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“Yes, well you have to learn to like it," she continued in what I call her stern-mom voice. "This is the way things are, now. I’m not asking your permission."
But maybe she should have because the kids look outraged. Both teams are full-on arguing with each other and any attempts to calm down the ruckus fall on deaf ears.
I sigh, put two fingers up to my lips, and let out a loud, piercing whistle.
Instantly, everything falls silent.
They turn in unison, to the bleachers. My team looks at me expectantly, but I don't say anything, only nod to Mia to continue. She shoots me a grateful look, and I wish I could do more to help her out. But the district coach was clear. To prevent another possible disbandment, I can't have any input in coaching the team. That's why I'm sitting so far away, only observing.
“Alright,” Mia says, turning back to the kids. “Now, I know you guys aren’t too happy about the turn of events. Both teams. It's sudden and y'all don't like each other. I get it. But I want you to give this a chance and see this as a new opportunity for both of you.”
"A chance for what? More cheating?" the red-haired boy asks.
"Brandon–" James sighs.
“No, that’s a fair question, James,” Mia says holding up her hands. “First of all, let's clarify one thing. The Honey Badgers didn't cheat. It was a misunderstanding because their coach wasn't aware of the uniform code. He's been punished and fired as coach, but it's not fair for the team to be punished too, because they have no control over what their coach did. I mean how would you guys like it if I messed up and you guys got blamed for it?"
"You wouldn't do that Ms. Mia," one quiet voice parrots out, and she smiles fondly at the boy.
"No, I wouldn't. But if I did, I wouldn't want you guys to lose out on playing hockey because of me. And I don't want the same for the Honey Badgers, either."
A grumbling echoes over Mia's team's side but it was a distinct improvement over the earlier yelling.
"Alright, guys. I'm not saying you all have to get along immediately. But this is actually a good opportunity for both of you. For the Mountain Goats, we get another chance at the championship. And the Honey Badgers get to keep playing hockey."
“You mean cheating at hockey," Brandon says again, and another line of grumbling.
"We never cheated," Harry says from the Badger's side. "We won fair and square, right coach?" He turns to me.
“I’m not your coach anymore Harry,” I call out and his face falls. The kids were upset when I told them I couldn't be their coach anymore. I felt a tinge of sadness too, but there's nothing to be done about it.
"Enough with the talk about cheating," Mia says again, in a commanding tone. "I've already explained it. This is how it's going to be."
Bossy,I think. But her bossiness is surprisingly sexy.
"But there's too many people on the team Ms. Mia," the quiet boy says again.
A rumble goes out through the group again, but James cuts it short with a "Quiet guys."
Mia shoots him a grateful look, one that has my stomach tightening once again, and turns back to the children. She then proceeds to explain to them how the teams will be split, adding that each game will alternate between teams. The kids don't look convinced, but at the same time, the vast majority appear bored with this conversation. Most are just eager to get back to the game they love.
I whistle at Mia and when she looks at me, I mouth to her.Get it going. Just let them play everything else will work itself out, in time.
She nods, instantly catching my meaning and says, “Ok guys. Let’s start with arranging the teams!”
As she calls out the names of each sub-team and sets them to play against each other, I restrain myself from making commentary. Instead, I turn my gaze to Mia and James. They talk every once in a while, interacting naturally, like they've been doing it for years. I wonder about their relationship. Is it just friendship or is there more to their affection?
Fuck.Jealousy tightens my gut. I shouldn’t feel like this. I don’t have any rights over Mia but neither does that asshole. At least I’m going to have her, though. Tonight.
And I can’t lie that I’m looking forward to it, possibly more than I should be.
I asked her to accompany me to the gala on impulse, not thinking she would say yes. But now that she did, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
It’s not a date,I tell myself.She’s just going as your companion, to help you out.
But it feels too much like a date. And I'm far too excited about it. That's the problem.
After the hour-long training, we head home with Mikey and Chase in the backseat.
