Page 85 of Chess Not Checkers
I nod, tears stinging my eyes. I clench my jaw and try to keep them at bay.
“I’m not him.” My voice cracks. “And I can’t keep killing myself trying to be better than him, either. Jasmine showed me that.”
He stands up.
“Coach, I—I love her,” I stumble over the admission.
He visibly tenses again. I worry we’ve taken a step forward and two back.
“You still went behind my back. She’s my family, Shepherd. You understand why this would upset me, right?”
“I know you want to protect her. I promise I want the same thing. Hopefully the first part of the video shows that.”
He shakes his head. “That doesn’t change what you did by hiding.”
“We were going to tell you, Coach. And I wasn’t trying to undermine you. I just felt stuck, and we were both scared of disappointing you.”
“Both of you?” His brow furrows. “Jasmine was afraid to tell me?”
I nod. “I think you two should talk, though, so I won’t share more on her behalf.” I almost leave it at that, but in desperation, I keep going. “Whatever it takes to prove that I’m serious about her, I’ll do it. And I’ll take any consequences for breaking the rule without complaint. Even…” I straighten my shoulders. “Even being benched.”
He runs a hand down his face and sighs. It’s silent for a moment—so silent all I can hear is my own breathing. Then, he nods to himself, rounds the desk, and pulls me in for a tight hug. I freeze in place, my arms stuck by my side in shock.
“I’m sorry, son,” he says as squeezes me tight. “For not hearing you out, and for making you feel like you weren’t worthy of being known just as you are. You’re a good player and an even better man.” He pats me on the back twice, then pulls back. The tears I’ve been holding back start to slip out of my control. “I’m proud of you, Shepherd.”
Well, that’ll do it. I swipe at my face, trying to get rid of the tears as fast as possible. Bash’s eyes are shining too, though, which helps me feel a little better.
“You’re like a son to me. I don’t know why your dad isn’t more invested in your and your brother’s lives. It doesn’t make sense to me. But I’m happy to have you as a part of my family.”
“Okay,” I rasp out. “You can stop now. I don’t know if I can take any more.”
He chuckles. “I’m afraid I’m not done yet. My wife might wring my neck if I don’t give you the apology you deserve. I shouldn’t have brought up Jason’s past. Not just because it’s unfair to you, but because it’s unfair to the man he’s become. I love both of you. It’s just, I also love Jasmine.” He scratches the back of his neck. “And when I heard some of you talking about cheerleaders, I lost all sense. As a coach, I should be better than that.”
I shrug. “I punched a guy for her, and granted he was a total creep, but I’d punch someone for a lot less when it comes to her.”
He laughs, and I join in. He gives me another hug. “I really am sorry.”
“It’s okay,” I say as I hug him back. “I’m sorry for hiding things from you.”
He pulls back and grips my shoulders. “From now on, I want you to tell me if I make you feel like I’m comparing you to Jason.And if you want me to help fend off the press more, I can do that too. I have no issues with beating off vultures.”
I smile. “Thanks, Coach. And Jasmine? Are things okay there?”
He draws in a deep breath and lets it out in a whoosh. “I’ll talk to the team about the rule, and…as long as you don’t turn into a complete idiot overnight and break her heart, you have my blessing.”
My grin widens. “Thank you. I promise I won’t hurt her.”
“I’ll hold you to that. I guess I should call so I can apologize to her too.”
Frantic knocking sounds at the door.
“Bash, wait, I need to talk to you!” Jasmine’s voice shouts.
“I guess you won’t have to make that call after all,” I say with a laugh.
It wasn’t in the plan for her to show up here, but in true Jasmine fashion, she must have made her own plan. Bash walks over and opens the door. Jasmine practically falls inside.
“Jaz, are you all right?” Bash asks.
