“Fine.” I shrug. “If I die in that closet, I guess you’re out another coach.” Was that too harsh? I’ve heard through the grapevine the last two coaches ditched them for better positions.
I start scooping up balls and check my back pocket to ensure my phone is where it’s supposed to be. No way I’m going into that closet without it. I told Lyndi if she doesn’t hear from me by five-thirty on Tuesday and Thursday to break down the school, with or without a sexy firefighter, until she finds me.
“We’ll find out, eventually.” Callie mutters.
I hope not. Who knows what stories their teenage minds will concoct if they knew?
Twenty minutes later, the court is cleared off, and no one has been locked in the closet. I count it as a huge win.
“Hey, coach?” Sadie says as I shut the door to the closet behind me.
I let out a relieved breath to be onthisside of it. “Yeah?”
“Do you think I could stay after practice next week and volley with you?”
“Of course.”
“Thanks.” She beams and grabs her backpack. It’s so simple, such a little thing she’s asking of me, but it feels huge. Maybe I’m doing something right here.
Usually, Diedre is the first to leave, but as I gather my stuff, I’m surprised to find she’s the only one left.
She pulls out a plastic baggy. I can’t see the contents this time, but gingerly, she places something on her tongue.
Is she doing drugs?
I’m not equipped to deal with that kind of stuff. I can’t even keep up with what’s legal anymore.
She puts a little more of the substance in her mouth and swallows. She studies the baggy, like she wants more, but decides against it and zips it.
I’m overtly staring, but I can’t stop at this point. Something feels off about Diedre, and I can’t help worrying about her. Which leads me to wonder if thereisanyone at home to worry about her. Many of the girls talk about their parents or siblings, but I haven’t heard Diedre mention a single family member, or really anything about her home life.
I shake my head. I’m reading too much into nothing. Diedre is a gifted athlete and a smart student. I can tell by the number of textbooks she totes around. She reminds me of myself at that age. And if I’m remembering correctly, I was also under a lot of stress, trying to stay on top of everything. That’s all it is. Stress.
I grab my bag and head out at the same time she does. Despite telling the principal this would only be a short-term thing, I can’t help but want to get to know these girls. I know they don’t all come from great situations, but I want them to know I’m in their corner for as long as I can be. But I can’t stay. I have to get back to law. It’s where I need to be…I think.
“Got any fun plans for the weekend?” I ask as we exit the gym.
Diedre pops a piece of gum in her mouth. “Well, I don’t plan on being locked in a closet, if that’s what you mean.”
I smile. “Very funny.”
“Unless…” She smacks her gum. “It’s with a super hot guy. Someone like Mr. Connor.”
I trip over my own feet, and it takes me three more unsteady steps to remain upright.
“Oh my gosh, you were in there with Mr. Connor?” She squeals. “I totally called it. I knew you guys were together.”
I hold up two hands. “No, no, no, there’s no relationship between Mr. Connor and me. We are acquaintances and nothing more. Actually, not even that. We hate each other.” Why did I have to remind myself of that?
She raises a brow. “Sure. And I eat processed sugars and carbs for every meal.”
My brows furrow.Huh?
“Anyway. Gotta run. See you next week.” She sprints straight to an idling truck. The truck is close enough I can see the boy in the driver’s seat, probably close to her age.
She straightens the waistband of her shorts and fluffs her ponytail before hopping in.
The music in the truck gets louder and then the tires squeal all the way out of the parking lot.
