Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23971 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 120(@200wpm)___ 96(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23971 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 120(@200wpm)___ 96(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
I pimped it out though as soon as I got my first check. New furniture, appliances, and I changed all of the leaky pipes, the breezy old windows, and the linoleum floor which she always hated.
I give her money too, whatever she needs. And once a year, I pay for her and her three best friends to go on a big trip. This year, they’re all going to New Zealand.
“Alright, listen up,” Coach Moss bellows as everyone gathers around. “Good game tonight. How about that Nolan Barlowe, huh?”
He points at me with a grin and everyone cheers and claps. I get so many smacks on my back and hands ruffling my hair that I can’t help but smile and blush a little.
It always means a lot when a coach singles me out.
“For the first time in six years, the Hyenas are in the playoffs,” he says and everyone goes ape shit, banging on the lockers and benches as they hoot and holler. “Alright, shut up!”
Everyone settles down and he talks about the upcoming schedule for the week. We have a lot to do to get ready for the playoffs.
“Fundraiser tomorrow,” Coach Moss says and everyone groans.
“I don’t want to hear it,” he snaps. “It’s a big deal. The governor will be there, the mayor, a ton of rich CEOs, and some other A-listers that I’ve never heard of.”
The billionaire owner of our team, Brantley Van Morgan, is throwing a charity fundraiser for the children’s hospital tomorrow night on his super yacht.
“There will be a show,” Coach says. “Some pop singer.”
“Who?” Edvard asks, perking up.
“Um, Gemini-something…”
“Gemini-X?” Edvard says with a huge smile on his face.
“Yeah, that’s it,” Coach grumbles.
“I call dibs!” Edvard shouts so loud everyone can hear him.
“You are all required to be in attendance,” Coach says in a firm voice. “It is mand-a-tory. And bring your checkbook. Don’t be cheap, it’s for the kids.”
“What’s a checkbook?” Carlton, one of the young rookies, asks.
Coach stares at him with a blank face. “Are you serious?”
Carlton looks around in confusion. “What?”
“How old are you?”
Carlton gulps. “Nineteen.”
Coach rolls his eyes and continues. “Bring your Bitcoin card or whatever the fuck you pay with. Eight o’clock at the pier. VanMorgan’s super yacht is leaving with or without you. It better be with you.”
I take a deep breath as I try not to look annoyed. The last thing I want to do on my day off is spend it with a bunch of snooty rich people.
“Now,” Coach continues, “if you haven’t noticed, there’s no ocean outside the window, so it’s a three-hour drive. Leave accordingly.”
Three hours? What the fuck?
“I want to see you all dressed nicely,” he says as his stern eyes roam around the room. “That means suits and ties, and no fucking running shoes. I want to see you sober. I want to see you well-behaved, well-mannered, and well-groomed.”
One of the defenders, Thatcher is leaning against his locker in only his jockstrap. Coach points at it.
“And keep your jockstrap in your pants if you know what I mean. This is a work event. Your boss—me—will be in attendance. Your boss boss—VanMorgan—will also be present. Don’t make a fool of yourself. And leave the women alone. I don’t care if Gemini-Z—”
“Gemini-X,” Edvard interrupts.
Coach glares at him. “I don’t care if Gemini-any-letter-of-the-fucking-alphabet says she wants you on the spot, you are to be-fucking-have. That goes with all the women there.”
The guys are shooting each other sullen glances as the coach finishes up.
“Great game tonight,” he repeats. “And I’ll see you all tomorrow.”
He returns to his office with his two assistants at his sides. As soon as the door closes, the locker room is full of chatter again.
“Gemini-X,” Edvard says as he comes over with a low whistle. “Even the coach can’t stop me from going after her.”
“She’s way out of your league, dude,” Sebastian says with a laugh. “Didn’t she date the lead singer of Trite Dynamite?”
“You’ll see,” Edvard says as he walks away, chuckling like a madman. “The Sweet Swede always gets the girl.”
I grab my shirt and pull it on as Austin turns to me. “Do you want to drive down with me and Norah?”
“Nah,” I say as I button my shirt. “Thanks though, I’m going to stay solo.”
There’s no way I want to spend three hours each way in a car with a happy couple yapping in my ear.
I just want to get in and out as quickly as I can.
The night will be nothing more than a chore.
But hey, at least it’s for the kids.
CHAPTER TWO
Grace
“What happened?” I ask when I get home and see my mother’s face.
It’s her face, but it’s not her face.
“I tried clearing out that old garden beside the shed and I got poison ivy in my eyes.”
“What?” I say, staring at her in shock. She’s lying in bed with both of her eyes puffed up. Like, seriously puffed up. They’re red, puffy, and almost swollen shut.