Total pages in book: 169
Estimated words: 162138 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 811(@200wpm)___ 649(@250wpm)___ 540(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 162138 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 811(@200wpm)___ 649(@250wpm)___ 540(@300wpm)
When I feel extra brave, I picture myself going to the authorities and telling them what happened, but that’s always short-lived. We tried that the moment we landed in California and nothing happened. They don’t believe us. I’d always known they wouldn’t, so even if I went back there and did it in person, I’d just be dragging myself back into the pits of hell for nothing. It would mean I changed my entire identity to stay hidden for nothing. It’s not like I’d get Lachlan Duke back. Maybe his forgiveness, but even that seems far-fetched. Besides, for all I know, he could be married. I get an instant stomach ache when I think about that. Even if he’s not married, I bet he has a girlfriend or girlfriends. I don’t want to know. It’s best I don’t. I stopped watching sports networks altogether, when I realized they were always talking about him. It hurts too much. The only thing that helps is the reminder that he’s okay. He got out of that hospital, signed with a professional team, and is living his dream. That’s as much as I know about him, and it’s enough for me. He deserves to be happy.
My phone buzzes in the fanny pack I’m wearing as a crossbody, and I immediately cringe. I forgot to text Marissa to let her know I was going tonight. When Wade blows the whistle to alert me that the game has ended, I snap out of my thoughts and check my phone.
Marissa: remember tonight
Me: you really think i’d forget your bday?
Marissa: no, i really think you’d purposely not show up and stay home studying like a fucking nerd
Me: FU
Marissa: FU too
Me: i’ll see you tonight.
When I set my phone away, the parents are still cheering and grabbing their kids. As I’m bending to pick up the soccer ball, I see a flash of blue and stand when I see Danica running to me from the other side of the pitch, her blonde hair sticking to her adorable sweaty face. She’s one of the few who is always on time, which is definitely her father’s doing, and she always wants a picture with me when she sees me.
“Coach Dee, can I take a picture with you?” she asks, breathing hard when she finally reaches me.
I crouch to her level. “Of course, sweetheart. Where’s your dad?”
“Right here,” Cooper says, waving his phone as he walks over. “She was upset that you weren’t here last week.”
I squeeze her small frame to my side. “Sometimes, I have to coach the big girls.”
“I know,” she pouts, jutting her bottom lip out.
“I keep telling her that now that you’re starting your residency, you probably won’t be here as much, but she doesn’t want to accept it.” Cooper shakes his head, smiling. “You’re her favorite coach.”
I lean in and get close to Danica’s ear to whisper, “That’s nice since you’re my favorite player.”
She beams at me, then at her dad’s phone as he snaps the picture.
“You must have a million pictures of me.” I dust off my knees as I stand up.
“I think I might.” He laughs.
Cooper’s the owner of Tackle, so even though I don’t report to him, he’s technically my boss. He’s kind and always smiling. It’s a good smile, a genuine one that reaches his eyes the way I wish mine did. I’m not there yet.
“All right then, see you next Saturday?” Cooper reaches for Danica’s hand but keeps his blue eyes on mine.
“I guess so,” I say. “You could see me on Monday at work, but you kicked me out of the facility.”
He laughs. “You need a break!”
“Yeah, whatever,” I joke as they walk away.
I continue picking up the soccer balls, cones, and nets while Wade speaks to a couple of moms on the other side of the pitch. Wade is popular with the moms here. He’s good-looking, but I think his status on the U.S. Men’s Soccer Team is really what does it for them. They’re that type. I know this because I’ve stood next to them enough times to hear that they only talk about athletes. As Delilah, I’ve tried to apply a “do you” personality, but this disturbs me. It’s not like they need the money. I’m pretty sure they were rich before they met their rich husbands. If I’m being honest with myself, I think what upsets me is that I can see this happening to Lach. Wade glances over at me while I’m picking up a cone and shoots me a look that all but screams, “help me.” I toss the rest of the things in the bucket and jog over, waving at the moms and saying hi when I reach them.
I turn to Wade. “You’re supposed to be back with the equipment by five.”
“Aw crap. I forgot about that.” He chuckles, showing off his dimple to the ladies.