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After spending two days touring the complex and meeting people, I finally got a file started on the Inferno. Sophia was pressuring me to release my picture, but after I told her we were working with bringing kids into the complex, she agreed that I could handle it confidentially as long as it secured us a long-term deal.
I sat on the sideline the day Hunter made it to the same field as Tripp. Several others around me had their own business with the team, but I was the only one with my eyes glued to the situation.
Hunter was playing in the middle of the field and didn't have much interaction with Tripp at first, but eventually, the coaches brought them together. That was when I pulled my phone up and started taking pictures.
They shook hands, but I could tell underlying hatred lingered. Hunter had gotten his way with Tripp and me not seeing each other, so I figured he'd look slightly smug. Instead, he looked intense.
The whistle blew once the guys were lined up, and Hunter kicked the ball backward towards the midfielder. That player, who I didn't recognize, kicked it to Rhys.
Tripp and Hunter had driven up the field and opened themselves for a pass. Rhys chose to kick it to Hunter, who did a fancy twist and kicked it backward towards Tripp—a perfect assist. Tripp kicked the ball into the net with his right foot, and the whistle blew again, making them line back up.
A few more plays like that and Tripp was sent to the locker rooms. From where I was sitting, he would pass right by me, and for the first time in almost a week, he would be close enough to touch or talk to me.
Hunter was still on the field, but I saw him watching Tripp walk, waiting for him to screw up. But he didn't. Tripp walked right past me without even a glance, and as much as I knew it was what I asked for, it hurt to see him so easily distant.
Staying out, I watched Hunter take a few more plays with Rhys before he was also sent off the field. Unlike Tripp, Hunter stopped and squatted beside my seat, winking at me.
"I still got it."
"Congrats," I said quietly with a straight smile. "But I'm working."
He took the hint and stood up to leave, but not before he winked at me, making me feel uneasy.
After the practice ended, I decided to return to the office and put some of my notes into my computer. As I was packing my bag, my phone buzzed with a text. Looking at the name, my heart started beating wildly.
Coach's office.
I had not answered his texts since he left my apartment the day he showed me the picture. It was for his own good because Hunter was watching, and I knew he was just waiting for a chance to pounce. I chose not to answer his text, but I did comply, curious what he needed.
The Coach's office was outside the locker room, down the hall I had to walk through to get to my car. There was a small moment when I thought I should just pass the office and keep walking, but my need to see Tripp was too much.
As I opened the door, a voice behind me made me stop.
"Where are you going?"
"Hunter?" I turned, blocking the door and smiling. "What are you doing?"
"I asked you first."
"Well, it's obvious what I am doing, I'm headed to chat with Coach Sandy."
"He's in the home locker room, I was just there."
"Then I guess I will wait, because I already told him I'd like to chat after practice."
Crossing my arms, I leaned against the wall, knowing he would surely know I was lying if I left. All I had to do was wait for him to go, but it was never that easy with Hunter.
Crossing his arms, he leaned against the wall beside me and smiled. "I'll wait with you."
"Don't you need to shower or something?" He was still dirty and sweaty, a particular funk exuding off his body.
"Nope."
Taking a deep breath, I turned away and tried to think of some other reason I needed to leave. The only thing that came to mind was faking a phone call, but as I started digging for my phone, a door slammed near the locker room entrance, and I looked up to see Tripp walking toward us.
He paused slightly when he saw the two of us standing there, but with Hunter angled behind me, he saw the discomfort on my face and moved toward us.
