Page 10 of Breakaway

Another voice reaches me, and I turn to see Mel’s massive form striding my way. I almost didn’t recognize him in his chambray shirt and jeans. He’s always dressed in his cook’s uniform of white T-shirt and apron with his dark hair and beard covered with hat and netting.

He gives me one of his bear hugs, lifting me from my feet. “You did good, little girl. I’m damn proud of you.” He leans closer to my ear. “Don’t you worry about coming in tonight. Everything’s covered. Go enjoy your victory.”

“Thank you,” I whisper.

I feel a presence behind me and turn to see Tatum. I’m so surprised, I almost miss Turk behind her. Tatum sticks out her hand toward Mel. “Hi. I’m Tatum. And you are?”

Mel just kind of stares at her hand and I have to nudge him to shake. He’s not anti-social or mean. He just gets nervous and closes down around strangers. It’s why he stays in the kitchen and cooks.

“Mel. Name’s Mel.” He tentatively shakes Tatum’s hand as if he’s afraid he’ll hurt her. Then glances up and shakes with Turk.

“Hi Mel. I’m Turk. Did you enjoy the game?”

“Seen games played on TV before, but this was my first time in person. Yeah, I liked it.” He clears his throat before glancing at Tatum again. “I best be going.” He grins at me. “You did good, kid.”

Before I can say anything else he’s gone.

“Is he your boyfriend?” Tatum asks as she watches him walk away.

“No, he’s just a friend. We’ve-ah-worked together on and off for years. I see her next question forming but I can’t tell her where he works. “Come on, we’re missing the celebration.”

In the locker room everyone’s pumped and high fiving. Coach, Clark and Turk file in smiling in joy. Baylor no more than hits the room and he has to be the downer. “What the fuck were you doing out there Teddie? You were missing passes all over the place. You almost lost the game for us.”

I’m tired of Fuckwad picking on everyone but the real problem. I’m trembling with anger and can barely stand. They voted me team captain and someone needs to speak up for the team. “Teddie wasn’t the issue. What the hell was that give away shot by Missy that really almost cost us the game? You need to get on her to get her act together and do her job. She’s not some princess that gets to do what she wants. The rest of us play like a team.”

“That’s it. You’re suspended.”

Suspended!Oh my god. I can’t be. I have to pay Slack. What have Idone? Every damn time I grow a pair this happens.

Coach turns on Baylor. “Enough. That’s not your call. And this is not the time or place for this conversation. You and I are meeting with Mr. Davies in the morning. We’ll discuss changes and game plans then.”

Tatum reaches over and gives my hand a squeeze, mouthing ‘not going to happen’. Damn, I hope she’s right.

Coach turns to me. “Cat, you did great today! You kept the team in the game and played your part as leader perfectly. Your position on the team is solid.”

Glancing up, Turk’s gaze is locked on me. When we make eye contact, he winks. My mood instantly lightens.

“Catering is set up. Be sure to grab food now or make a to-go box to take with you. You played hard and need to refuel,” Clark says.

After my shower I open my locker and there’s a folded paper taped to the back wall.

You’ll be out of town Friday

you know what that means.

You better pay two weeks in advance

or you’ll be delinquent $$$$.

Pickup Tuesday night.

How did they get in here? Past security?

I glance around. How will I ever be free of this?

Hands shaking, I stuff the note into my backpack and slip out before Tatum comes back. I can’t be around anyone right now.

CHAPTER 7

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