Page 61 of The Secret to a Southern Wedding

“Who’s Coach Q?” Imani asked.

“The new coach the high school brought in last year after another losing season,” Tracey said. “He played defense at Georgia and even did a couple years in the pros, so that’s supposed to make him fantastic.”

“He also helps the middle school coaches,” Halle said sighing. “Gotta get the kids ready for high school and all that. He’s nice enough, but I really wish the district would focus on the work we’ve done increasing grades at the middle school rather than me pushing the kids to be ready for high school football.”

“I guess football is still king around here,” Imani said sipping her drink.

“Always,” Tracey agreed with a nod. “And you better get on his good side. You know Shania wants to keep playing football in high school. Don’t be mean to the coach and have him pick on her.”

“I’m not worried about that,” Halle said confidently. “He’s going to let her play. And if he dares give her a hard time, then he’ll have me to deal with.”

“Would he give her a hard time?” Imani asked.

Halle’s brows creased as she thought before shaking her head. “No, he seems to be open to anyone playing. I’m just tired of sports being more important than academics.”

Tracey grinned and elbowed Halle’s side. “That’s because you’ve always hated athletes.”

“I don’t hate athletes.”

Imani raised a brow and grinned. “Yes, you do. You’ve hated sports since we had field day in elementary. How did you end up with a daughter who wants to play football?”

Halle sighed. “Lord knows, but I’d rather her play football than be miserable because I shoved her in a cheerleading costume. I don’t hate sports. I just recognize that there are a lot of people doing more for the world and making less money than the people on a field or court.”

The door opened and Brian walked in with a guy Imani didn’t recognize. Tracey’s eyes widened and she giggled. “Speaking of people not doing much for the world, there’s Coach Q right now.”

“That’s him?” Imani pointed. When they both nodded, she pursed her lips. “He’s cute. Where were all these cute guys when I was living here?”

Tracey gave her the side-eye. “They were cute back then, but you only had eyes for Rodney and then you were ready to leave town without a backward glance.”

“I didn’t leave without a backward glance. I kept in touch.”

Halle wagged a finger. “Phone and video calls aren’t the same thing as being here.”

“Facts,” Tracey agreed with a pointed stare.

“Y’all know why I left.”

Halle gave her a reassuring smile. “I know and honestly, I don’t blame you for leaving. That doesn’t mean we didn’t miss you. Things would be much better if we had you around.”

“How? It’s not like I’m doing anything special while I’m here.”

Tracey cocked her head to the side. “Girl, don’t even play like that. What you did for Kaden this week is all over town. Don’t act like we don’t need a good doctor around.”

Imani sighed and leaned back in her chair. “I wish I could do more for Kaden.”

Halle’s eyes lit up. “You can if you stay in town. Admit it, Peachtree Cove isn’t as bad as it used to be.”

Imani thought about the past few weeks and the changes she’d noticed and couldn’t deny Halle’s words. “You’re right. It’s not as bad. It’s kind of cute. Still not the small towns you see on television. That doesn’t mean I’m ready to walk away from everything I built back in Tampa.”

Halle sat up straighter. “Don’t forget we’re growing. We’ve got some industry coming into the area and that’s bringing people, too. Including more cute guys. So, if you ever get tired of melting in the Florida humidity, you can always come home.”

“Ma’am, Georgia humidity is just as bad,” Imani said with a laugh.

Tracey shook her head. “Not true. The heat in Florida is something different. I think the devil vacations there.”

They all laughed, and Imani reached across the table to slap at Tracey’s hand. She was going to miss hanging with them when she went back. Tracey’s sense of humor and Halle’s fight for what was right. She’d make a point to visit Peachtree Cove more often.

She looked at the bar where Brian and Coach Q laughed and talked with Cyril and Joshua. Cyril glanced her way, their eyes met and he lifted his chin slightly. Her stomach flipped and she returned the gesture. Yep, she could definitely see the appeal of visiting Peachtree Cove more often.

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