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private school,” Thane explained. “They can pretty much do what they want. They say they’re recruiting students. ”
    â€œStudents who just happen to be the best football players in the state,” Ty said.
    â€œWhen they find out Seth’s coaching,” Troy said, “I bet not only will kids in Summit stay in Summit, kids will move into Summit to play. He’ll get coaches just as good as St. Stephen’s has, and it’s free.”
    â€œMaybe,” Seth said. “It happened in my town growing up. Kids want to play for a good coach. Parents want their kids to play for a good coach.”
    â€œWait a minute.” Troy’s mom held up both hands and they all turned to her. “That’s recruiting, right? You can’t recruit high school kids unless you’re a private school, can you?”
    â€œIt’s not recruiting if you don’t ask them to come,” Seth said. “Anyone can move anywhere. Kids move into school districts for all sorts of reasons—a good band, a science program, special needs. You just can’t try to lure them in by giving them something.”
    â€œWell,” Thane said, “it would be good if someone could compete with St. Stephen’s. Right now, they slaughter everyone. The only time it’s even a contest is when they go play some powerhouse from Florida or Ohio or something. That’s how good they are.”
    â€œThey’re that good?” Seth asked.
    Thane nodded. “Their second string could probably beat the rest of the teams in New Jersey.”
    â€œWell, let’s see if we can give them some competition. Man, I’m having fun already. So, what about Ty?” Seth gave Thane a serious look. “Are you gonna let him play for me?”
    Thane tightened his lips, then spoke. “Honestly? I don’t know. Maybe. I want to see how this whole thing shakes out. Come on, don’t look at me like that, Seth. You know as much as I do that if a kid isn’t in the right situation, it can end his football career before it even starts. Our parents are gone, so I have to fill in. I don’t want to mess anything up, so no promises, but I’ll think about it.”
    Troy nudged Ty under the table and gave him a questioning look, hoping for reassurance. All Ty did was force a smile and shrug. Troy looked to his mom for some support, but she wore a frown.
    Seth turned to Troy’s mom. He saw her look, too, and gave her a puzzled look in return. “What’s the matter?”
    â€œNothing,” she said. “I just think Thane’s got a point. Education comes first.”
    They all sat quiet for a moment, then Troy’s mom’s cell phone rang.
    She answered it.
    â€œHello, Mrs. McGreer.” She smiled.
    Troy grinned at the mention of Tate’s mom and he caught Ty’s eye. Ty faked a look of confusion, as if he didn’t know why Troy was looking at him, but Troy winked at his cousin and when Ty looked down at his plate his cheeks reddened. Troy loved Tate like a sister, but his certainty that Ty cared for her a little more than that went up a bit at the sight of his blushing.
    â€œOh, no.” Troy’s mom’s voice sank, dragging her face, and Troy’s stomach, with it.
    â€œI’m so sorry.” Tears filled Troy’s mom’s eyes. Her hand trembled and she sniffed. “Yes, yes, of course. You do that, please. We’re here for you. I am so sorry. You will all be in our prayers, Mrs. McGreer.”
    She hung up.
    â€œMom?” Troy choked on his words. “What happened?”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
    TROY’S MOM WIPED HER eyes and sniffed again. “It’s Tate’s father. He was in San Diego on business and he got into a bad accident. They don’t know if he’s going to make it.”
    Troy’s mom looked down at her hands. She folded them together and said a silent prayer before she looked