Free Embracing Emma (Companion to Brisé) by Leigh Ann Lunsford Page B

them. What’s it like?”
    “Shut the fuck up, man.”
    “Did I touch a nerve? I’m gonna touch more than a nerve when I get a hold of Emma. It’s not like she’s your type.” I don’t respond. “Too good for us. Good thing I’m not a tight end, you’d be more into me. Do you hear your dads having sex?”
    I step into his space, “SHUT.THE.FUCK.UP. Not another word about Emma or my parents.”
    He leers at me. “Wonder how the college players will like having a queer playing for their team. I’ll make sure to let them know.” I throw the punch before I think about the repercussions. The hit startles him for a minute, but he comes back at me. One blow hits its mark, my chin, and I know I’m bleeding as I bite into my lip. Every taunt, jeer, and crude word comes flying to my brain, and I continue to pound at him. Even as I’m pulled off, I continue swinging.
    “Get a hold of yourself, Jacobs.” Coach’s voice breaks through, and I stare at my teammates; some looked relieved, some shocked, and some plain scared. “My office, NOW!”
    Brian’s conscious, barely, and I should be thankful, but I’m not. The team begins to help him from the ground as Seth follows me with his eyes, and I know there will be retribution for this. Coach slams the door and nods to a chair; I notice the UGA Coach is sitting in the other chair. FUCK! “Mr. Jacobs, I had expected this to go a bit differently, but after what I just witnessed, I have to say I don’t have room for a hothead, I don’t care how good you are.”
    “I understand, sir. This isn’t like me.” The dried blood sticking to my hands doesn’t bode well for his assurance.
    “One incident is enough. Thank you, Coach Jenkins, for letting me take up your time. Mr. Jacobs, you’re a talented player, exceptional scholar, and I’m disappointed to not offer you a spot at UGA playing with the best team. You need to keep your head down and your nose clean. Those are your teammates, you should have each other’s backs, not be attacking one another.” I hang my head. If he knew what my teammates were like, he may disagree with his statement, but then again he may have the turn the other cheek policy. I hear the door close, and I feel it through my entire body; my dreams drifted out the door with him.
    “William, what happened in that locker room? You just lost a stellar opportunity to play in the SEC.”
    “I lost control, Coach. Brian said some things I didn’t like.”
    “Bullshit, Jacobs. This isn’t like you. I can’t help you if you don’t talk.” There isn’t anything to help me with. My SEC dream is gone. Word will spread throughout the conference, and no team will want me. “Luckily, the other coaches didn’t bear witness to your explosion. Hit the showers and get out of here. My door is always open if you want to talk.”
    “Yes, sir.” The locker room is empty, and I shower as quickly as possible, wanting to get home and wallow.
    Taking it out on her was wrong, but her damn Pollyanna attitude is naïve, and I snapped. It was nothing I hadn’t heard. I’ve always been able to deflect the sting, but for some reason today, I couldn’t. When I saw her alone in the lot waiting for me, I panicked. I’ll fix it, but I need some time to contemplate what to do. I’ve gotten no official offers, and I wonder how bad it would be to choose a college with some distance.
    I crawl up to my room, leaving all the lights off, and collapse on my bed. My phone chimes with a text. It’s Emma telling me she loves me. I respond letting her know I’m fine, at home, and I love her, too. I need tonight to flounder in my misery. A loud crash startles me, and I hurry downstairs to find the front window smashed, glass all over the hardwood floors, and a brick with red spray paint. The letters spell “WARNING.” I know exactly who it is. I’ve witnessed their threatening behavior for years. Everyone bends to their will, and I’m really no different.
    Whether