Page 57 of Coach Me
“Of course. I’m happy to keep sending them.”
“I’d like that.” Dex’s voice stays barely above a whisper. “I’ve got to ask. Why’d you take this job?”
His question takes me by surprise. I was fully convinced our night was coming to an end. While I can’t say I hate that Dex is talking more, I didn’t expect this question.
I suppose me being here has been a really vulnerable experience for him. I’m not going to tell him he was actuallymy favorite player to watch, but I think I owe him a little vulnerability too.
“Well, to be fair, I didn’t think you’d offer it to me in the first place. When Callie told me about her plan to annoy you into hiring me, I told her not to waste her breath, but you know how she is.”
Dex lets out a huff. Yeah, I’m sure she gave him earfuls.
“I thought taking this job would be good for me. I’ve recently discovered that I have zero clue who I am as a person?—”
Dex snorts a small laugh. “Luce, you just told me off in the calmest and clearest way I’ve ever experienced maybe fifteen minutes ago. You’re going to tell me you don’t know who you are?”
My smile is involuntary at him calling me Luce again. I might like it a little too much, but that’s beside the point.
“I did not tell you off. I just told you the truth.”
Dex shrugs. “Seems like it came from someone pretty confident in herself, if you’re asking me.”
“Yeah, you’re confusing that with thefake it till you make itpersonality. Everything about me feels like it was molded from Will and Reagan. I don’t have funny stories from growing up where I was the ‘leader’ of the group. I’m the side character who went along with things. Scratch that, I’m more of a supporting actress. You know my career and superficial things, but I have no lines and no backstory. Whether I got this job or not wasn’t really going to change my plans to figure out who I am, but I am happy you offered it.”
Dex looks off to the side as he scratches the back of hisneck. “Yeah, me too.”
I can’t say I entirely believe him, but at least I think I actually have a chance of making him believe it one day.
Chapter 20
Lucie
Tuesday: Boston Blues at Phoenix Astros.
*picture of Miles eating a hotdog*
I know he eats hotdogs, but I got him to try it in the bun, now hold your heart…with ketchup.
Dex
Try mustard or chili and then I’ll be impressed.
Hey, baby steps.
Wednesday: Boston Blues at Phoenix Astros.
Dex
Should I ask why I just saw you and Miles hiding around the corner?
Miles thought he saw Shannon. Avoiding her is agame to him now.
Dex
Don’t tell the team that. I think some of the guys would join you.
Can you blame them?
Thursday: Travel day to Pittsburgh.
