Page 100 of The Keeper
“He’s an alcoholic, and he was physically and verbally abusive to me when I was growing up. I know this might seem like a random thing to share with the team, but I promise, I have a reason.”
A few wide eyes. A lot of pitying stares.
“He’s going to be here today, in the stands. I spoke with Coach McIntosh about possibly starting Erin, since I have a hard time concentrating when he’s around. I can normally shut out most things and focus - but not him. I just wanted to be honest with you, a group of women I care about deeply, that I will do everything I can to help you win this game, but that this one thing may impact my performance.”
I catch Mack’s eyes.
“Recently I realized that you can’t work well with anyone unless you’re open and vulnerable, and willing to take risks.”
Mack gives me a small smile and I turn my head to let my eyes wander through the group.
“But in this case, the majority of risk rests on the team as a whole, not just on me. I don’t think it would be fair for me to go into this game with a potential distraction without you knowing. I wanted to make sure you understand what today will be like for me, and I wanted to make sure I have your permission to play.”
There’s a super intense silence when I finish. I glance around again, catch Piper’s eyes watching me with approval and a smirk. Erin and Kristal are sitting together watching me with beaming smiles. And when my eyes connect with Mack’s again I see pride and respect and love radiating from him.
“Oh, come on. That’s bullshit,” Gina grits out.
And all of those eyes I hated having on me finally turn away and latch onto another target.
When my eyes laser in on Gina, I see her standing in front of an open locker, her hands on her hips, her face twisted in a scowl.
“She wrapped it up in a pretty bow, but what she just told you all is that she’s going to be a deer in headlights today as the rest of the team busts ass trying to win this game. I think she should be asked to sit out today.”
“Gina, stop being a fucking bitch.” I turn to see Piper taking a step forward. “No one wants to hear your shit.”
“Is it capable for you to shove your nose any farther up RJ’s ass?” Gina spits out. “You’re already a starter today. You don’t need to push any farther. And you’re a total idiot if you can’t realize she’s a liability. Besides, whether I’m a bitch or not is irrelevant when what I’m saying is true. She’s going to lose this game for the team.”
The silence in the room is so heavy I can feel the weight of it on my shoulders.
“A vote, then.”
My eyes fly back to Mack’s in surprise, and I’m sure I’m not the only one to respond this way.
“My original plan was to put RJ in because I believe in her ability to overcome her issues with her dad. It was her decision to share with you why her dad’s presence will potentially be a problem. She wanted to open up to you and ask for your permission to play, even though I had already told her what my decision was, because she values the collective team perspective.”
He clears his throat, eyeing the room.
“And even though Idetestthe way it was phrased and think immature, catty behavior is uncalled for on this team,” he says, glaring at Gina, who suddenly loses a shade of color, “it is a valid point that RJ’s capability as a keeper may be impacted. I think RJ did the right thing in letting you all decide, as a team, whether she should be on that field. So, a vote. A team decision.”
After a few moments where I see some uncomfortable glances my way, I know I have to say something.
“I won’t be upset, whatever decision is made. It won’t impact how I feel about any of you. I’ll totally understand. And if it helps, I’ll just step out,” I point to the door and begin taking steps in that direction, “so everyone can say what they want.”
I’m out the door quickly, pacing the hallways. But it’s only a few minutes before Piper comes flying out the door with a shit-eating-grin on her face.
“Pull on your gloves, bitch! It’s time to play!”
* * * * *
I can’t stop smiling when I get off the field an hour and a half later. Not only did we win, but I was on. Fucking.Point.And the icing on the cake is that my dad didn’t make a peep during the game, so I’m assuming Jeremy showed up at some point and either forced him to stay quiet or kept him from even attending the game.
I guess letting him protect me isn’t so bad.
What is bad is when I get outside the locker room after showering, ready to head back to the hotel, and I find Jeremy and Mack together, talking quietly.
“What happened?” I ask, startling them both.
They exchange a look that means something only to them, before Mack turns towards me, his expression grim.
