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Tracy raises a brow. “Am I missing something here?”
Before I can get a word in edgewise, Max blurts out, “Duke said he’d help me get better than Neil. He knows all about soccer, Mom!”
Tracy is watching me with an arched eyebrow.
I give her a sheepish grin. “Well, I was going to ask you, first. And it was Kendall’s fault. She started this.”
Max, unaware that his mother might be upset, continues, “Look, Mom!” He points towards his brand new sneakers and I pale now as I too, look down at his new shoes.
Max goes on, “The coach gave everyone new sneakers! They’re the ones we saw in the shop and I also told—”
“You should really get back to your team,” I cut in hastily. Putting my hands on his shoulders, I turn him around. “We don’t want your coach to get annoyed.”
Max nods and runs back.
I cross my fingers in my heart, hoping Tracy doesn’t mention the sneakers. But of course, it’s a futile wish.
She gives me a strange look. “How odd.”
I nod, pretending to agree. “Absolutely.”
However, she doesn’t get the chance to say anything further because the coach, a feeble looking man walks over, pointing. “Folks, take a seat.”
“Coach, I’m Max’s mother. Where did he get those sneakers from?”
I can understand Tracy’s concern and I’m so glad I chose to do everything via phone rather than in person.
He answers, “We got a sponsor, someone donated a large sum of money and wanted us to update the soccer team’s gear. Probably a rich parent or something.” The coach looks down at his clipboard, distracted. “I sent out notices. All the parents signed it but you. Max said you were busy.”
Tracy’s face goes white and she clenches her fists.
I have the urge to find that bastard Paul who forced her to spend so much time away from her son. It’s been difficult enough, restraining myself from punching his face in for the harassment he’s made her undergo. But now, since he’s seen me, I have a feeling he’ll stay in line.
Staying by Caleb’s side for the past few years, the man has rubbed off on me and I don’t plan to let Paul off that easily for what he’s made Tracy endure. His ending will be painful and bitter.
I plan to make sure of it.
However, for now, I pretend to look interested in my phone.
Tracy shoots me a look once the coach walks away. “Duke.”
I clear my throat and put on my most innocent expression before looking up at her. “Yes?”
She’s giving me a stern look, her arms crossed over her chest, one shoe tapping on the ground. “You wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with this, would you?”
Acting isn’t my finest skill but I give it my best shot, and shoot her a look that I hope looks bewildered. “Me? Why would I – That is such a – I don’t have that sort of money. I’m just a driver.”
Tracy gives me a doubtful look. “I find it strange that every time I mention something to you, it ends up happening.”
“It’s called a coincidence.” I waggle my brows at her. “Educate yourself.”
My words have the desired effect and her lips twitch but she doesn’t smile. “This is not okay, Duke.”
“I didn’t do anything!” I protest, clutching my chest. “I’m being falsely accused here.”
A rare form of smile creases Tracy’s cheeks and she reaches out to yank my ear, lightly. “You had better hope that’s the case.”
I grin.
