Page 175 of Falling Offsides

I don’t know what to say. How to word the conversation because there’s no way to make it sound nicer. No way to make it hit lighter. Especially knowing how wonderful his family is.

Behind us my phone trills to life. The same ringtone from earlier. Specifically assigned to my mother.

Auguste peers over our shoulders, brows pinching together when he sees who it is.

“You don’t have to answer it,” he tells me when I grab for it.

I know I don’t. Most of me knows I shouldn’t.

But… that bitch hope reigns eternal.

So I do.

That small, hopeful part of me wishes that maybe this call is different. What if she apologizes? Or acknowledges that it wasn’t fair to keep my dad from me?

Maybe she won’t make me the villain for once?

I swipe and bring the phone to my ear. at the same time as Auguste’s arm wraps around me, drawing me into him in silent support.

“Hello?”

“Courtney.”

I freeze.

Auguste’s hold tightens and his lips press to the top of my head. It’s not a kiss. Just the hit of confidence I need to breathe through the dread and the anger whipping around in my stomach.

“Martin.”

“Don’t you Martin me, missy. You just can’t help yourself, can you? You’d rather see your mother miserable than let her move on.”

My stomach clenches. I sit up straighter.

“She’s distraught. After everything we have done for you. After all the sacrifices she’s made for you… every damn time she tries to move forward, you drag her down. You’re a selfish, ignorant little?—”

“I want to talk to her,” I cut in, voice trembling.

“She doesn’t want to talk to you. She finally sees you for what you are. Trouble. A waste of time.”

“Give her the phone.”

“Oh, please, you don’t call the shots with me, you?—”

The phone disappears from my hand.

Gone.

Just gone like Auguste from my side.

He’s already standing, towering, lit from beneath by the pale pool lights that throw shadows across his jaw like they were painted there for intimidation.

When he speaks, his voice is a fresh razor.

“Listen up…Martin, here’s how this conversation is going to go. You’re going to shut up and pass the phone. Period.”

Martin snaps something but Auguste simply spins on the spot. His stare narrows on me.

“I’m a man. A son and a brother who knows you don’t get to come between a daughter and her mother. It’s not part of your privilege.” His tone lowers. “Talking down to Courtney, also not part of your privilege or any man’s. Remember that next time you open your mouth in her direction.”

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