Parker coughs. “I meant twenty-one, obviously.”
Dad rolls his eyes and shakes his head at her.
“Sure, you did.”
“Ah, come on, old man. I know it was a long time ago, but you must remember what it was like.
Dad’s lips part to say something, but he doesn’t get a chance, because there is a loud ruckus at the entrance.
Without instruction from my brain, my head snaps around just in time to see the majority of the team spill into the restaurant.
My stomach twists, and my chest compresses as I scan the faces.
For a few seconds, I don’t think he’s with them. But then Linc and Cole, our goalie, part.
All the air rushes from my lungs as I study him.
The asshole looks as perfect as ever.
I don’t know why I’m surprised. I wasn’t expecting him to lose any sleep over what happened last night.
Under the table, Parker grips my hand and squeezes in support.
I tell myself to look away, not to look bothered by his presence. I almost manage it, but then he looks up.
I swear, it’s like being slammed into the boards by a giant D man.
Needing to look like the bigger, uninterested person, I rip my eyes away and focus back on Dad, who’s also watching his team, probably looking for signs of hangovers from the night before.
A few of them make a detour our way to say good morning, but most head straight to their table and begin ordering endless amounts of food.
“We should probably get going,” Parker says. “We need to be at the airport soon.”
I nod in agreement.
“You’re coming to the game tomorrow?” Dad asks.
“Of course.” Just because one member of his team is an asshole, it’s not going to stop me from watching a sport I love.
“And let me know if you hear anything,” he reminds me.
“I will, but it’s the weekend. I’m not expecting?—”
“You could get the call anytime,” Dad says. He wants me to get this coaching job so bad. I appreciate his support, I really do, but as excited as I am, the reality of coaching Kodie’s daughter is beginning to hit me a little too hard.
Maybe it isn’t my time, after all.
28
KODIE
Ihated myself the second those words fell from my lips.
But what else could I do?
We both knew what that was.
Closure.
