Free Playing by Heart by Anne Mateer

set the pages down with slow deliberation, then removed my hands quickly, as if holding such a thing might bring physical contamination.
    The smile slid from Mr. Gray’s face. “Miss Bowman, I—” He sighed, rubbing his forehead. “I took your offer to help in any capacity needed as a genuine one.”
    I swallowed. “And I assure you, my intent was sincere.”
    He pushed the pamphlet in my direction. “As was mine. Besides teaching German, for which I have a retired teacher willing to take over the classes until I find a suitable replacement, Brian Giles coached the girls’ basketball team. I must have someone to take over that responsibility. I’d already determined it would be required of the new music teacher because, again, I have no other options.”
    â€œBut I don’t know anything about”—I flipped my hand toward the collection of pages—“games.”
    â€œYou are a smart young woman, Miss Bowman. And if my guess is correct, a good teacher, too. That’s all a coach is. A teacher of athletics instead of academics. I believe if you would study the game a bit, you’d find the intellectual depth you seek in the strategy involved. But beyond that, I simply need your help. Practices don’t begin until November, an hour at the end of each school day. You’ll be able to read up on the rules and drills and strategies before then. The games will commence inJanuary and conclude in early March, so you see, your time coaching basketball will be more than manageable with your other duties. And if you need any help, I’m sure the boys’ coach can give you some pointers.”
    I had come about the music post against my better judgment. Could I really take over something as silly as girls’ basketball, as well?
    â€œMiss Bowman.” Principal Gray waited until I looked at him. His eyes took on a mischievous twinkle. “Did I mention the coach receives extra pay?”
    If I hoped to save anything at all for my continued education, every extra cent would be beneficial. But to stand in front of this town—Fruity Lu in the ridiculous position of basketball coach?
    Could I sacrifice my pride for the sake of my sister and her family? Principal Gray and I stared at each other in silence.
    I took the pamphlet.
    Principal Gray clapped his hands together. “Congratulations, Miss Bowman. I have no doubt you will give our music students and our female basketball players your very best. A man in my position can ask nothing more.”

10
    C HET
    Giles leaned back in his chair and belched. I glanced at my wristwatch and pushed my chair from the table. “Time to head back, boys.”
    We each left money for our meal with a bit extra for our waitress.
    As we neared the high school, Giles pulled me away from the group. “Hey, Vaughn, can I talk to you a minute?”
    I slowed. “Sure.”
    â€œI’ve been thinking . . . I mean, I’ve considered . . .”
    A bell clanged inside the building. Our conversation dropped. We picked up our pace. I charged inside, determined to reach my classroom before the final student did. I glanced over at Giles. His eyes went wide. “Look out!”
    I slammed into something. Some one . A small cry. A tumble backward. Books falling, sliding. Instinctively, I reached out. I couldn’t catch her arms. She sat. Hard.
    My eyes focused.
    Lula.
    I stared at my feet, fighting a grin. Not the best introduction, but an official introduction all the same. Finally. “I’m so sorry, Miss . . . ?” I reached out a hand to help her up.
    She blinked as if she were going to cry. That wouldn’t do. Not at all.
    â€œLet me help you.” Squatting beside her, I took her elbow in one hand, reached my other arm around to cradle her back, then lifted her to her feet. Lighter than a sack of sugar. Would she prove as sweet?
    Her pretty mouth pulled