Page 53 of Savage for You

“Rocky!” Coach hisses at me. “Do you know who you are talking to?”

“Yup, I am very much aware.”

“Nice game. Do you think we can talk?” Johnny says, trying to make conversation.

“Not interested, so do what you have done for the last twenty-two years and fuck off. You’re good at that.”

“Savage, what the hell? I know your mama and daddy taught you better than this,” Coach yells.

I look Johnny in the eyes and say, “That's right, I am a Savage.”

I start to walk away then I hear, “Don't walk away from me, son.”

I turn around and say, “I'm not your son, you missed your chance to call me that.”

Johnny's eyes go wide. Coach looks between the two of us and I see the moment it clicks. The gray eyes and brown hair should have given it away. Even though people say that me and my dad, Christopher, could be twins. He’ll puff out his chest and say, “That’s my boy. Handsome like his daddy.”

I walk away from the man who was supposed to love me, but never did.

I'm so mad.

In the locker room, I’m throwing my shit around and punch the locker a few times. Everyone is staring at me when Xander and Talon pull me away. Coach walks in and sees that I am livid.

“Savage, my office, now.”

I walk into his office and stand there waiting for him to yell at me. He gives me a hug and I break down crying.

“I didn’t know Rocky. I swear, I had no fucking clue. I should have seen the connection in the way you move. It’s so similar to him. I couldn’t tell because your dad also has gray eyes.” He pulls back to looks me in the eyes and even he has tears. “I have known your parents since college, and I thought you were Chris’s biological son. Chris is your dad. I’m so sorry.” He hasn’t let me go from our embrace.

I didn’t think I’ve ever needed a hug like this before. But I guess I do.

“My parents don't know that I know. I guess I need to talk to them, huh?”

“When do they get back from Puerto Rico?”

“In a couple of weeks. I’ll wait until they’re home and do it in person,” I say as I wipe my face. “I'm sorry, coach, for the locker room.”

“Kid, I probably would have done worse.” He gives me a small smile.

“Thanks, Coach.”

With that, I walk out and head to the showers.

As I'm walking out of the locker room with my gear, I see my girls.

Autumn runs to me and gives me a hug and says, “You okay, big bro? You played so well, why are you upset? The guys came out asking why you were mad…what’s going on?” She has worry written all over her face.

“It’s nothing. Don't worry about it, I promise.” I give her a fake smile. I know she sees that I’m lying through my teeth, but she doesn’t press me on it, and for that I’m thankful.

I turn to Monti and pull her into a hug. I breathe in her scent because it calms me down. I hold onto her a bit longer, and I think she knows I need this. I don't know how she does, it's like she can read me.

“Want to grab food and go home?” Montana asks.

“Yeah baby, home. That sounds amazing.”

Xander and Talon gave me a bro hug and we’re out of the stadium.

I know everyone has their own secrets, but if I want Montana to feel comfortable opening up to me, maybe it's time I open up to her.

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