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“I’m sorry, that sucks.” And hearing this makes me want to find this Nial tool. I’m angry for her. I know what it feels like to be the villain all because someone else creates that version of you for others. I hate that she’s experiencing it, too.
“Yeah, well, it is what it is, right?”
“I have my fair share of trouble with people in this town not liking me either. I’m dealing with that myself.” I nod.
“Any advice?” she asks wearily.
“Yeah, ignore the bullshit, and don’t run from it.” I chuckle.
“Is that what you did?”
“I was gone for twelve years, but I’m back for good now.” I sigh and run my fingers through my hair. “I’m trying to coach. But some people don’t want to see that happen. I’m not letting this town mess with my life anymore, and you shouldn’t either.”
“You’re right,” she agrees.
“One word of advice?” I offer.
“What’s that?”
“Make friends with Beth, Allie, Mellie, and Paige. They are good people who will help look out for you around town. I’ve watched them do a lot for this community, and you can trust them.”
“Beth has been trying to get me to hang out. I’ve just been avoiding everyone. Her friend Paige was one of the people my ex stole money from.” She bites her lip and looks away. “I feel like she probably blames me, too.”
I shake my head. “Come to the fall festival. I’ll be there with Callie. We’ll make sure everyone knows you’re cool and you didn’t have anything to do with what your ex did. I think Callie would appreciate seeing you there, too.”
“Okay, I can bring Harley and Mr. Pickles.” She looks hopeful.
“Yes, that would be great. Thanks for all that you’re doing to help us. I’ll be in touch about the volunteering. I need to check with a few people,” I add.
“Thanks, SJ.” She waves as we head out.
I drive to the stadium and think about how small towns can really screw people over, and seeing it happen to another person who doesn’t deserve it makes me even more determined not to let anyone else get hurt. It’s time for change in Freedom Valley, which will make some people very uncomfortable. That’s not my problem, and I don’t give a shit at this point. I’m tired of people like Dr. Dick and Hamilton thinking they can just screw people over and use people for their own manipulation and gain. Hamilton had his own board to make decisions that hurt others. I’m going to put together my own board to fight them. It’s time to take our town back.
twenty-four
Callie
Then
“I’ll tell you what,SJ Reid, Freedom Valley’s star starting player, has more heart than any kid I’ve ever seen on the field. That kid has rose up and played his heart out for Freedom Valley for the past few years. It’ll be exciting to see where he goes after this…” the announcer calls over the radio of the local game during an interview. “So much potential,” another commentator adds.
Sam strums his guitar in the corner of the shop. I’m waiting for SJ to finish getting ready so we can head out.
“Sam, can I ask you something?” I ask quietly.
He stops strumming and looks up at me. “What’s that?”
“Why aren’t you mad at my dad for what he did?” I ask softly.
He takes a deep breath and says, “Because like I told SJ, your dad doesn’t matter. The thing is, people are going to do what they’re going to do. And you can’t control other people. You can just build a life you’re happy with and focus on the people who do matter. And not on the people who don’t. You matter to me. I keep the peace with your dad for you.”
“Thank you for saying that I matter,” I say softly.
“He starts to strum a little more. “Of course you matter.”
I hear SJ coming down the stairs and I look up to him and tease, “When are you going to learn to play guitar like your dad?”
SJ rolls his eyes but smiles, shaking his head. “When the old man learns how to play football.”
