Charlotte looked confused.
She quickly recovered. “We really want to add some fun numbers to the recital—Julianna would’ve gotten a kick out of you guys strutting your stuff up there.”
“We don’t have to wear tights, do we?” a kid they called “Whitey” asked.
Charlotte laughed. “I’m thinking football jerseys.”
“I don’t know, Miss Page,” Dunbar said. “No offense, but dancing is kind of for sissies.”
Cole folded his arms over his chest. He should probably defend Charlotte’s idea, but truthfully, he saw Greg’s point.
“I promise you won’t look like a sissy,” Charlotte said. “Haven’t you seen the football players on Dancing With the Stars?”
The guys would never own up to watching that show, though one or two of them muttered something like “My mom watches that.”
“Just trust me,” Charlotte said. “I think we can keep it fun and cool. Trust me.”
“Plus, it’s for a great cause,” Asher said. “Count us in.” He nodded at Cole, who felt a twinge of guilt at the way these boys were so willing to join in this event when he’d so adamantly refused.
Charlotte’s face lit up. “Great. I think having big, strong football players dancing is going to be a blast for the audience.”
“You think we’re big and strong?” Dunbar flexed his bicep.
“Some of us are, Dumbar, but not you.” Whitey gave Greg a shove.
“Nah, you fools don’t hold a candle to what I’m packing over here.” Hotchke lifted his shirt to reveal an impressive six-pack but followed it up with an inappropriate gesture.
Cole started to correct Hotchke, but his up-and-coming quarterback jumped in before he could say a word.
“Hotch,” Asher said, eyes darting toward Charlotte, as if to say, Dude, we’re not in the locker room.
Hotchke held his hands out in front of him—an apology of sorts. And Cole took note. Somehow, almost overnight, Asher had become a leader. It was exactly what he’d been hoping would happen.
Asher’s actions confirmed Cole’s recommitment to the team. They could learn real-life skills out here on the field, and he could be the one to show them.
He wanted to be the one to show them.
The conversation turned into a raucous display as the boys threw out ideas for something they knew absolutely nothing about. Cole glanced at Charlotte, who seemed to be enjoying the enthusiasm.
Then, out of nowhere, Teddy Phillips lifted a hand to quiet them all down. “Hold up, hold up,” he said. “What about you, Coach?”
Cole felt his eyebrows shoot upward. “What about me?”
“You’re dancing with us, right?” Teddy asked.
Cole didn’t blush, but he did feel his face heat up. “No.”
“No, he should dance with Miss Page!” Asher’s eyes lit up like he’d just had the best idea in the world.
Now, Charlotte blushed.
“Come on, Coach,” Dunbar said. “You know people would flock out to see the coach of the high school state championship football team dancing a waltz.”
The boys grew rowdy again.
“Not happening,” Cole said.
“This could be great publicity for the team,” Bilby said. “Really bring the guys together.”
“The team doesn’t need publicity, Bilby,” Cole argued. “We won state last year.”
Matt lowered his voice. “But do you really see that happening this year? This team needs some unity.”
Cole shot him a look.
“I’m just saying, this is the best morale we’ve seen from these kids yet.”
Cole shook his head.
“Come on, Coach, if we have to make fools of ourselves, then so do you,” Hotchke said.
Cole bristled at the attention. “Practice is over,” he called out. “Hit the showers. And don’t stay up all night. I’ve got big plans for tomorrow.”
The guys all groaned, and just like that, Cole threw a wet blanket on the entire mood. So much for that recommitment to being a better coach.
“And there goes the morale,” Bilby said under his breath as he followed the guys inside.
Asher picked up the donut box and handed it back to Charlotte. “Mrs. Ford helped out at Haven House. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you with this.”
Charlotte’s face brightened. “Thanks, Asher.”
Asher gave her a nod, then turned to Cole. He hesitated a moment, then finally said, “Sorry about yesterday. If the offer’s still there, I’ll take the job.”
Cole nodded. “It’s there. You start tomorrow.”
“I’m gonna do my best for you, Coach.”
“That’s all I can ask.” It occurred to him he should be making Asher the same promise. Why was this so difficult?
“Think about the dance.” Asher backed away (probably survival instinct). “You know the guys would go bananas.”
Cole waved him off, but not before he caught a toothy grin and a wink in