Page 56 of Double Play

“When Arden was a freshman, she was in line to become Dahlia’s successor. She worked hard every day, just as she has with the Flare, hoping to become the starter her sophomore year. But Coach Taylor started to notice how Dahlia’s attitude changed, and how whenever Arden wanted to put in extra work with her, she refused. So, he decided to change things up. It was a risk, but he planned on benching his senior and letting Arden start a few games. When he called Dahlia into his office to tell her, she threw a tantrum. He told her it was just until she proved that she could be a good leader, but instead of graciously accepting his decision, she quit on the spot. He never told his players what happened because he didn’t want it to cause a distraction, but he definitely didn’t hold back when pro teams were calling for recommendations. I believe Coach Owens has been using her own personal vendetta against Arden to ruin her career because she’s upset that hers ended the day she was benched. The Flare’s inaugural season record is just collateral damage.”

Both men turn to Dahlia as she sits with guilt written all over her beet-red face. She shifts uncomfortably, refusing to make eye contact with any of us as my jaw practically hits the floor. Was she really ready to let our whole team suffer because she didn’t want one player to win? And how could she hate me so much when all I did was try to learn from her? I wasn’t even aware of her reason for quitting until just now, nor did I know about Coach Taylor’s plan to start me over her, so why is she faulting me for any of it?

“Is that true?” Justin asks, eyes boring into her as her skin goes paper white. She fidgets with the ring on her finger for several moments, her attention bouncing around the room nervously before she finally speaks.

“She’s not good enough to be here,” she replies quietly, her words cutting like a knife to my heart as she fixes her gaze on me. “I tried to tell Taylor back then, and you both at the draft, but nobody wanted to hear me. She skated her way through college on the back of the team thatI built, then got drafted to a pro team with some of the best hitters in the league—ones who would’ve made her look far better than she actually is if I hadn’t stepped in. The Flare deserves better than some below-average setter who’s been handed everything she has on a silver platter. They deserve greatness.”

Marcus’ expression goes tight, his chin jutting up as he regards her. “Ms. Owens,” he says firmly, “with all due respect, that was never your decision to make. We hired you to coach this team, not to run it into the ground because you couldn’t handle losing your spot to a better player nearly a decade ago. I’ve spoken to several of my athletes recently, all of which had nothing but kind words to say about Miss Levine as a teammate and captain. I’m appalled by your behavior, and I won’t stand for it. Your past may have slipped by your previous employers, but that ends here. Effective immediately, you’re relieved from your duties with the Flare. Assistant Coach Slater will act as interim head coach until we can find someone who embodies this organization’s morals and values. Now, please leave the premises before I have you removed.”

She freezes for several moments, her nostrils flaring with every sharp inhale until she stands abruptly and points an accusing finger between the two men. “You’ll be sorry,” she spits. “You’ve all been fooled, and I can’t wait to watch you fail without me.”

Justin smirks, giving her a patronizing nod. “Enjoy doing it from your couch.”

And with that, she turns, glaring at me and Gina as she exits the room. I’m still reeling from what just went down when Marcus turns my way, softening his expression. “Arden, please don’t let any of what that wretched woman said get into your head. We were very deliberate with our draft picks, and you weren’t chosen on a whim. We saw your exceptional talent and leadership abilities—and we’re sorry you had to endure such treatment during your first season here. Going forward, please come to us if you need anything.”

“Thank you, sir. I won’t let you down,” I reply, earning an affirming nod before he turns to Gina.

“Thank you again for bringing this to our attention. I’m sure you’ve got your hands full with your current job, but if you’d ever like to give coaching a shot, let me know. I’ve seen your highlight reels, and I think our ladies could learn a lot from you.” My eyes go wide, and a bright smile stretches across my face as I take in her shocked expression. She was an amazing player in college. Had she not been injured, I know she would’ve been a shoo-in for our Olympic team. Not everyone has the raw talent Gina does, and I have no doubt she’d be a phenomenal coach.

She clears her throat, her cheeks turning pink with embarrassment. “Thank you, Mr. Chambers. Good luck with the remainder of your season.”

That wasn’t necessarily a no, was it?

