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“No. It makes sense.”
Wes raises a brow, studying whatever expression is on my face. “Okay. I’ll, uh, see you around?”
“Yeah. See you.”
I climb into the car and start it. The drive home only takes ten minutes. And I spend every single one of them wondering why Natalie is who I thought of when Wes saidFind what matters more to you.
The only person home when I park in the driveway is my dad. I swallow the groan that wants to escape, seeing his car parked in the drive.
I spot him as soon as I reach the porch, sitting in the living room.
We’ve barely talked since I confronted him about the Arlington coaching job. I didn’t immediately realize when Wes told me he isn’t transferring, but that option is now off the table.
I wonder if it should matter that he no longer has the choice. That he didn’t turn it down because I asked him to.
He speaks as soon as I close the front door. “Liam.”
“What?”
There’s a sharp tone to my voice that I never used with my dad before our last conversation. I used to always treat him with deference—like an authority figure I was in no position to argue with. Like a coach.
Now, I sound like a petulant teenager.
“You’ve been avoiding me.”
“Yep.”
He sighs. “I’m not taking the job at Arlington.”
“I know. I already talked to Wes. He told me he’s not transferring.”
“They offered it to me, anyway.”
I make eye contact for the first time. “They did?”
“Yes.”
“If you’re expecting athank you, you’re not going to get one.”
“Liam, look. I’ve made plenty of mistakes. I know that. So do you, and so does Maeve. But I’ve tried to learn from them. I’ve tried to do better. All you ever seemed to want to do was talk football. Play football. You’d suggest running plays after dinner. Extra film sessions. I’m sorry you didn’t feel like I could be your dad and your coach. That you didn’t know I’d be just as happy going salmon fishing with you, if that’s what you wanted.”
“I didn’t know.”
“I’m sorry.” He hesitates. “I’ve got the rest of the afternoon free, if you want to order a pizza? Watch a movie?”
“I—I, uh, I can’t, Dad.” And then, because I don’t want him to think I’m just blowing him off, I add, “I already have plans.”
He’s disappointed but hides it quickly. “With Matt?”
“Um, no. With a girl.”
This time he’s surprised, and he doesn’t hide it. We’ve never discussed girls. “Oh. Okay. Is it…serious?”
“No. I mean, maybe. But no. Not really.”
His brow wrinkles, clearly confused about what to make of my answer. He can join theHow do I feel about Natalie Jacobsclub. It’s a confusing place to be.
“Ah, okay. If you ever want to talk about it…”
