AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I was hoping to get Wednesday afternoon off,” I said.
“It’s the final week of practice, Xan. We have a lot—”
“It’s the anniversary of his death.”
“Shit.” Jase sank back in his seat. “Of course it is. Sorry, I didn’t—”
“Relax, there’s no reason you’d remember. But I usually visit him and Mom and—”
“Of course, take some personal hours. We’ll be able to hold the fort without you. Just make sure you’re back on Thursday with a clear head.” He gave me a knowing look.
“I will. We have a championship to win.”
“Damn right, we do.”
A faint smile traced my mouth. “I’m going to get a start on those game tapes,” I said.
“Good. I want you to make sure Kaiden is ready for Bridderton. They have a big defense.”
“He’ll be ready.”
“Okay, get out of here and I’ll check in on you later.”
“You got it, Coach.”
Memories assaulted me. Ten years ago, I’d stood in this very office on the cusp of my senior year championship game. Coach Hasson had looked to me to lead the team all the way… All I had to do was want it.
“Xander?” Jase’s voice pulled me from my reverie. “You okay over there?”
“Yeah, Coach, I’m okay.”
What choice did I have?
It wasn’t like I could go back in time and change a damn thing.
* * *
Whoever decidedto push the football championships to the last weekend before schools got out for the holidays had severely underestimated how amped the student body would be.
Everyone was talking about the upcoming game and their plans for the holidays. It was chaos in the halls.
“Xander, wait up,” Mya Bennet cornered me as I made a rare trip to the school cafeteria. But after hours of studying game tapes and drinking nothing but strong coffee, I needed sustenance.
“What’s up?” I said, taking her lead to step aside for the steady stream of kids.
“Have you spoken to Peyton lately?”
Everything inside me froze. “I saw her at Jase’s a couple of times. Why?”
“I’m worried,” she said. “She’s refusing grief counselling. And I heard there was a fight this morning, but when I asked her about it, she brushed me off saying it was just a misunderstanding.”
“I get you’re worried, but what does it have to do with me?”
“You saved her, Xander. And I know you’re not entirely comfortable with the idea that Peyton sees you as… her savior. But I just thought maybe she might have tried to talk to you. You’re right though, I’m probably overstepping. It’s a delicate situation with you working here and knowing her outside of the school too.”
“Look, Mya, I’m not really sure what you want me to say.” I dragged a hand down my face. “I did what anyone else would have done.”
“I know. Sorry. I’m just finding her a tough nut to crack. She’s been through so much. I don’t want her to jeopardize her senior year.”