We say our goodbyes before heading out of the building, quietly walking side-by-side through the parking lot. I have a million things to say, but for some reason, only one sits at the tip of my tongue as we stop at the hood of my car.

“About me and Jacks,” I say, looking down at my feet nervously. “I just wanted t?—”

“I knew it would come, eventually,” she cuts me off. My eyes shoot up, brows practically disappearing into my hairline as she continues. “You two were meant for each other. That was clear to me the first time I saw you together. I even mentioned it to your father before we started dating, but we couldn’t stop ourselves from falling any more than you and Jackson could. My reaction to it was all wrong, and I should’ve been more of a mother and less of an agent in that moment. I’m really sorry about that, Arden. You both deserved better from me. And as far as your relationship—it’ll take a little getting used to, especially with Hawk in the mix, but we’ll be okay. As long as you’re ready for the possible backlash when the public adds their two cents—which they will—I’ll be there to fight for you every step of the way.”

My eyes shine with emotion, and I reach out, pulling her into a tight embrace. Her comforting arms wrap around me, warming me from the inside out just like they always do as I inhale her signature perfume. Going so long without having her to confide in about everything has been extremely hard, and it made me realize how big of an impact she’s had on my life—both on the court and off. She’s always treated me as her own, and I’m beyond grateful for her love and support as we navigate what I’m sure will be a trying time for us all.

I pull back, batting at the tears that run down my cheeks. “Now we just have to get Dad on board,” I joke.

She huffs a laugh. “He came with me. He got a ride to your place, where I’m sure he’s having quite the talk with both of your boys as we speak.”

Oh, shit.

JACKSON

I clear my throat, uncomfortable silence hanging thick in the air as Slade stares, looking like he might strangle us with his bare hands at any moment. I’ve known this man for most of my life and have seen him in many situations, but I’ve never been more terrified of him than I am right now as Hawk and I wait for him to speak.

“So,” he begins, “I understand you’re both in a relationship with my daughter.”

Fucking awkward.

“Yes, sir,” Hawk pipes up, doing his best to sound confident when I know damn well that he’s shitting his pants too. “We love her very much.”

Slade narrows his eyes, looking between us. It’s giving offI’m plotting your murdervibes, and I’ve never wanted a conversation to be over as badly as I do this one right now. But stepdad or not, he’s the father of the woman I love, so I’ll be respectful and let him say his piece. “I have some questions before I give you my blessing. First of all, are you planning on marrying her? Having babies? How will all of that work?”

Fuck. As much as I know Arden is our endgame, we haven’t really discussed all of that in depth. It’s a complicated situation, and I have no idea how it’ll look for us. I open my mouth to tell him that, but Hawk interrupts with an answer.

“As far as marriage goes, it’ll be completely up to her. If she wants to marry one of us, that’s fine. If she wants to do a commitment ceremony where we all say our vows, but there’s no paperwork, we’ll be good with that. She’s the boss. And we’ll leave the babies up to fate. Whether Jackson or I end up being the biological father won’t matter, because we’ll always be a family, and we have plenty of love to give.”

I turn my head, several emotions swirling around in my chest as I look at him. It’s hard to believe this is the same guy who pushed everyone away, falling into darkness all alone night after night, until I came along and forced my way into his life. He’s worked so hard on himself, and I’m filled with pride as I watch him talk about the future like it’s the most natural thing ever.

“Okay,” Slade says, relaxing back into the plush couch cushions and pulling his foot up onto his knee. “And what happens when the public comes after the three of you for being together? You boys will get off easy, but I have a feeling they won’t extend the same kindness to Arden for dating two of Daytona’s most popular athletes at the same time. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to shield her from that?”

I swallow, glancing at Hawk to tell him I’ve got this one. As much as this particular issue scared me—and was a factor in my decision to leave—the answer to his question is crystal clear. “You’re right,” I begin, my expression softening as I speak. “People will talk. They’re going to call her names and question her character. But the thing I realized over the weeks we were apart is that the love we have for each other is stronger than anything some shitty keyboard warrior can throw at us. Hawk and I are prepared to show the world how we feel about Arden, and that having her heart makes us both better men. We’ll stand by her side, no matter what, and she’ll fall asleep every night knowing that she’s exactly where she belongs.”

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