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“Tell me right now why I shouldn’t ship you back to North Carolina?”
How the hell do I answer that? The facts are stacked against me. Heshouldship my ass away. I’m nothing but a fuck up, and from the looks of it, that’s never going to change.
“I just wanted to get to know my teammate better. I wasn’t thinking about the consequences, nor did I anticipate a fight. I didn’t initiate it.”
“So you never threw the first punch? I believe the police report says otherwise.”
I bite my tongue to keep from cursing. Sure, it looks bad on paper, but I didn’t instigate the fight.
“It was my idea to go to the bar. It was a slip in judgment on my part.” Jason’s confession surprises me. He doesn’t have to say anything. This is his chance to get rid of me and slide into my position. A funny feeling settles in my chest. I peer at him, and he gives a slight nod as if to suggest he has my back. No, that’s bullshit. I shut that line of thinking down. No one ever has my back except my ex-roommates at Cessna U.
“It was your idea?” Skepticism drips in every syllable. Of course Coach wouldn’t believe him.
“Yes, sir. And I ordered the drinks.”
“You’re not lying to cover up for your teammate are you?”
“No, sir. That’s the truth. Like I said. It was a bad judgment call on my part.”
Coach scrubs a hand over his tired face. His weary eyes turn to me. “I didn’t have high expectations for you, but you”—he points to Jason—“I didn’t expect to disappoint me.”
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, but do I have to keep proving everyone right all the time? I straighten my shoulders and try not to look like his words affect me. On the other hand, Jason looks as if he’s about to toss the barbecue pork up. He’s a little green around the gills.
Coach lets out a disgruntled sigh. My stomach knots. I’ve done it this time. He’s going to ship me home. I barely breathe, waiting for him to continue.
“I can’t send both of you packing, and it wouldn’t be fair to just send one.” Coach points a shaky finger at me, while his words make me want to drop to the ground and kiss it like a seasick tourist coming off a four-hour fishing expedition in the choppy Atlantic. “I won’t forget that you threw the first punch, and you’re lucky the charges are dropped. Don’t think you’re getting off scot-free. You’ll have to pay for the bar’s damages.”
I wince. I have no idea where that money will come from. I’m flat broke, but I stand there and nod like it’s no problem. Coach has me by the balls, and he knows it.
“There is never a valid reason to settle arguments with a fist.”
“The other guys were talking smack about your—”
“Team,” I interrupt Jason before he mentions Cassie’s name. There isn’t any reason for her name to be dragged into this. She would be mortified if what they said got back to her. She deserves way better than to be made into a sick joke. That shit ends with Jason and me. If I have to sacrifice myself, then so be it. She’s worth it.
“I have to pull you from the game.” Coach stares me in the eyes.
“But the scouts—”
“Things you should’ve thought about before disturbing the public.” He shakes his head as if disgusted. “Come dressed, but you’ll be warming the bench indefinitely.”
Jason’s eyes bulge as if he’s pleading for me to speak. I’m surprised he cares. This is a good opportunity for him. He’s getting what he wants. I shake my head. I’ll tell him to keep the part about Cassie quiet. In the meantime, I’ll put my nose to the grindstone and be the All-American Rule Follower poster boy.
Chapter Nineteen
CASSIE
I grabfor my cross pendant only to come up empty as the waiter takes away my empty plate. One would think I’d be used to the fact my necklace no longer resides on my chest. But it’s a habit I picked up whenever nerves took hold. I watch the waiter take away Bobby’s plate, and I know my time is up. I must end things with him tonight. He can’t keep thinking we’re an item.
“You’re quiet tonight. I think I know why.”
My gaze meets his. “You do?”
“Yeah, you’re still upset with me for not helping with the fundraiser. I’m sorry you’re upset.”
But not sorry about not helping. Got it.This right here is why I can’t be with him.
“That’s not the reason. I already told you Dalton stepped up and helped. We delivered the furniture. I accomplished what I needed.”
