Read Touchdown for Free Online

all his gear in place before the game. He tried to ignore the tension he felt in his gut, knowing that there’d be agents and NFL scouts at the game in a stadium full of 55,000 people, all watching him and evaluating his performance.
    “I’m the quarterback,” he told himself as he stared into his mirror. “I can do this.” He tried to focus his thoughts on victory—after all, he had a team to lead, a family to make proud, a tradition to honor, and a future to embrace. But in the pit of his stomach was a knot of doubt that he wasn’t on the right path. He knew he had to quell that voice—and fast.
    “Clayton? Are you okay? Do you need anything?” His stepmom knocked on his door, and brought him a plate full of chocolate chip cookies and a tall glass of milk.
    Clay looked at her. She stood about as tall as Leigh, dressed immaculately in a pressed blouse and tan slacks, her golden hair teased in a neat bob. Emily was nice enough—she’d really stepped up to plate and helped raise him and Russ when their mom left them and their dad behind to pursue her dreams of becoming an actress in New York. He even called Emily Mom. Though still he wondered what his own mom would’ve said if she was here. Would she have been proud? Likely she would’ve told him to let everyone down and follow his heart instead and become a chef. She was irresponsible like that.
    His dad was right behind Emily. “We are so excited about this game, Clay. Coach said he knows the scouts will be looking at you! It’s everything we’ve ever dreamed of,” he said, beaming.
    “Sure.” Clay returned their smiles. He tried to quiet his self-doubts as he grabbed a cookie.
    “Russell called for you earlier—he’s so proud of you.”
    Clay nodded. “How’s he doing?”
    His mom ran her fingers through her hair. “He’s doing great, Clay. The physical therapist says his knee will be fine real soon and there’s a good possibility he’ll be able to play football again.”
    Clay’s dad sighed. “Such a waste of a talent. Your brother could’ve made the pros if it not for that injury.”
    “Right,” Clay said, suddenly feeling like his room was closing in on him. He knew his older brother would give anything to be in Clay’s position now, a shot at getting drafted to the NFL, a chance at greatness . . .
    Clay’s mom patted his arm and tried to be supportive. “We’re here for you, son. We know you can do it.”
    Clay knew he could do it, too. He just wasn’t sure he wanted to—but that was a secret he would never dare express to his parents. He knew much was riding on this upcoming game. His father’s business was struggling. Getting into the pros would change everything. He had to win.
    • • •
    Leigh rapped on the back door, which led to the kitchen. “Hey, y’all, I brought some boxes from my last shift at the restaurant—”
    “Hey,” Clay said, and got up to greet her. He noticed that, even though she’d just finished a grueling shift, she smelled like fresh laundry and soap. He loved how clean she always smelled.
    “Sweetie, so good to see you!” Clay’s mom said. She took a foam box and opened it. “Beignets! Mmm, and they’re still hot . . . delicious!” She clearly enjoyed nibbling on the fried dough covered with powdered sugar. “So nice of you, Leigh . . . perhaps Clay ought to bring a box to Carolyn? I’m sure she’d enjoy them.”
    Leigh paled. “Uh, sure, Mrs. Harper.”
    His mom continued. “Isn’t it so sweet that Clayton is dating the coach’s daughter? They are so beautiful together—it’s like something out of a romance novel!”
    “More like a horror novel,” Leigh grumbled under her breath, though the only one who heard her was Clay, who laughed.
    His mom continued. “I mean, she’s such a lady!”
    “If you’re family to Coach, that could only help your career,” Clay’s father said.
    “Okay, we’ve got to go.” Avoiding further conversation about his relationship with Carolyn,