Page 118 of Second Chance

“Congratulations, Coach. And welcome to the team.” My brows pinch as my head volleys between them. I watch as an older gentleman shakes hands with Mati. Her face beams with excitement. The glow is more than this win. “We look forwarding to seeing you next week in Elton.”

I freeze, taking in the logo on the jacket of the second man. Northeastern Georgia University. My eyes shoot to Mati’s.

“You’re leaving.” The words blurt out of my mouth, sharp and shocked. In an instant, I sense the truth. Mati had her own dream, and these people are handing it to her. She keeps her eyes from me as she shakes another round of hands.

“I’ll see you next week.” The extremely tall woman in the group furrows her brow at me before recognition crosses her cheeks. Turning away, she follows the men to the exit. Mati and I step toward one another at the same time.

“You’re leaving,” I repeat. “But I just got here.” Shit. I know it’s the wrong thing to say. It’s the worst thing to say, but I can’t help myself. My chest burns. I’m giving up a lot to return here, and it’s all because I want to be with her. But now, she’s leaving? What the fuck?

“Well, I…” Another group of congratulatory people finds Mati, and I step back, allowing her to be swallowed up by her Mountain Cat family. These people want to touch her, tease her, but I wonder if they know she’s about to leave them behind. She’s going to leave me behind, and as much as I know I deserve it, my heart hurts.

“Hey man, great game.” Charlie pats me on the back as if I’m worthy of his cheer. I didn’t do anything. I watched my girl coach to victory, but there’s no way in hell I’m going to watch her leave me.

“Yeah, good game,” I mutter.

“You okay?” Charlie asks, his eyes narrowing on me.

“I think I could use a beer. Let Mati have her moment here.”

Charlie nods slowly, looking from his sister to me. “You aren’t running, are you?”

“Fuck no,” I say. She’s the one running from me.