With a resentful scowl, Liam dropped into the chair opposite the desk.
“What the hell was that out there?” Coach demanded.
“Pasternak had it coming.”
“I don’t care if he insulted your mother, your dog, and the entire state of Kansas. You don’t put your hands on a teammate like that.”
Liam stared at the floor, jaw working.
Coach sighed, scrubbing a hand over his face. “Look, Liam, I know things have been tough. The media circus with your nanny, the pressure from management about your contract… But this behavior? This isn’t you.”
A bitter laugh escaped Liam’s throat. “Isn’t it?”
“No. It’s not. The Liam Anderson I know is a professional. He’s a leader.” Coach leaned forward. “Whatever’s going on with you, you need to get it under control. For your sake, for the team’s sake, and for those little girls of yours.”
The mention of his daughters struck a nerve. Liam’s shoulders tensed, then sagged, as if the fight had suddenly drained out of him.
“Take today’s practice off,” Coach said, his tone gentler now. “Cool down. Get your head straight. And I expect a full apology to Pasternak.”
Liam nodded stiffly, already rising to leave.
“And Liam?” Coach called as he reached the door. “Whatever it is you’re going through… there’s no shame in asking for help.”
He didn’t respond, pulling the door closed behind him with perhaps more force than necessary.
By the time Liam arrived home, the girls were already dressed for school, their high-pitched voices drifting from the kitchen where Sunny was making breakfast. He paused in the entryway, taking a moment to compose himself, to push down the turmoil churning inside him.
Deep breath. Mask on. One foot in front of the other.
“Daddy!” Hailey spotted him first, her face lighting up as she barreled toward him.
He caught her mid-leap, swinging her up into a hug that felt mechanical even to him. “Morning, pumpkin.”
Maddie approached more cautiously, her perceptive eyes studying his face. “Why are you home so early? Is practice canceled?”
“Something like that,” he replied, setting Hailey down and ruffling Maddie’s hair.
Over their heads, his gaze met Sunny’s. She stood at the stove, spatula in hand, her eyes clouded with concern. The sight of her — still beautiful despite the shadows beneath her eyes, the slight hollowness in her cheeks — sent a wave of emotion through him so powerful he had to look away.
“I made waffles,” she said, her voice carefully neutral. “There’s plenty if you’re hungry.”
“Thanks, but I already ate.” The lie came easily. He hadn’t eaten a proper meal in days.
“You need to eat something,” she insisted softly.
“I said I’m not hungry.” The words came out sharper than he intended, causing both girls to glance up at him in surprise.
Sunny’s face fell, but she quickly recovered, turning back to the stove. “Well, the offer stands if you change your mind.”
Liam nodded curtly, then looked down at his daughters. “You two almost ready for school?”
“Mm-hmm,”Maddie mumbled around a mouthful of waffle. “Mrs Patterson says I can try out for the spelling team today.”
“That’s great, kiddo.”
“And I got to feed the class hamster yesterday!” Hailey added excitedly. “His name is Mr Whiskers and he has the tiniest little hands and…”
“Sounds fun,” Liam interrupted, his attention already drifting. “Listen, I’ve got some calls to make before you head out. Be good for Sunny, okay?”
