Page 6 of Coach's Pet

Shit, have I been that bad? I don’t seek out trouble; it has a way of finding me. I’m not great at turning a blind eye, and my emotions get the best of me. I know I try to pretend I don’t have any, but clearly that’s not true.

“I guess I’m doing what I’m supposed to.” I take a sip of my coffee and hum appreciatively.

“I’m sorry I’ve been so busy with work that I haven't been around.” His expression turns to regret.

“It’s fine. I’m an adult,” I remind him.

He nods, but I know he doesn’t want to be absent like my parents were. Callum makes an effort when he can, and when he can’t be here, he checks in with me. I know it's because he cares and not because he feels obligated to. He’s nothing like my parents.

Callum never asked to be stuck with a teen. I barely knew him when my parents died. Hell, I barely knew them, either, but Callum uprooted his whole life to come live here so I didn’t have to change schools. He stepped up and took care of the daughter of his estranged brother. That speaks volumes to his character.

“I know, but I’m going to see about moving things around. I should be home early tonight. Chess?” He taught me how to play years ago. Back then it was how he would get me to come out of my room. Now it’s our thing.

“Actually, I’ll be late tonight.”

“Date?” he inquires.

Coach Shay pops into my head, and I swiftly shove him right back out.

“Ha! You’ve got jokes.” No way am I dating a boy from my school. “I’m going to the football game.”

Callum lets out a deep chuckle, and when I don’t join him, he stops.

“Wait, you’re serious?”

“Yep.”

“Okay, so everything isn’t fine.”

Shit, of course he thinks it’s weird I’m going to a high school football game.

“I made a friend. She’s new and wants to go.” I try to shift the narrative so that I’m not outright lying to Callum.

“A new friend, huh? A boy?”

I snort a laugh. He’s holding on to the dating thing, but once again, Coach Shay pops right into my mind. Bad Charlie. Technically Coach Shay isn’t a boy, but I can’t be into him. I already know I’m likely to have daddy issues. Probably a few mommy ones too.

“No, a bubbly blonde named Tinsley.” That girl is always sunshine and rainbows even when people are being assholes. No one can be that happy all the time. I know something is up, but I haven’t caught on to what it is yet. With time, everyone's cracks start to show.

“Now I think you’re lying to me.”

“It’s true.” I shrug one shoulder. “I kinda like her.” That makes Callum smile, and he seems to relax. “But I need to head out.”

“I made you breakfast.” He holds up a Pop-Tart wrapped in a paper towel. “Your favorite.”

“Thanks,” I tell him and snag it from his hand.

“Later, kiddo.”

“Later!” I shout back as I walk outside to my Bronco. Callum got it for me on my birthday. I know he tries to make up for his absence with gifts, and I’m not mad about it. If it makes him feel better, why not?

When I pull into my assigned spot, Tins is already there waving at me. “It’s game day!” I give her a dirty look. “I’m just trying to pump you up for the football stuff.”

At least Tins and I have that in common. Neither of us knows shit about football or cares for it. The football team here hasn’t made the prospect of learning about it all that appealing. I’ve been getting backlash over my busting Parker's nose.

I know it was one of them that flooded my locker. Since then I’ve been keeping my shit in my car when it's not on me. There have been a few other small things I know they’re behind. I try to ignore it because there isn’t much I can do. Especially if I can't pin down who it is beyond saying the whole team.

They could have put some freshmen up to it. Or gotten someone else to do their dirty work. I’m sure they know if I bust them then I’m more than happy to dish out my own payback. They aren't too scared of punishment from the school. Not during football season. Plus, not all of them are bad. It’s mainly a handful of players that drag others into it. I’m sure the ones that join in are trying to avoid being their next target.

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