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We both sit in the chairs across from him.
He runs his hand down his face. “This is ridiculous, you both know that, right? We’re in what could be our third season going to the championship and you jackasses pull this stunt. Do I have to remind you who we play next week?”
“No, sir,” we say in unison.
“The second-ranked team in the conference. And I wish it was up to me what happens with you two, but of course, the commissioner called me this morning.”
I didn’t think about all this before I went after Bradley.
“You’re both suspended for one game,” he says.
“I didn’t even throw a punch,” Bradley says, leaning forward.
“You know you’re part of this, and you each have ten grand in fines.” Coach Stone massages his temples. “I need to retire.” He sighs. “From now on, please tell Ellery I am forbidding her to date anyone on the Grizzlies.”
Bradley laughs. “You mean except for Cooper, right?”
“Yes, that was implied.”
I shake my head. “Are we free to go now?”
“Bradley is, but you’re staying.” He turns to Bradley. “I’ll be in touch if I hear anything more. Put some makeup on that thing or something.”
“Okay, Coach.” He rolls his eyes and leaves the room.
It’s dead silent while I wait for Coach to start in on me.
He takes his time before he speaks. “I’m no psychologist, but you can’t go apeshit every time someone hurts Ellery.”
“I would’ve done it for Bryce, but now she’s got Miles.” I don’t uncross my arms.
“With all of your ego and testosterone, I’m surprised you’ve made it this far. Just keep this shit out of the locker room. This is what I meant at the start of the season. Distractions aren’t going to get you where you want to be at the end of the season. Do you want that third ring in consecutive years?”
“Hell yeah.”
“Then stop this bullshit. If you want to date her, date her, but if not, then I’m sorry, but you don’t get to be her bodyguard. She can handle herself.”
I don’t say anything because I don’t agree.
“Whatever.” He waves me off. “But you better use your free time to get Vetter up to speed for next week. We might not have you and Bradley, but we still need to win.”
I nod. “I’ll apologize to the team for putting them at a disadvantage this week, but not for the reason I did it.”
He nods. “How’s the hand? The knuckles.” I hold up my hand, and he winces. “Damn, can you even throw?”
“It’s just swollen. It’ll go down.”
He shakes his head. I hate that I’ve disappointed him. It feels like a physical weight on my shoulders.
“Make sure you see medical and see what they can do to speed up that recovery.” He points at the door. “Now get out of my sight. I have to go buy my wife flowers and hope she forgives me for running out on her brunch this morning.”
“Sorry,” I say, cringing.
“Yeah, you fucked with my life, you should be.” The tip-up of his lips says he forgives me though.
I walk out of the Grizzlies head office and get into my Land Rover. My thumb goes to call Ellery, but I change screens before pressing the button on my satellite radio.
Isn’t this the exact type of thing we were trying to stay away from? Never in all these years have we fought like we did this morning. I saw it in her eyes—it’s going to be a long time before she forgives me.
