“I knew him when I was in the BFL and the whole Phaedra Jones mess happened. That didn’t sound much like him either, but he kept his nose out of the news and left without making a stink. To me, that says a lot about his character, not to mention his playing skills. Our defense needs him.”
“I agree, but getting Miller to overlook the publicity right now is going to be tricky.”
“What if he could refute the article? Would that help?”
“If he could refute it, then why hasn’t he already done it?”
This is what’s been bothering me. Why doesn’t Xavier just come out and say it’s all bullshit?
I shrug. “Not sure, but a friend of a friend is gathering proof, I guess. If they have it, will you take a look at it? Do you think Miller will?”
Coach tilts his head, considering my words. “Can’t hurt to take a look, I guess. Who is this friend of a friend?”
Shit. How am I supposed to say a girl I hooked up with a long time ago knows someone—
“Ophelia.” The name pops into my head. Hannah said it. Even as it leaves my mouth, I put two and two together. “I’m pretty sure that’s the woman in the article, but my friend is reliable and says they have proof the article is bullshit.”
“I met Ophelia. Interesting woman. But I agree. The article is totally out of character for the Xavier Henry I know. I coached him for four years and knew him before that. Is that what you wanted to discuss? Because I have something to talk about as well.”
Dammit. I think I’m gonna puke.
“Callaghan, even this conversation shows me that you’re interested in the welfare of this team, and you’re a solid judge of character. As such, we’d like to name you co-captain with Pressley this year.”
You could knock me over with a feather. “Co-captain?” I manage to sputter out. While it’s not uncommon for the goalie to be the captain, I’m not sure I’ve ever been thought of as leadership material.
Mostly because I take this game too seriously and hold my teammates accountable when they fuck up. I mean, it’s not unreasonable, but it also doesn’t win me any popularity contests.
But being named co-captain means I’m keeping my starting position and that I possibly still have a chance at the National Team.
Score.
Chapter 12: Hannah
Never have I ever beenso livid. Not in all my life. Three days later, I’m still seething.
I also try not to think about the fact that he’s been at the forefront of my thoughts for the past three days. I thought I was past that. Past him. My trauma boxes are all opened up, and my shit is everywhere.
