"Maybe a Nimbus 1X or NovaZip," he said. "Sothing that’ll last."
"What about an Echo C2?" Elira suggested. "You’re a professional coach now. You should look the part."
Maddox considered this. Image did matter in football. Other coaches drove luxury cars, wore expensive suits, projected success. Maybe it was ti he did the sa.
"I’ll think about it," he said. "First, I need to focus on Sunday’s match."
The ntion of the ga brought back a slight anxiety. Hastings Coastal Academy was a strong team. They had experienced youth players, a proven coach, and the confidence that ca from consistent success.
"Are you nervous?" Elira asked, reading his expression.
"Terrified," Maddox admitted. "This is my chance to prove myself..."
"You won’t lose," she said firmly. "The boys believe in you. I’ve seen how they respond to your training."
Maddox appreciated her confidence, but he knew football was unpredictable. One bad decision, one unlucky bounce, one mont of brilliance from the opposition could change everything.
His phone buzzed on the table. A text ssage from his sister Jenna.
"Thanks for the money transfer, Eric. Really appreciate it. Good luck with the new job! Love you."
Maddox smiled. Jenna was studying sports science & external scouting at university, hoping to beco a physiotherapist or an external scout.
She was in her third year, and her grades were excellent. The money he sent helped cover her rent, food, and textbooks.
"Jenna?" Elira asked, noticing his expression.
"Yeah, she just texted ." Maddox showed her the ssage. "I’ve been supporting her financially since our parents died."
"That’s sweet of you," Elira said. "She’s lucky to have you as a big brother."
"I’m lucky to have her," Maddox replied. "She keeps grounded. Reminds what’s important."
Their mom had died in a car accident over ten years ago, their dad followed two weeks later due to grieving and illness.
Jenna was now nineteen, going through university. Maddox had taken on the role of guardian, making sure she had everything she needed to succeed.
"I’ll take it she knows a lot about football and loves it?" Elira asked.
"She loves it. Probably knows more about tactics than most coaches." Maddox laughed. "She wants to work with a professional team after graduation."
"Maybe she could work with Northcastle Rising Stars one day."
The thought made Maddox smile. Having Jenna as part of his coaching staff would be incredible. She had the knowledge, the passion, and the work ethic to succeed.
"First, I need to keep my job," he said. "Can’t hire family if I get sacked after one ga."
"Stop being so pessimistic," Elira said. "You’re going to do great."
Maddox finished his breakfast and stood up. The clock on the wall showed 9:30 AM. He had his first staff eting at 11:00, then club interview in the afternoon.
"I should get ready," he said. "Long day ahead."
"What ti will you be ho?" Elira asked.
"Around six, maybe seven. Depends on how long the etings run."
Elira nodded. "I’ll cook dinner. Sothing healthy. You need proper nutrition for all this stress."
Maddox kissed her forehead. "Thank you. For everything."
"Just doing my job as your girlfriend," she said with a smile.
The word ’girlfriend’ still felt strange. Good strange, but strange nonetheless. After months of complications with Alina, having a simple, honest relationship felt like a luxury.
Maddox gathered his training gear and headed for the door. The divorce papers were still on the counter, but he’d deal with them later. Right now, he had more important things to focus on.
The walk to his car took five minutes. His current vehicle was a rental ten-year-old hatchback with scratches on the bumper and a dent in the passenger door. It ran well enough, but it wasn’t exactly coach-like.
Soon, he’d be able to afford sothing better. Maybe an Echo C2, like Elira suggested. Or a Nyx Pulse F-Class series. Sothing that commanded respect.
But first, he had to earn that respect on the football pitch.
The drive to the training ground took twenty-five minutes.
His phone rang through the car speakers. The caller ID showed "Jenna."
"Hey, sis," he answered.
"Eric! I saw the news about your new job. I’m so proud of you!"
Her voice was full of excitent. Maddox could picture her grinning as she spoke.
"Thanks, Jenna. It’s a big opportunity."
"You deserve it. After everything that happened at Silvergate, you needed a break."
"How are your studies going?" Maddox asked, changing the subject.
"Great! I’m working on my dissertation about injury prevention in youth football. My supervisor thinks it could be published."
"That’s amazing. I’m proud of you."
"I learned from the best big brother," Jenna said. "Listen, I know you’re busy, but I wanted to ask about Sunday’s ga. Are you nervous?"
Maddox smiled. Trust Jenna to get straight to the point.
"Nervous doesn’t begin to cover it," he admitted. "This is huge, Jenna. If we win, we’re in contention for the NextGen Ascension League."
"You will win," she said confidently. "You’re a good coach, Eric. You just need to believe in yourself."
"It’s not that simple. Hastings are a quality team."
"So are Rising Stars. They hired you for a reason."
Maddox pulled into the training ground parking lot. Other coaches and staff were arriving, getting ready for the day’s work.
"I have to go," he said. "eting starts soon."
"Okay. Just rember what Dad used to say: ’Champions aren’t made in the comfort zone.’"
The quote hit Maddox hard. Their father had been a amateur footballer, never quite good enough to turn professional. He’d passed his love of the ga to both his children, along with his wisdom about hard work and determination.
"Thanks, Jenna. I needed to hear that."
"I love you, Eric. Call after the ga on Sunday. I’ll be watching it on TV."
"I love you too, sis."
Maddox ended the call and sat in his car for a mont. The training ground was less busy with activities today.
He grabbed his bag and headed toward the building. The next few days would determine his future in football. Success would open doors, bring opportunities, validate his decision to pursue coaching.
Failure would send him back to square one.
But as he walked through the doors of the training facility, Maddox felt a surge of determination. He’d worked too hard to get here. Sacrificed too much. He wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip away.
The team was depending on him. His sister was counting on him. Elira believed in him.
Now he just had to believe in himself and the PMS to guide him through.
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