“All right, people.” Ainsley claps twice. “Let’s end the day with a scrimmage.”
“Remember,” I say. “Talent gets attention, but being a team player is what earns you a spot on the team.”
“Yeah, because you know so much about being a team player,” Ainsley mutters as she walks away.
It’s not loud enough for the kids to hear, but enough to get under my skin.
And I’m disappointed to learn after all these years, I still let her.
Chapter 3
Ainsley
“I don’t seewhy this is so funny to you.”
Evan Cole, the head coach of the boys’ varsity lacrosse team, and one of my best friends, holds up his hands. “I’m sorry. I know this isn’t funny, but it’s pretty damn ironic.”
I roll my eyes as I lift my beer to my lips. “It’s bullshit, that’s what it is. Why would Danbury think this is a good idea?”
“It’s not entirely his fault. You know how the boosters are. It’s all politics.”
My top lip curls. I’m fully aware of the control they have on this town. Rich parents volunteer their money and time, but it isn’t always out of the goodness of their hearts. They know money talks, and they use it to get what they want. Their kids get special treatment, and the boys’ teams get preferred practice times, faster upgrades, and better field access.
Politics is an understatement. Misogyny runs deep in the sports world. I learned that the hard way as a teenager, standing amongst players I was better than, yet being told to step aside; pull back; keep quiet. Because girls can’t get in the way while boys are busy doing important things.
“Seriously, though.” Evan lifts a dark brow as he takes a sip of his beer. “Are you going to be okay working with Landon?”
I pick at my uneaten boneless wings, pausing before I respond. “I’ll be fine. I just need to focus on my team.”
“Good. I don’t want to see a repeat of what happened to you back in high school.”
My gaze flicks to his, unease twisting my gut. “I said I’ll be fine.”
“Sorry I’m late.” Ivori drops her purse onto the bar and pulls out the bar stool beside me. She gestures to the bottle of Corona as she climbs onto the stool. “Is this for me?”
“It is.” I watch as she downs half the beer. “Rough day?”
She holds up her index finger, chugging the contents of the bottle until it’s empty. Then she signals the bartender for another.
Evan chuckles. “Is that parent still giving you a hard time?”
“Sure is.” She shrugs out of her coat, and scoops her long braids over her right shoulder. “I met with Principal Harrison after the bell rang. He wants me to drop it.”
My eyes widen. “Are you serious? He’s going to let that mom win?”
She plucks one of my wings out of the basket and stabs it in the air. “And he wants me to apologize.”
Evan blows a stream of air between his lips. “Apologize for what, following the curriculum that’s aligned with the state standards?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “You give the same assignment every year. It’s a debate class, what did this mom expect?”
Ivori shakes her head. “No clue.”
I reach out and rub her shoulder. “You’re a great teacher. Don’t let the parents make you think otherwise.”
“Thanks.” She offers me a brief smile. “Distract me. What’s new with you guys?”
Evan leans his elbows onto the bar top. “Landon Fletcher is the new head coach for the girls’ JV team.”
