Page 69 of If You Love Me

“Look, I think we all know that this isn’t about fucking each other’s food or clothing items.” I shake my head. Seriously. What the hell?

They both frown in my direction.

“This is about wanting what someone else has. Madden, in your case it was Grace’s financial stability and what that can afford you. Grace, you wanted Madden’s ability to fit in wherever he goes.” I’m sure there are layers to this, but knowing what I do about both of them, this definitely tracks. I just wish it hadn’t taken this long to figure out. “The two of you have carried your anger at the seventeen-year-old versions of each other through a decade and onto this team, where it doesn’t belong. Let it go. Stop hating each other for things you can’t control or change, and apologize for being teenage idiots,” I order.

Bright claps. “That was well said.”

“It really was. I should have asked you to do that weeks ago,” Vander Zee agrees.

“I tried earlier in the season, it wasn’t the right time,” I offer. And now I wish I’d tried again before tonight.

Vander Zee turns back to the boys. “You heard Coach Forrester.”

Madden sighs.

Grace shakes his head.

Roman takes another bite of his apple.

“I’m sorry I fucked your stupid sandwich,” Grace mumbles.

Vander Zee gives him a look that would bury most men. “Try again.”

“I’m sorry I fucked your ham sandwich,” Grace grits out.

Madden looks everywhere but at Grace. “I’m sorry I jizzed on your last clean shirt.”

“Look at you two! This is some serious progress,” Bright says jovially. “It only took you a decade to sort your shit out. We should grab some beers to celebrate this milestone in your relationship.”

“Don’t push it, Bright,” Madden mutters.

“We lost this game because of some of the dumbest shit I’ve heard in all my years,” Vander Zee states with ire. “This entire season has been a nightmare over a fucking sandwich and a t-shirt. Once Madden is healed up, the two of you will be doing ice sprints after every practice together for the rest of the season. You have both put this team under undue stress. You will be professionals and learn to work together or I will be taking a good hard look at this roster.”

The room drops ten degrees by the time he’s done. I don’t dare make eye contact with anyone outside the rest of the coaching staff.

“I think it goes without saying that this stays here, between the people in this room,” Vander Zee tacks on.

“And the sandwich and Grace’s shirt,” Bright adds, all fucking smiles and zero self-preservation.

“I threw it out,” Grace replies.

“Probably for the best,” I mumble.

Roman snickers.

This game has been a disaster.

CHAPTER 22

LEXI

The following day, after practice, I stop by Flip’s. I’m surprised that he lives in a regular condo unit. It’s nice, but he could afford a much more exclusive building. It explains how Dred ended up as his neighbor.

He opens the door, crutches tucked under his arms. He looks tired, and like last night wasn’t the best for him. “Hey, Coach. You here to check up on me?”

“Yup. And I brought you snacks.” I hold up a bag.

“You bring me KD? I’ll let you in if you brought KD.”

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