Page 103 of Every Beat of My Heart

“The rumor mill was right. He’s not allowed to coach or substitute teach at our school anymore.”

“That sucks.”

“Owen,” I said.

“Sorry, Mom, but it does. He was a great coach.”

“If you feel so strongly about it, you can talk to the athletic director. I’m not sure it will do any good though.”

“I don’t want to play for anyone else.”

“You realize that you probably won’t get to play quarterback anymore. Bryce’s dad wants him to be the go-to player.”

“Even when he throws three interceptions in one game?”

“Life isn’t always fair. In fact, it usually isn’t.” I felt like everything was falling apart. I finally found someone I loved, and I’d already lost him.

“Is this all because you were dating him?”

“Whoever did this used our relationship to make us look bad. But it wasn’t wrong. We’re allowed to be in a relationship. It’s okay to be happy.”

“But I lost my coach. Was it worth it?” Owen asked angrily before he stomped up the stairs.

I sighed, my eyes tearing up.

Jameson had broken up with me, and I’d almost gotten in trouble with my boss. Now my kid was pissed at me too. I wasn’t so sure it was.

I was grateful it hadn’t impacted my job. But substitute teaching was so important to Jameson. He wanted people to see him as responsible and hardworking. Losing his job for something like this had to be eating away at him.

The text chain I was on at school heard the physical education teacher was taking over the football team. I searched for his number in the school’s directory and dialed it.

“Martin, here.”

“Martin, it’s Claire Coleman. I heard you’re coaching the football team.”

“You know I can’t talk about your kid’s play on the field. That’s what got Jameson in trouble,” Martin said gruffly.

“That’s not why I was calling. I was hoping you’d let me talk to the team at the next practice about what happened. I think I have a plan for making this right.”

“You know the administration won’t change its mind.”

“Maybe not. But we can show them how wrong they were. They weren’t there; they didn’t see the good he did with the team, how he encouraged them and boosted their confidence. My son is on a workout regimen, he’s building muscle, and Jameson taught him to play two positions. He did an incredible job, and I think Mr. Elias needs to know that.”

“I’ve seen a difference in these kids in gym class too. What’s your plan?”

I let out a breath. “It’s a long shot. But I’m hoping the kids will talk to Mr. Elias about their experiences.”

“You think they will?” Martin asked thoughtfully.

“I don’t know about Bryce since it was most likely his father that set everything into motion. But if we can get the majority of the team, I think that will help. Jameson thinks he screwed up. That this is proof that he’s not meant to be a coach or a teacher. That couldn’t be further from the truth.”

“He was a good coach. This situation sucks, and it could have happened to any one of us.”

“It’s almost like anyone could follow you, film you in a compromising position, then get your job jeopardized.”

“A parent disgruntled with their kids’ grades or whether they get detention for misbehaving,” Martin added.

“Exactly. I think this issue is bigger than just one substitute teacher or coach. This affects all of us.”

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