TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "SIMPLE" - THE KICKER'S STORY

 

Welcome! This week the word prompt is "simple" or any form of that word. We have another episode of "The Kicker's Story". Don't forget to visit all the author's. Find their blogs HERE. 

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"If you get your act together, I bet you can get back in."

"Yeah? How? It would take a miracle?"

"Maybe not a miracle, just a connection. Derek and I might be able to pull some strings and get you another chance with another team. Except for this past season, your record has been amazing."

Tears stung at the backs of Tyler's eyes. "Excuse me." He jumped up and hotfooted to the men's room. He'd be damned if he'd let Mr. Forge see him cry. He put his forehead down on the cool porcelain sink. Could he let the Forge's bail him out – again?

Still, he wanted back in so bad. Andrew Forge was right, Tyler had slacked off. Screwed around with alcohol and gambling. He knew he'd been up late too many nights. Brittany had been no help. Even when he tried to keep a curfew, she'd coaxed him out to see a show or hit a slot machine when he should have been asleep.

His kicking had begun to slide weeks before the big fuck-up game. He'd felt it, knew things were a little off. He ignored the signs. Hey, wasn't he simply the best kicker in the NFL? He kept crazy hours, partying and gambling, ignoring the fact that he had to work harder and harder to keep in shape and score an easy extra point.

He could never hide the truth from Andrew Forge. He'd always seen through Tyler's excuses in high school, and nothing had changed. Ty turned on the water and rinsed off his face. He took two deep breaths and exhaled slowly, then opened the door and rejoined Mr. Forge. He slid into the seat. Mr. Forge wiped his lips and picked up his mug.

"More coffee, Gents?" Winnie asked, brandishing the hot pot.

She refilled both cups.

"Okay. So, yeah. I admit it. I screwed around. I can't take it back."

"You were disciplined in Pittsburgh. That's why you got the job with the Gamblers."

Ty nodded.

"You did it once, you can do it again. I bet you've learned from that experience, haven't you?"

"I'm never stepping foot in a casino again."

Mr. Forge laughed.

"Yeah. So? So I learned. Too little to late. I can't erase those blown kicks can I?"

"No, but you can turn over a new leaf. I believe you already have. Which is why we're having this conversation."

"Because I'm practicing?"

"Practicing in below freezing weather. Yes."

Tyler raised his eyes to connect with his mentor's. He saw hope.

That's all for this week. Thanks for stopping by.