Page 55 of Waiting for Friday Night

“I wouldn’t say that, baby. I mean, he did step in and defend you. Maybe he was just distracted today.”

Shania reached for more popcorn. “I hope so. It was fun hanging out with him at cousins’ day and having him come over to watch football. I mean, I just found my dad. I don’t want to lose him already.”

“You won’t lose him. He said that he wanted to be there for you, and I believe him.”

Shania nodded and gave a small smile. “You’re right. I hope so.”

“I know so. And if he isn’t telling the truth, don’t worry. I’ll deal with him.”

Shania laughed. “I know you will, but I think you’re right. Coach Q isn’t one to quit.”

“I agree.”

They watched three episodes before Shania disappeared into her room after getting a text from one of her friends. Halle got her phone and went into her bedroom. She called Quinton before she could stop herself.

“Halle?” his voice, deep and rumbly, came through the phone.

Halle’s stomach quivered. Damn, he sounded good over the phone. Focus, Halle! “Hey, Quinton, I wanted to talk to you about today.”

“What about today?” he asked in his easy, no-worries voice.

“Shania overheard what the kids in the hallway said. About her being a...test tube baby.” She whispered the last words and her hand tightened on the phone. She wished she could give those kids a piece of her mind.

“She overheard that? I didn’t know. Damn, I would have said something to her if I’d known.”

“It’s okay, she heard you handle it, and she appreciated it. A lot. That’s why I’m calling. To say thank you.”

“There’s no need to thank me. I told you I’d protect her as much as I could.”

“I know you did. I just didn’t think I’d need you to have to defend her so soon.” School hadn’t even started. For the first time, Halle dreaded the first day.

“The word is getting out,” Quinton’s voice was determined. “I have to nip it in the bud before school starts.”

“Did anyone else say anything?”

“Jeremiah wants to make sure I don’t give her preferential treatment. Said the parents will watch me more.”

Halle rolled her eyes and sat on the edge of her bed. Jeremiah was a good principal, but he was also a worrier. Warning Quinton about preferential treatment was just his style. “Is that why you were distant with her today?”

Quinton was quiet for a second. She expected him to deny it, but he sighed. “Yes. Some of the coaches, no one in particular, already thought I was going easy on her. After Jeremiah’s warning and the talk with the boys, I thought stepping back would take off some of the heat.”

“She was worried you changed your mind about being in her life.”

“No. Never that. I didn’t realize I’d hurt her feelings. My bad. I’ll do better tomorrow. Is she okay?” He sounded regretful and worried.

“She’s okay. Don’t feel bad. I understand what you’re doing. We’re both still figuring this out. If we talk about what we’re thinking and feeling, then that’s better than assuming.”

“Call me anytime. If you have something you want to know I won’t hide it.”

“Thanks, Quinton. I’ll do the same.” They were quiet. She’d said what she needed to say, so she didn’t have to stay on the phone, yet she didn’t want the conversation to end. “Are you going to the Business Guild meeting tomorrow?”

“Yeah,” he said, not sounding excited at all.

“Why say it like that?” she asked with a laugh. “What’s wrong?”

“The mayor roped me into meeting with the editor of Travel Magazine. Talk about the football team and why I relocated here. She thinks it’ll help us win Best Small Town.”

Halle leaned back against her bed frame and nodded. “She has a point. Why the problem, though? Don’t you want us to win?”

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