Page 121 of The Problem with Players

As we approached his house, I noticed Cameron’s dad standing at the door of his car, fumbling with his car keys.

The amount of embarrassment that crept over Cameron’s face took me back to my own childhood. I knew that feeling. The humiliation of others seeing your father drunk and stumbling.

I pulled into the driveway and put my car in park.

“He wasn’t always like this, you know,” Cameron stated softly. “Not before my mom died.”

I placed a hand against his shoulder. “Then maybe he’ll figure it out and turn the ship around. There’s always hope if we’re still breathing.”

He gave me a lazy smile and nodded. “Yeah. He’ll get there. I know it. Thanks, Coach P,” Cameron said before he hurriedly got out of my car and tossed his duffel bag over his shoulder. He headed over to his dad, patted him on the back, and the realization that Cameron had made it home was shown all over his father’s face.

His father dropped the keys again. Cameron picked up thekeys and then placed a hand on his father’s back. Adam reacted harshly and shoved Cameron as he tried to get his keys. Cameron went stumbling backward, hitting the ground hard.

I flew out of my car and shouted, “Hey! Take it easy!”

“What the fuck do you want?” Adam slurred, his words dripping with confusion. He looked so drunk that he didn’t even realize we were there.

“Get back in my car, Cam,” I ordered.

“I’m sorry, Coach P,” Cameron said as he pushed himself up to a standing position.

“It’s fine. You’ll stay with me tonight. Keep his keys,” I told him. “He shouldn’t be driving anywhere tonight. I’ll get him back inside.”

Cameron looked at his father, then at me. He nodded slowly. “Yeah, okay.”

I dragged Adam back inside the house. He didn’t make it easy, but I was much stronger than him. I plopped him down on the couch, and he muttered slightly before he lay down and passed out.

I headed back to my car and hopped into the driver’s seat.

“Thanks, Coach. I’m sorry again about that…” Cameron stated.

“Don’t be sorry. It’s fine.”

I’d been Cameron before. I used to apologize to my teammates for my dad’s outbursts at games. I used to be ashamed when he’d get locked up for DUIs, and everyone in town would talk about it. I used to give the same waves of heartbreak to my own coaches.

No kid should’ve had to deal with that kind of situation at home. It was clear from the small interaction who was parenting who.

I just hoped Cameron’s father could figure it out in time before leaving his son with too many dark memories.

35

AVERY

Isat confused as Nathan approached the house with Cameron beside him. I arched an eyebrow as the two walked into the living room, where I’d been watching a movie. I stood and crossed my arms over my chest.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

Cameron had a duffel bag over his shoulder and a look of defeat in his eyes. “Hey, Coach K. You and Coach P live together?” he questioned. “Are y’all dating?”

“What? No. No.” I shook my head. “I needed a place to crash after the whole wedding situation. Coach P was just helping me out.” I narrowed my eyes. “What’s going on here?”

Nathan patted Cameron on the back. “Cameron, too, needed a place to crash for a short period of time. Cam, you can take my room for the night.”

“Oh no, Coach P. I’m fine sleeping on the couch or something. I don’t want to put you out.”

“Two doors down on your right,” Nathan said, gently guiding Cameron down the hallway. Cameron gave me a broken grin before walking off, leaving me there, perplexed.

“What’s going on?” I whispered to Nathan, taking a few steps closer to him. “Is he okay?”

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