Page 40 of Open Net

My body was trembling. “I lost Legendary Athletes.”

She pursed her lips as a tear rolled down her cheek. “So, you destroyed your office?”

I shrugged. I still couldn’t completely explain what happened.

“Olli, I know losing a sponsor is hard. I know how much you liked working with them, but this is not okay. You’re scaring me.” She paused. “Promise me this won’t happen again.”

It wasn’t really a question or even a command. It was a fact. I wouldn’t let it and she wouldn’t tolerate it.

“I’m sorry, Emma. I’m so sorry. I’ll clean this up.”

Her shoulders sagged and her eyes dropped to the ground before she turned. I listened as Jackson’s cries muffled as the bedroom door shut upstairs.

Seeing my wife walk off with my baby felt like a knife in my heart. What had I done? The destruction surrounding me didn’t make sense. I couldn’t believe I’d done it.

I’d never felt such rage before. It scared me.

11

Emma

I had no idea what to do next. I sat on my bed and cradled Jackson to me. He was still crying. I couldn’t remember what silence sounded like anymore. I picked up my phone and debated on what to do. Should I call Chloe, Erik, or Coach?

I don’t know what was going on with Olli, but that violence—him thrashing his office— wasn’t okay, and it couldn’t happen again. He’d scared me, it was like he wasn’t even in the room with me. He seemed lost. I hit Chloe‘s name and held the phone up to my ear praying she would answer before I lost the courage.

She picked up after the first ring. “Hey girl. what’s going on?”

The sound of her voice made me cry. “It’s Olli.”

I choked out the two words and her voice turned serious. “What’s going on? What happened?

“He came home completely different. Coach is putting him on the injured reserve list and he’s not taking it well.” I fought back tears.

She sighed. “Well, what did he expect? He won’t be back for year.”

“I know, Madeline told me. I just didn’t expect him take it this hard, but I just watched him destroy his office. He picked up every trophy he had and threw them at the wall. There’s glass everywhere. I don’t know what to do or how to calm him down.”

There was silence for a beat. “Are you okay?”

I shook my head and groaned. “Chloe I’m not. I don’t know what’s going on and I’m kind of freaking out.”

I stood and started bouncing, trying to get Jackson to calm down. I could barely hear Chloe.

“I’m coming over right now, Emma.”

“No, it’s okay. I just needed to vent.” I sighed.

“Just hold on for me, okay? Just wait for me to get there and then we’ll figure out what’s going on. I’ll bring Reese with me. He can talk to Olli.”

I choked on a sob. She knew what I needed without me having to ask. “Thank you.”

“Emma, we’re going to get through this.”

She hung up and less than fifteen minutes later she texted me when they arrived. I hurried downstairs as if they had all the answers and solutions. The second I opened the door I was wrapped up in Chloe’s arms.

“We’re here.” She whispered in my ear then stepped back. “Now give me my little boy.”

I handed Jackson over, grateful for the reprieve. Reese patted my shoulder and walked down the hall to Olli’s office. He swore and then slammed the door shut.