To hell with this second chance. To hell with Westbrook. They couldn’t make me stay.
You owe me. You owe Coach. Rush’s words echoed through my head.
“I don’t owe anyone shit.”
What about Brynne?
I ran from the thought, left the rumination right there on the pavement and fled. I’d meant to cross the parking lot, disappear somewhere on campus.
Instead, I found myself in the doorway of Coach’s office, and by the time I realized where I’d run, he was already staring at me.
“Lawson. Get in here.”
I hated when he called me that. Just a name on a list. A swimmer on his roster. Nothing at all.
I came to tell you I’m leaving. “Rush said you wanted to see me.”
“That your class schedule?” he asked, motioning to the paper clutched in my hand.
I nodded.
“Let me see.”
My feet didn’t move. I stayed rooted in place. I didn’t want to stay, but I couldn’t force myself to leave. He appeared in front of me, his chest a wall blocking everything else out.
“Goldilocks.” His voice was quiet.
I looked up. Suddenly, it was easier to breathe.
“Let me see your schedule.”
I held it up, and he took it, glancing at the crinkled paper I’d tortured with my grip. “What’s your major?” he asked.
“Business,” I replied.
“These all fit with your degree, then?”
I shrugged.
“Meet with an academic counselor to make sure you stay on track and take what you need to graduate.”
I said nothing.
“Did you have a problem with tuition?”
I shook my head. Money was the only problem I didn’t have.
“Good. Did you get your books?”
“No.”
“Why the hell not?” he asked.
“They’re all online now.”
“Right.”
“Can I go now?” Why am I asking permission? Where the hell will I even go?