Page 56 of One Last Chance

“Come in,” Coach says after I knock on his door.

Swinging it open, I find Coach sitting back in his chair with a cigar in his mouth. After each win, he celebrates with a cigar in his office.

“My star quarterback… please, join me.” Coach points to the seat in front of his, and I sit facing him.

“Cigar?”

Shaking my head, I reply, “No, thanks, Coach. Just wanted a word with you.”

“Of course, anything for our star.” He inhales his cigar then blows out the smoke, then he lays it in the nearby ashtray. “So, Mr. Reed, what can I do for you?”

Clearing my throat, I begin, “Coach, you know I love this team, and I’d do anything for it?”

He leans forward, his hands linked in front of him on the desk. “Where are you heading with this conversation, Domenic.?” he asks in all seriousness.

“I’ve broken up with Cass, and I wanted you to be the first to know. I thought I owed it to you to tell you first considering her father owns the team.”

Coach angrily slams his fist on the desk and stands. “Dammit, Domenic! Didn’t I warn you not to get involved with Cassandra, and that it could end bad for you?”

“I know, but I can’t—”

“You can’t what?” he growls. “Have a gorgeous model as your girlfriend? Are you fucking kidding me? There are only a few more games left in the season, why now, son? Why not wait till the season is over, then break up with her if you must.”

Not prepared for his reaction, he takes me by surprise. But when I see him shake his head in disappointment, I realize that he’s only looking out for me.

“Look, Coach,” I explain, standing to meet his steady gaze and trying to keep my temper in check. “This has nothing to do with her. This is about me and how I’m not going to stay in a relationship because I’m worried her father will release me from the team. You and I both know that would be a huge mistake. I’m a hell of a quarterback. I know it, you know it, and so does Timothy Miles.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Yes, I’m sure. And if this means the almighty Timothy Miles trades me to another team next season, then so be it.”

Moving around my chair and gripping the top of it with my hands, I continue, my voice now a little calmer. “Look, Coach, I love the team, those boys out there are my brothers,” I say, pointing out the door to where the other players are currently milling around. “And you and I have a great relationship. But I’m leaving Cass, and that’s that. I don’t care what happens to me. I’m not staying with someone I don’t love. That much Icanguarantee.” Turning around, I head back to the door and pull it open.

“Domenic!”

I turn to face him.

“I’ll do what I can.”

I nod. “Thank you, Coach. I appreciate it.” With that said, I walk through the door and shut it behind me.

The sound of swearing sounds from Coach’s office, but I ignore it. I know he’s pissed. Hell, I’m pissed, but I’m the only one who can decide my future, and that future includes Chloe being by my side. I continue to my locker, grab my bag, phone, and keys, then head to my car to go see my girl knowing that I’ve made the right decision.

CHLOE

Present

“Boarding pass, please.”

Looking in my bag, I grab my boarding pass and ID and hand it to the flight attendant who’s standing inside the plane.

“Welcome, you’re sitting in business class, seat A. Please turn left, your seat is on the right.”

“Thank you,” I reply, accepting back my boarding pass.

Making my way to my seat, I open the overhead compartment and place my camera and hand luggage inside.

Taking a seat, I look out the window and sadly think about how I’m leaving for the same reason I did five years ago.

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