Page 78 of Sin

I laugh humorlessly. “It was actually a pretty decent pass for Mason.”

“Stop,” Coach says sharply. “I think you’re brushing this off because you’re trying to avoid telling me what happened. What did he say to you out there?”

“I never thought a good boy like you would fall for a slut.”

I blink hard to clear the memory. “He said something…really ugly about a girl I like.” When my throat grows tight, I swallow hard. “A girl I love.”

Coach nods slowly, as if expecting me to say more.

I stay silent, staring at the wooden desk. Was punching Mason the right thing to do? I’m not even sure anymore. Nothing feels right now that Lily is gone.

All I know is that nothing could have stopped me from throwing that punch. Even after everything he did to her, he called her that ugly word. Like she’s nothing. Like she’s trash. The truth is that he’s trash, and she’s as radiant and essential as the sun.

Coach crosses his arms over his chest. “Well, it’s not over, so don’t start slacking off. The Redwood State game on Saturday could save you. Your performance against them last year sealed your draft prospects. You’re too talented to ignore.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

His jaw clenches. “You need to think hard about your future. This won’t be the only time you face provocation on the field. People will say things to get under your skin, to make you lose control. You have to be better than that. You have to rise above it.”

I nod slightly, but I still say nothing. It’s impossible to pretend like I care about football right now.

The shrill ring of my phone cuts through the tension. I glance down and see Kinsley’s name lighting up the screen. What the fuck? I didn’t even realize I had her number programmed in my phone. “I need to take this.”

Coach nods. “Go ahead.”

I swipe the screen and bring the phone to my ear. “What’s up, Kinsley?”

“Is Lily with you?” Her tone is urgent, and my heart hitches, beginning to pound against my chest.

“No.” My voice is strained. “What’s going on?”

“She told Lorelai she was going for a hike on Inspiration Point. She was supposed to be back hours ago. I’m sure she’s fine, but it’s dark now, and we’re all worried. I’ve been trying her phone, and it just goes straight to voicemail.”

A cold wave washes over me, my pulse throbbing in my ears. I leap up from the chair. “I’ll go look for her. Are you sure she said Inspiration Point?”

“Positive. Do you want me to come with you?”

“No. I’ll go alone.”

She’ll only slow me down. She doesn’t have the stamina to run to the top of Inspiration Point.

Or the motivation.

After I hang up, my gaze snaps to Coach. His expression is a mixture of concern and confusion. “The girl I mentioned… She’s missing. I’m sorry to cut our meeting short.”

He stands up from his chair. “Go,” he says, and I dart toward the door, halting at the sound of Coach’s voice. “Ethan.”

I turn around, my body itching to get out of this room. “Yeah?”

“Try to resolve your personal struggles before Saturday. Your head needs to be in the game.”

I nod once. “Absolutely.”

Except the truth is I don’t even care. I need to find Lily, so I run from his office as if a fire is chasing me.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Lily

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