Until We Touch (Fool's Gold #15)(73)

Jack had insisted on getting his grades the old-fashioned way. Which meant his GPA wasn’t impressive, but he had graduated on his own terms. He’d had plenty of friends who had injured themselves in their junior or senior year and then had lost the scholarship along with any chance at staying in college.

But there was no point in explaining that to anyone. No one had a whole lot of sympathy.

“The Aggies have a good team this year,” Jack said, then grinned. “You know, for Texans.”

Zane smiled. “Don’t expect me to defend the state. I was a California boy in the middle of all that. I took my share of ribbing. But it was where I wanted to study.”

“Mr. Nicholson has a large ranch north of town,” President Newham said. “He’s here at the request of the mayor. He’s our second citizen liaison.”

A muscle in Zane’s jaw tightened. “Something I will be taking up with the mayor.”

Jack relaxed back in his chair. “She has a way of getting people to do things they don’t want to do.”

“Tell me about it,” Zane growled. “First the town annexed my land, now this.”

“What do you mean ‘annexed’? They took it from you?”

“No. Most of my ranch is on unincorporated land. They moved the boundaries of the city to include the house and barn area.” He scowled. “Mayor Marsha swears they’ll be bringing in city water and sewer in the next few years.”

“You’d rather not have the city at all,” Jack said, guessing the other man preferred to do things his way.

“The ranch has been there over a hundred years without Fool’s Gold getting involved. We can survive another hundred just as well.”

Two more people joined them. President Newham glanced at the paperwork in front of her. “I believe that’s everyone. Thank you all for coming today. At our last meeting we had a spirited discussion on whether or not to begin a football program at the university. It’s a complex and expensive decision to make. As Jack reminded us, there is a long-term financial implication to consider. Tad felt our programs were complete as they were and nothing else was required. I’ve met privately with Zane to bring him up to speed. Today I’d like to see if we can get consensus from this committee so I can report back to the regents and we can come up with a final decision.”

“Why don’t we call a vote now?” Jack asked conversationally. “To see where we stand. After all, no one’s going to change Tad’s mind.”

The athletic director glared at him. “We also know where you stand, Jack.”

Jack nodded. “Using the ‘you are, too’ argument, Tad?”

President Newham sighed heavily. “Gentlemen, if we could stay on the subject at hand, please. A vote isn’t a bad idea. This will be nonbinding, of course, until after the discussion. All those in favor of moving forward with starting a football team, raise your hands.”

Jack was gratified to see that everyone except Tad voted with him. Even the Aggie.

“You surprise me,” he told Zane.

“I have a kid brother in high school. If I can get him to go to Cal U Fool’s Gold instead of MIT, my life will be a lot easier. A football team would help.”

Done in by self-interest, Jack thought humorously. Still, it was good when a plan came together.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“YOU WERE GONE,” Larissa told Sam the following Friday. “You were gone for two days and no one knew where you were.”

She didn’t mean the statement to come out like an accusation, but she didn’t like it when the guys traveled. Score felt empty without the whole team there.

“You have my cell number,” Sam told her. “You could have called if there was a problem.”

“I know. But still.” She looked at him and waited. “Well?”

“Well, what?”

“Where were you?”

“I’m not going to tell.”

“Were you with Dellina?”

“None of your business.”

She sighed. “Your need for privacy is annoying. You were gone two days. You could have been anywhere.”

“Good to know. How about you, Jack and Percy join me for dinner tonight at Jo’s Bar and I’ll answer all your questions.”

“Really?”

Sam being Sam paused for a second. “Almost all of them.”

“Good enough for me. We’ll see you tonight.”

His dark gaze settled on her face. “No chiweenies.”

“Oh, Sam, I wouldn’t bring a dog into a restaurant.”

“No chiweenies.”

“I heard you the first time. Besides, one of the five at Jack’s has already been adopted. Only four more to go.”

She was smiling as she spoke, but Sam didn’t look happy or relieved.

“What?” she asked.

He lightly touched her shoulder. “Have you ever wondered why you keep doing this?” he asked.

“Rescuing animals? I care about their welfare.”

He didn’t look convinced.

“You don’t agree?”

“I don’t disagree. I find it curious. You respond in the moment instead of having a place to put your energy on a regular basis.”