He stands again and gestures toward the door, while I try not to flush from his praise.
“Let’s make these meetings a regular thing. Every Thursday, we’ll connect, you’ll share your ideas, and I’ll help prepare you to take over.”
“I—uh,” I sputter, still shocked. “That would be amazing, sir.”
He pats me on the back on my way out the door.
“None of thissirstuff. Just keep doing what you’re doing. We’ll whip this team into shape together.”
Outside of Coach Paulson’s office, I’m in a daze. I went from worrying I might get fired for challenging him to gaining a mentor. Finding out I’m on track to take over as head coach! He didn’t give a set timeline, but it’s overwhelming just the same.
I pull out my phone, desperate to tell someone. To share this incredible news. Before I can message Adam or even Noah, I see several missed texts.
Kendra
Kendra:I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said.
Kendra:I really enjoy spending time with you, even without the sex.
Kendra:Are you still open to being friends?
I let out a sigh. The woman I was falling for wants to be friends.Friends!After I was almost inside of her, held her while she slept, felt her body react to our kiss. And now we’re supposed to, what? Catch a Mets game together? Should I invite her over to play NBA 2K?
I rub my hands over my scalp in aggravation, wishing briefly that I kept my hair longer than a buzz cut.
I only offered friendship by default; it’s what you do when you want to end things, but are too chickenshit to say, “I can’t do this anymore. Have a nice life.” Friends also leaves an opening for something more in the future, though it never occurred to me she’d take me up on it. She’s clearly still hung up on her ex.
But she’s right; hanging out together was cool. Despite a few awkward moments, we always vibed, more so once she confronted me at Mom and Dad’s Fourth of July party. She calls me on my shit the way my brothers usually do.Used toanyway, before they got too wrapped up in their own relationships to notice. I’m happy for them, but…maybe it’s time to admit the life I left behind isn’t the life I came home to. Maybe it’s time to stop reacting and start being proactive, like I was with Coach. I may not be able to keep my heart separate as “friends with benefits”, butjust friendsmight be possible. The past few weeks without talking to her have been tough.
My mind made up, I open a new text window.
Chapter seventeen
Kendra
“Damn, their school looks like this and they still need a fundraiser?”
“Boy, act like you’ve been somewhere,” I scold Jeremiah with a playful glare as we step out of the car door Niko holds for us.
He’s not wrong. Centerpoint looks more like a fairytale castle than a high school in Brooklyn. Teal banners emblazoned with the school’s fierce eagle mascot hang on each side of heavy double doors, and pristine windows gleam from all three floors of the brick building. They don’t even have bars on them! Once I thank Niko and let him go for the day, Jeremiah and I follow the posterboard signs to the basketball court behind the school.
At least two hundred people are gathered for Centerpoint’s battle royale against Hawkins High. That’s one of the things I love about this city; everyone’s always willing to show up andshow out for their community, even if it’s just high school kids raising money for new equipment.
A DJ plays hip hop from a courtside booth. It keeps the crowd hyped, along with a concession stand selling cotton candy, warm pretzels, and drinks. It’s still too warm for hot cider and roasted nuts, but the chill in the air makes it too cold for Italian ice.
Opposite the DJ, another booth has multiple mics and a tabletop scoreboard; this must be where the commentators will sit. Next to that are several girls in matching spray-painted t-shirts. God, will those things ever go out of style? Initially, I thought they were warming up for a dance routine, but with their heavy boots, I’d guess a step show is more likely.
There are even a couple of reporters on the bleachers behind the announcers’ booth; their telephoto lenses and digital recorders are a dead giveaway. Damon really went all out! I’m glad I came instead of hiding away like the scaredy cat I am.
“Auntie Kiki, can I find us seats while you get us some pretzels and soda? That line is mad long!”
Jeremiah pouts with all the drama of a teenage boy, and I stifle a smile. He’s way too cool to be teased by his honorary aunt, or so he tells me.
“Sure thing,” I answer, but he’s already disappeared into the crowd.
For whatever reason, it’s never bothered me when Jeremiah calls me “Kiki”. To me, the nickname is childish, and I wouldnever use it professionally, but he is, in fact, achild. Coming from Andre, it’s like nails on a chalkboard.
I sigh to myself.
