standing up to Mick O’Brien and taking charge of the interview. With his crew cut and preppy attire, he looked to be in his forties, but there was a steely resolve in his eyes that suggested he ran a tight ship. Mick actually sat back and let the principal run the show.

      “Although your football credentials are what got you here today,” Rob said, “I’m interested in hearing what you think a high school coach’s role should be.”

      Aidan leaned forward. “I had the best possible model as a coach when I was in school. He was an excellent motivator. He had strict rules—he wanted to win, but more important than either of those things, he wanted to teach the players to be better men. If I can be half as effective as he was, I’ll do a good job for you.”

      Caught up in his enthusiasm for the topic, he forgot for a minute that he wasn’t 100 percent sure he really wanted this job.

      “What about grades?” Rob asked him.

      “At the top of my list,” Aidan said readily. “Nobody plays if they’re failing. I’ll get them whatever help they need, but I won’t tolerate them slacking off when it comes to academics.”

      He saw the principal and Mick exchange a satisfied look.

      “Why don’t we take a walk around the school so you can see the gym, the locker room and our equipment?” Rob suggested.

      “Sure,” Aidan said, already knowing what he’d find—the absolute best of everything.

      “Would you like to meet a few of the players?” Rob asked. “I can arrange to pull them from classes.”

      Aidan quickly shook his head. It wouldn’t be fair to get their hopes up, and it would be harder for him to say no if he’d seen the young men who might be pinning their hopes on him.

      “Another time,” he said. “But let’s take a look around.”

      As they toured the school, Aidan was more and more impressed, not only with the facility, but with Rob Larkin. He was a dedicated educator, no question about it. He was also happily surprised by the principal’s interactions with the students that he witnessed. There was friendly respect on both sides.

      It seemed the students all knew Mick, too, and their easy camaraderie with such an important man spoke well of Mick’s relationship with all of the town’s residents. Aidan couldn’t help wondering if Thomas, with his lofty ideals, related half as well to average folks.

      When they’d made their way back to the principal’s office, Rob said, “There’s one other thing I should mention. In addition to teaching a few physical education classes, you’d also be expected to handle one after-school activity. Coach Gentry loved the outdoors, so he organized a group that spent time cleaning up the bay. He worked closely with Mick’s brother Thomas on that project. We’d like you to continue that. It’s important to get these kids to appreciate the environment, to understand that there’s a whole big world outside of sports.”

      Work with Thomas—his father? Aidan wasn’t sure he could do that. He swallowed hard and tried not to let his immediate reaction show. There was no point in making an issue of it now, since he didn’t intend to take the job. He needed to nod and let it go.

      “Of course,” he said. “If I stay, I understand that an after-school activity beyond coaching would be part of the job. It sounds like a worthy cause.”

      “Not much matters more around here,” Mick chimed in. “You’ll see. Just get my brother started when you meet him on Sunday. He’ll talk your ear off.” He leveled a look at Aidan. “So, do we have a deal? A five-year contract. We know it’s going to take time, though none СКАЧАТЬ