Page 91 of Changing Rules

“I’ve been coming up with some new plays, and Coach seems interested. We may never use them, but it still feels good to know I’m contributing to the team.”

He chuckles. “That’s my boy. Taking initiative. I’m proud of you, Alex.”

“Thanks, Dad.” The instant lightness in my limbs that accompanies his genuine affection makes it easier to breathe. I want to drink in this moment, bottle it up so I can remember it on days when things aren’t going well, so I continue talking. I’ll do anything to encourage my dad to be more present. “Coach put me in charge for a little while today. It was simple, but it still felt good to be respected as a leader.”

“Interesting.” A smirk pulls up his lips. “How did your wide receiver handle taking instruction from you?”

“He wasn’t thrilled.” I huff a laugh. Miller was pissed when Coach told the team I’d be in charge of drills. “But he behaved, so I can’t really complain. He wants to win too.”

“Have you thought about what you’re going to do after you retire?”

“No.” I shrug. “I’ve got time. I’m at the top of my game. I’m honestly thinking more about the end of my contract. It’s up after this season, and so far no one’s said a word to me or my agent.”

“I can’t imagine the Warriors won’t want to keep you; you have nothing to worry about. But I do think it’s time to put more thought into your future. Don’t wait until retirement is looming.” He pats my hand again. “You’ve always enjoyed coming up with game plans and strategies. Have you ever considered coaching?”

I bite the inside of my cheek to suppress my smile. “Yeah, I can’t say the idea hasn’t crossed my mind.”

Dad drops his hand to the mattress and drags it along the bedding until he finds his phone. A moment later, the sounds of the audiobook disappear, plunging the room into silence. “What else is going on? I can feel your excitement, and it’s not just about the game.”

I sit a little straighter. “Marco told me Bella is coming home. She’ll be at the first game.”

“Oh.”

To say my parents were upset when they found out about my breakup with Bella would be an understatement. They loved her, and they were sad to lose her, but their top concern was how the fallout affected my well-being.

“Are you still in love with her?”

“Yes. I love her even more than I did a year ago, if that’s possible. She’s my girl, Dad. She will always be my girl.”

“But she’s moved on, hasn’t she? Audrey told your mom about Isabella’s new boyfriend.”

“Maybe.” My voice cracks. “I don’t know for sure.”

“Do you think she’d be interested in having you in her life again?”

“Probably not.” I fold my arms across my chest. “All I know is, she’ll be home for a while before her internship. I can’t let the opportunity to talk to her pass by.”

“You think her new boyfriend will be okay with that?” Dad speaks softly, as if I’m a child ready to throw a tantrum.

“Doubt it.” I take a deep breath to calm myself.

My father nods, clasping his hands. “I won’t tell you to leave her alone. You’re stubborn, and you’ve put a lot of effort into yourself this year.” His voice sounds more powerful now, reminiscent of the way he used to speak. “But promise me one thing: If she’s happy, you’ll take a step back. You’ll let her go.”

“Dad.”

He can’t possibly expect me to agree to that. Why would I before I’ve even had a chance to talk to her? It’s a defeatist attitude from the get-go, and that’s not who I am.

“Promise me, Alexander,” Dad insists. “If she says?—”

“I can’t promise that.” I stand abruptly and back away from the bed.

Suddenly, the air is too thick. I need to get out of this room, out of this house.

“Alex.” Dad dips his chin to his chest, his lips pressed tightly together. He’s disappointed in me, I know, but…I don’t care.

“I need to get going.”

Anger rushes through me, ready to spill over. I didn’t come here to be lectured about my life, to be told what I should and shouldn’t do.

---