Page 103 of A Whole New Play

But rather than lay my cards on the table, I opt to share a different truth. “Whether or not I’m okay with it doesn’t matter. The only person whose opinion matters is Valerie.”

He grunts. “I’m glad to hear you say that.”

I wait for him to say more, but he’s back to watching me in silence.

I scowl. “Is that really why you called me in here? To make sure I’m not going to sabotage this job opportunity for Valerie?” My tone reveals how insulted I am by the idea.

Coach doesn’t apologize. “Can you blame me? You decided to pursue her even though you’re well aware you two aren’t a good match.”

“Who says we aren’t a good match?” Those words never came out of my mouth.

“Come on, Carter. You’re a good kid, but Valerie is trying to figure out her life right now. Dating a football player with two kids isn’t going to help her do that.

Ouch.

“And it’s not helping you either,” he adds before I can speak. He levels a pointed look on me. “Or are you going to deny that the thought of my daughter moving away didn’t influence your performance today?”

I shift in my seat. “What’s your point, Coach?”

He shakes his head with pity. “You’re a talented player, Carter. You have years of playing ahead of you, but only if you stop letting things get in your way.”

“You think Valerie is getting in my way?”

“I think there are a lot of things in your way, most of them out of your control, but yes. I think this relationship with my daughter is getting in your way. Just like I think you’re getting in her way.”

I bristle. “I’d never tell Valerie not to take a job if that’s what she wanted.” Even if the thought of her moving away makes my chest physically hurt.

“But that’s the thing.” His eyes grow sad. “You wouldn’t have to. I know my daughter. She… she likes you. You wouldn’t have to ask her not to take a job that moves her across the country. If she thought taking the job would hurt you or your kids, she would turn it down to avoid causing you pain. At the expense of her wellbeing.”

Is that true?

I don’t believe it.

I don’t want to believe it.

But then I remember how great Valerie is with the twins—how upset she feels on their behalf whenever Laura does something to disappoint them.

Could her feelings for me and my family cause her to turn down an opportunity she would otherwise take?

Could I unknowingly be sabotaging her future?

“I didn’t mean to upset you.”

I blink and meet Coach Palmer’s gaze. “No? What did you think would happen during this conversation?”

He looks down and sighs. “I just needed to hear you say you won’t try to influence my daughter’s future.”

“I won’t.”

“But,” he continues as if I didn’t speak. “Just being with her will inevitably influence Valerie’s decisions. And she’s worked too hard to let herself give up dreams and stop chasing goals because she’s busy playing house with you.”

Damn.

I’ve always respected Coach Palmer. Knowing he thinks so little of me hurts like shit. I shove down the pain and steel my voice to hide my emotion. “Is that all you wanted to talk about?”

“Yeah…” he nods. “That’s all.”

“Cool.” I stand and head for the door. “Good talk, Coach.”

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