Page 106 of Every Beat of My Heart

Martin shrugged. “I don’t know what good it will do.”

We all knew how difficult things could be with the administration. They had the board, the parents, and the general public to answer to. I understood the position our actions put them in. “It’s the thought that counts.”

“How are you and Jameson?”

I shrugged even as my eyes pricked with tears. “He feels like he screwed up. He doesn’t want to jeopardize my job.”

“Did he break things off?”

I nodded. “I think so.”

“I hope he comes around and sees how lucky he is.”

“You’re sweet. Thank you.”

“I’ll be by your side when you take the kids to talk to the administration.”

“I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done.” I didn’t have a reason to spend much time with Martin since he worked in the gym, but I was glad to get to know him better now. He was a good ally to have in all of this. The athletic director already knew and most likely respected him.

I didn’t have any knowledge about teams, coaching, or football. But I knew a good man when I saw him. And Jameson Calloway was one even if he didn’t always see it or believe it.

The kids finished their lap and formed a lopsided circle on the fifty-yard line.

“Let me get back to the kids,” Martin said to me as he moved toward them. “I think we can do better than this. Let’s make Coach Calloway proud.”

The kids fanned out, trying to form a better circle. Jameson always emphasized how important presentation was to the other team. Do you want a perfect circle or one that was sloppy?

We’d need to put our best case forward in front of the administration and hope it swayed them.

The important thing was that they realized they were losing a good thing in Jameson. Even if I didn’t hold out much hope for them to reverse their decision.

CHAPTER 23

JAMESON

After wallowing in self-pity for one day, I went back to work on the farm and the firehouse. I tried not to think about what I would do when the holiday season was over, and I only had the firehouse. I could work at other schools, but I was worried that rumors had already gone around and would ruin my reputation. It was best to lay low.

At the firehouse, we had a couple of school groups scheduled for field trips. I always led those groups when I was working because I enjoyed it, and Chief never failed to mention how the parents, kids, and teachers loved me.

I took my time with them, helping them into and out of the firetruck, posed for a class picture, and tried not to think about the cavern in my chest.

Not only had I lost a substitute teaching position and my coaching job, but I’d pushed Claire away. I think I’d technically broken things off, but that phone call was kind of hazy. I’d been starved and lightheaded due to the alcohol.

All my insecurities had bubbled to the surface. The fact that I was younger and immature compared to Claire. How she deserved someone better than me.

When I got off my shift, I was exhausted. I looked forward to diving face-first into my bed, but Dad was sitting on the steps that led to my apartment.

I held my keys in my hand as I approached him. “What are you doing here?”

Dad stood. “I was hoping we could talk.”

“About what?” I asked as he stood, and I moved past him to unlock the door. It smelled musty because I hadn’t opened any blinds or windows lately. There were still dishes in the sink and a sour smell coming from the vicinity of the garbage can. “You know I just got done with a twenty-four-hour shift.”

“I’m concerned about you. Teddy said you’ve been surly when you’ve worked on the farm. He’s had to keep you away from the customers.”

I tensed. “If it’s a problem, I don’t need to work—”

Dad held up his hand. “That’s not what I’m saying. I’m just worried about you.”

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