Read Online Last Chance Hero by Cathleen Armstrong - Free Book Online Page A

late some days.”
    â€œWhat about your dad?”
    Gabe’s open expression hardened in a second, and he gave a quick shake of his head without elaborating.
    â€œCoach, I really want to play.” His words were almost like a mantra. “I’ve been working the chile harvest for Mr. Sheppard, and he’s letting me work from 11:00 to 4:00 and on weekends so I can make practice, but I just don’t know if I can make it at 6:45 every day, that’s all.”
    Oh, man. What do you say to a kid that wants it this bad? Andy took a deep breath before answering. “Well, Quintana, we have something of a problem then. You know I can’t start out making exceptions. It’s not fair to the others. I guess my advice would be to talk to your mom and tell her how important it is that you’re here on time. It’s only about three weeks, and you do get two free passes. Maybe you won’t need more.”
    â€œYeah, I understand.” Gabe straightened his shoulders, and the grin he gave Andy looked a little forced. “Well, just thought I’d ask. Thanks, Coach.”
    He turned to leave, and before the door swung shut again, Andy saw him break into a run as he headed for the track. He really did hope Quintana and his mom could work something out. The kid seemed to be carrying way too much weight for someone so young.
    He slipped his aviator sunglasses on and walked out onto thefield, signaling his assistant to summon the boys from the track. Already the bleachers were dotted with men in jeans or work pants and light denim jackets, hats pulled low to shade their eyes from the sun’s rays slanting across the field from the mountains to the east. As he watched, another man emerged from the parking lot behind the field and climbed to a row about midway up. Finding his buddy, he sat down and handed him one of the two steaming Styrofoam cups he carried. Another football season at Last Chance High had begun.

    Jess saw them all on the football field when she ran by. Andy had warned her that once football season started, his runs were likely to be predawn and on the track. He’d invited her to join him if she wanted, but truthfully? That really sounded hideous, especially since, thanks to him, she knew some beautiful trails to run now—after the sun was up.
    Her first week at the San Ramon Medical Center had been pretty uneventful. She had taken a few back-to-school examinations and diagnosed an ear infection, but nothing major. Next week she was taking the practice of another doctor who was going on vacation, and she was actually looking forward to that. And in another couple weeks, her Last Chance office would be open.
    She turned down Elizabeth Cooley’s street and slowed to a walk to begin her cooldown. Elizabeth’s yard up ahead was empty, and Jess felt a little twinge of disappointment. Elizabeth wasn’t outside every day, but when she was, Jess enjoyed the brief conversations they had, though so far she’d always declined Elizabeth’s invitations to come in for coffee.
    â€œWell, good morning.” Elizabeth opened her screen door and stepped out onto the porch as Sam, her cat, trotted past her anddown the steps, tail held high. “It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day, doesn’t it?”
    â€œIt’ll be warm, that’s for sure.” Jess slowed to a stop at the gate. “How are you this morning?”
    â€œOh, I’m doing well. I’m always a little stiff first thing in the morning, but once I get myself up and moving, it won’t be so bad. Can you stop for a cup of coffee, or do you need to get up to the hospital? I’ve been hearing some good things about you.”
    â€œReally?” Jess had to wonder whom she had heard good things from, since you could count every patient she had seen using both hands and one foot, and none had been from Last Chance. On impulse, she smiled. “You know what? If you