Biscotti - 10. Chapter 10

I didn’t see Brad for the rest of the afternoon, which probably was good. I did decide to go and watch football practice. I sat where he couldn’t see me for 30 minutes. He was making all kinds of mistakes. Then, I moved so they could see me. Ronnie waved. Brad turned and saw me. He settled down, and the second half of practice was different. The team was playing like they had all year. I saw the coach scratch his head trying to understand why the change,

I think there were only 2 or 3 players that I hadn’t helped over the years. I was a friend, and they knew me. I wouldn’t accept any pay for tutoring. It seemed it also affected their playing.

When practice was over, I left and started to walk home. A car stopped - it was Ronnie, “Get in - I’ll give you a ride home.”

“No, that’s ok. I don’t mind walking.”

“No, get in - we need to talk.”

I thought, ‘the cat is out of the bag.’ “Ok, what do you want to talk about?”

“I know about Brad. I have a friend at his old school, and when he heard Brad was at our school, he told me. But you know about him as well, don’t you?”

“Yes, I know.”

“I wondered why when you were at our games, he’d pull touchdowns out of impossible plays. It was for you.”

“I’m not sure about that. I don’t get to see many games as I work from 5 to 9 except Saturday.”

“Today, at practice, he was making all kinds of mistakes until you came. It was like all of a sudden; the old Brad was back.”

“From what I saw, it seemed the whole team was off.”

“They were because he was off, and he threw everyone off. Look, I don’t care if he’s gay or not. I don’t care if you’re gay or not, but what I do care about is football. We’re being noticed, and I want a football scholarship like every other senior on that team. You need to attend the games.”

“I’d love to attend the games, but I need to earn money for college. Academic scholarships are not inclusive. I need to work. This summer, I’ll work two jobs – it’ll be my last chance.”

“If I figure out a way for you to attend the games without you losing any money, would you do it?”

“In a heartbeat. Turn right at the light. You can let me off on the street. If you follow the street, it will take you back to the highway,”

“One last comment, Brad is in love with you, and I think you’re in love with him - don’t hurt him, or you may find the football team your number one problem.”

I looked at the car as he drove off.

“What’s the matter?”

“One of the football players gave me a ride home. He knows about Brad and me. He told me that if I hurt Brad, the football team will be my number one problem. He wants me at every game because they all play better, and they all are looking for scholarships. I told him about needing money for school. He said he’ll find a way that I wouldn’t have to work. I need to discuss this with Brad, but not tonight. I need to see how the rest of the week goes.”

“How was lunch?”

“You know - I’ll bet you were on that phone as soon as we left. Pa invited the family to Sunday.”

“Yes, I did talk to Nonna. Pa gave him some wine.”

“Yes, he was a little tipsy from it. The walk back to school helped. He really liked Nona’s cooking, so you better plan on a little more for Saturday.”

“I don’t think they would be as acceptable for any other family. They think you’re a very special grandson.”

“Well, they are very special to me. I have some studying to do to make up for losing time at lunch. Call me when Dad comes home.”

I tried to study, but my mind was on what Ronnie said. This could change everything, and I didn’t want Brad to be hurt. I need to make sure Brad is isolated from me: maybe Ronnie knows, but he’ll be the only one. I’ll need to be more careful. I need to discuss this with Brad on Saturday.

I put my head down on my books, and the next thing, I heard Mom calling me. I went to wash my hands and face. Going downstairs, I called out, “Hi Dad,” and hugged him.

Mom is a good cook, not as good as Nonna, but I would never tell her that. Dad loves what she cooks, and that is all that matters

The next day at school, I was on pins and needles. I saw Ronnie heading in my direction, “Scott, wait up.”

I stopped and waited for him to catch up. “Here’s the football schedule for the rest of the season. We really need you there. Every senior is trying for a scholarship, just like you.”

“Mark the games that you think a scout will be there.”

“The coach told us to expect a scout at every game.

I looked at the schedule. Every Friday had a scheduled game. Friday was a busy night at the supermarket. If I ask for the night off, I’m sure I’ll be fired. I don’t know what I’ll do.

It was Brad who came to my aid. I don’t know what he said to the team after Ronnie told him about our conversation, but Ronnie came, “Scott, I apologize for putting so much pressure on you concerning the team. I forgot that you are trying to win a scholarship as well. The team shouldn’t need a good omen charm to win. You won’t be with us when we’re in college, so we should be able to stand on our own merits.”

“Ronnie, I appreciate what you said. I’ll try to be at the games after work. You know I have a stake in the performance of the game. There is one football player that means a lot to me.”

I felt better, but if my presence helps Brad get a football scholarship, I want to help.

Saturday was a busy day at work. Al asked me to bag all day, even skipped lunch. I did get a chance to leave a half-hour early to make up for not taking a lunch break.

“You are home early. Did something happen?”

“No, I missed lunch since we were so busy. They let me leave early. Do you need any help?”

“No, everything is under control.”

“Ok, I’m going to take a shower and study a little. If you need help, call me.”