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Mom was by herself and lonely. No matter how hard she tried to keep a brave front, I knew she was still having trouble dealing with this situation. We all were. She and my father had known each other most of their lives. They’d been married for twenty-five years and did everything together. Although my mom was the more vocal, outspoken one, it was my father who was the silent leader, whose words of wisdom always guided us. Mom would never admit it, but she had been very codependent on my dad. Regardless, I would risk being late to help my mother get through a difficult time.
When I clicked off my cell, I warily searched around the facility, looking for Josh, since he was the one I had to report to. Finally, I spotted him talking to one of the defensive players on the team.
Walking over to him, I waited patiently until he finished his conversation. He was tall and lanky, with fuzzy red hair. He also had beady eyes and never smiled. After the other guy walked off, he glanced down his nose at me. “You’re late.”
“I’m sorry. I had a family emergency.”
He scowled at me. “Don’t let it happen again.”
“I won’t.”
“Make sure it doesn’t,” he said and added, “I also need to remind you about your professionalism on the field.”
“My professionalism?”
“Yes. I don’t care what you do on your own time, but as a trainer, we have a code of ethics. You would know this if you read the agreement you had to sign to take this internship.”
“I did read it.” My teeth clenched, pissed over what he was implying. Or about to imply.
“Then you know flirting with players is highly unprofessional, as well as being alone with a player—”
“I wasn’t flirting, and I know another person must be present to give treatment.”
“You were alone with a player yesterday.”
“I was not. We were on the field. In plain view of everyone. That wasn’t my choice, by the way. You walked off, leaving me with him.”
“Make sure it doesn’t happen again,” he warned. “Or you can kiss this opportunity goodbye.” He strode away while I stared daggers at his back.I can do this. I can do this, I mentally chanted.
“What did he say to you?” I jumped, hearing Axel’s deep voice behind me.
“Nothing.” I glanced up at him and froze. He stood tense, with eyes narrowed and jaw clenched. He looked… furious.
“What did he say to you?” he said slowly, peering off in the distance like a lion set on his prey before he attacked. Goose bumps pricked my arms, even though it was hot outside. I’d never seen Axel worked up over anything.
“Nothing that concerns you, so please don’t cause any more waves.” I sighed in exasperation.
“I haven’t caused any waves yet, but if he’s threatening you, you better believe he’s gonna run into a fucking tsunami.”
“Axel, this isn’t a joke, okay?”
He finally glanced down at me. The intensity of his gaze gave me pause. “Oh, Natalie, I’m not joking right now. I assure you.”
“I need this internship. Please don’t ruin this for me.”
I expected him to make some smart-ass quip about how I was here to serve him like he did yesterday. However, his next words took me by surprise. “You won’t lose this internship. I promise. But if he makes you uncomfortable again, nothing will stop me from confronting him.”
However, when I showed up at the field the next day, it was apparent that Axel had lied. He was standing beside Josh on the side of the practice field, and as I drew closer, my stomach dropped in dread. Josh had a greenish bruise under his eye. “Natalie,” he said tightly.
Axel wrapped his hand around Josh’s shoulder as though they were buddies. “My friend has something he wants to say to you. Don’t you, Joshy boy?”
Josh gazed at me sullenly. He looked like he would rather be anywhere but here. “I’m sorry for being rude to you.”
“And?” Axel piped up pleasantly, leaning in closer to him.
Sighing, Josh clasped his hands together; his thumb dug into his palm. “It won’t happen again.”
I shot Axel a withering look that he ignored as he turned to Josh. “That’s right. Because if it does.” Axel’s pleasant demeanor dropped in a heartbeat. “I will make sure you never have a job in this field again. You feel me?”
