Read Online the Big Time (2010) by Tim Green - Free Book Online

want you to use it and have fun and make all the money you can. Buy that house for you and your mom.Get her that Benz we talked about. And I don’t want you worrying about me, because I’ll be fine.”
    â€œAre you mad at the Falcons?” Troy asked.
    â€œNah,” Seth said, “it’s business, this NFL thing. They’ve got to win or they’re gone, too. It’s just how it is. But if that’s the way they’re going to play it, then you get yourself the best doggone agent out there and hammer them on a long-term deal, okay? I can have my agent give you a call if you want. John Marchiano. The guy is honest and good. That’s what you need.”
    â€œWell,” Troy said, thinking of his father and the card in his pocket. “Maybe. I was thinking of getting a lawyer instead.”
    Seth pulled his head back and gave Troy a curious look. “How about you? Talking agents and lawyers.”
    â€œJust an idea,” Troy said, shrugging.
    â€œWell, Marchiano is a lawyer, too, so you’re all set.”
    â€œMaybe,” Troy said, wavering.
    â€œWell, whatever you and your mom decide,” Seth said. “Not my business, really.”
    â€œIs this it for you, Seth?” Troy asked, his eyes wandering down to the ice bags packed to either side of both knees.
    â€œI’m not going to say that,” Seth said, shifting his weight from one bad leg to the other with discomfort. “Today, well, I didn’t have it, but I’ve seen guys come back, get better. They’re not usually my age, but it can happen.”
    â€œSo, you want to keep playing?” Troy asked.
    Seth heaved a long, tired sigh but nodded his head slowly as he released his breath. “I do. I know a few days ago I said I was tired and sore and all that, but being pulled from that game today? That made me realize how much I want to keep doing it. So, I’ll get to work on these bad joints and see if I can’t get the swelling down enough to get back into running shape. If not this week then the next, or the week after that. The way we’re going with you, it looks like we’re headed for the playoffs, so I’m not going to give up until the day after the Super Bowl, because if we’re in it and there’s any way at all I can play, you better believe I’ll be there. Even if it’s just to block on the punt team.”
    Seth smiled at him, and for a moment it outshone his weariness. Then the spark went out. Troy felt an ache in his chest for the man who he could only dream of getting an autograph from a few months ago.
    â€œI get that,” Troy said. “Seth?”
    â€œYeah?”
    â€œWhat about this Border War game?” Troy asked. “Do you think you’ll still be able to coach that?”
    Seth smiled painfully and said, “Funny thing about me is that when I say I’ll do something, I never back out. Plus, if my career is over, it won’t hurt me to have the top coaches in the SEC see me in action either. You never know where your first break in that business is going to come. Yeah, I’m coaching. And you’re playing,right? Even though you’re in the big time now with an agent or a lawyer or whatever?”
    â€œSure I’m playing,” Troy said. “I’d love to go to Georgia, and like you said, those coaches will be watching, so…”
    â€œOkay, good,” Seth said, shuffling toward the door. “Now, I’m headed home.”
    â€œI thought my mom was going to pick up some ribs from Fat Matt’s and we were going to watch the Sunday night game?” Troy said.
    Seth let out a sharp, bitter laugh. “I’ve had enough football for one day. Tell your mom thanks, and I’ll call her later.”
    â€œWon’t she be kind of mad?” Troy asked, glancing over his shoulder at where his mom now stood talking to her boss.
    â€œNot her,” Seth said.