Page 40 of Ruled Out

Do I really repulse him that much?

“Phoebe, darling. Don’t be rude. He has a team to coach. Everything is not always about you,” my mom interjects.

“I understand, Mom, but he’s still my coach and it would be nice to have some guidance. It’s very rare to get one on one time with him to ask these types of questions. He’s a very busy man,” I say pointedly, throwing him a devious glance.

His gaze snaps back to me quickly, roaming down the front of my dress before resting back onto my face. His stare is filled with a scorching heat that wasn't there a few minutes ago.

“You’ll have to excuse our daughter; she’s always been very outspoken, sometimes to a fault,” my dad grits out, throwing me a glare that screams shut your mouth before we take all your money away.

“No, it’s fine. I admire that about Phoebe. She’s a hard worker and takes every opportunity she can to improve her skills. Sometimes, being outspoken is the best way to achieve what you want,” Knox pipes in, surprising me to the point where my head rears back. Thankfully, I catch myself before anyone notices.

“Yes, well, she certainly has a smart mouth on her. We hoped she would go to law school. At least she could put her argumentative nature to use in that profession,” my dad jabs, talking about me like I’m not even at the table.

“Excuse me?” I ask in a not-so-surprised tone. I’m done letting them talk about me like I’m not right here. I’m so fucking done.

My mother turns to me like she suddenly remembered my presence. “It’s not too late to change your major, honey. You’re only a freshman. Dad and I have been discussing it and-”

“No,” I deadpan, stopping my mom mid-sentence. “We are not having this conversation.”

“Why not, sweetie? Your coach would probably agree with us. You’re a very bright young lady and your dad is right. You certainly do love to argue. You can still play softball and prepare for law school at the same time. We just want you to make something of yourself, Phoebe.” She smiles sweetly, and it makes my stomach churn.

“Make something of myself?” I scoff, arching my brows in disbelief. I expected some type of incredible bullshit tonight, but this is too much, even for them. “So, if I don’t become a lawyer or a doctor, then I guess I’m just a complete failure in your eyes?”

“Ann, stop beating around the bush,” my dad cuts in, taking over the conversation. “Phoebe, what are you going to do with a communications degree? Do you want to work for a crusty marketing firm, go door to door selling cheap products, or run around planning events for important people? That’s the career you’re headed towards with a worthless degree like communications. What in the hell does that even mean? Communications.” He scoffs like it’s the stupidest thing he’s ever heard as he shakes his head. “It’s time to get your head on straight and start thinking about your future. You won’t live off our money forever. We’re not a trust fund, Phoebe.”

At this point, I can’t believe what I’m hearing. I feel like I’ve just been punched in the gut. My parents just said all of this in front of my teammate, her parents, and my coach. Angry tears start to swell in my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. Not here, not in front of everyone. No, if he wants to dish it out, he’ll take it, too.

“You really want to have this conversation here, Dad? Fine, let’s have it. You have no idea all the career paths possible with my degree. You have no idea how my classes are going. You have no idea what I want to do with my life, because you don’t ask. You want to act like I’m the selfish one? You and Mom literally only think about yourselves. You couldn’t give two shits about my life and what I want for myself. It’s always been about portraying the perfect daughter to your stuck-up friends. I hate to break it to you, but I have no interest in living such a shallow life,” I fume, my chest heaving as I try to steady my breathing. I’m not done, but I restrain myself, clenching my fists, digging my nails into my palms.

My dad looks at me in shock, almost with disgust, his face turning tomato red as he responds with clear disdain. “Watch your mouth, young lady. Your blatant disrespect will not be tolerated. You’re ruining a fine night with your entitled attitude. You seem to have a knack of ruining good things.”

“Do not speak to her that way,” Knox suddenly interrupts through clenched teeth, shooting a lethal gaze at my dad. I immediately notice the muscles in his jaw clenching in anger.

“Somebody needs to put that child in her place and as her father, it’s my responsibility,” my dad retaliates, returning Knox’s furious glare, aghast that my coach would chastise him.

“Mr. Rhodes,” Knox sneers back in a tone that makes the hair on my arms stand. “This is not the time or place. I will not sit here and listen to you-”

“Knox, stop. I can handle it,” I grit out, cutting him off. I’m so fucking over his hero act, swooping in to save me each time I’m in distress and then shutting me out like I’m a burden.

“Phoebe, you will stop this attention seeking act right this minute. We will continue this conversation at a more appropriate time,” my mom furiously comments, clutching her hand around her pearls in fake shock.

Silence fills our group as I slowly lift my head and glance around the table. Sasha and her parents look like deer in headlights, shocked at how quickly this conversation took a turn. Knox is staring right at me, his expression a mixture of wrath, concern, and pity. My parents are practically fuming that I didn't play along with their charade. I’m surprised steam isn't billowing out of their ears. Then, there’s me: absolutely mortified and embarrassed. My bottom lip starts to tremble, and I know I won’t be able to hold back my tears much longer.

I need to get the hell out of here.

“Actually, I’ll just excuse myself. Problem solved. Have a safe flight home,” I say, my voice shaking as I stand and throw my napkin onto the table. My eyes briefly meet Knox’s as I turn to leave. His gaze is filled with pain, but most of all, fury, like he wants to fucking murder someone. Tearing my gaze away, I push my chair in and walk away. As soon as my back is to the table, I feel the tears start to fall.

EIGHTEEN

KNOX

“Sasha, weren’t there a few teammates you wanted us to meet? I suppose now would be a good time. We’ll give you all some space.” Sasha’s mom awkwardly smiles and nods in farewell. Sasha and her family excuse themselves from the table, leaving just me and Phoebe’s parents sitting here in awkward silence.

I’m glad they’re leaving, because I can’t bite my tongue any longer. What I’m about to say might raise suspicions about my relationship with Phoebe, but I don’t give a shit. I’ve always been protective over her, and what her parents just did is so fucked up.

“You should both be ashamed of yourselves right now. How you treat your daughter is horrible. If that’s how you speak to her publicly, I can’t imagine how you speak to her in private,” I scowl, my eyes darting back and forth between them. I’m so fucking pissed that I’m shaking.

“Pardon me? You have no idea what that child has put us through. You barely know our daughter and have no right to tell us how we should parent. She’s an entitled brat who does whatever she pleases. You will not sit here and lecture us on a matter you have no knowledge of,” Ann snaps back, her voice dripping in entitlement.

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