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Again, huh? Did he really drag me here to talk about work and not us? We’re not going to finally clear the air? My deer in the headlights stare must give away my confusion because he clenches his jaw and his nostrils flare.Oops.
“Are you even listening to me? Luce, I need my players to be game ready. I’m not blaming you. I just want to know what’s going on. Is that too much to ask?”
Fuck! That snaps me out of my daze.
“No, it’s not too much to ask at all. And Archer is definitely not game ready, no matter what he says. In fact, my report to the offensive coordinatorclearlystates that he should be on a lighter training schedule for at least another week and—”
“For fuck’s sake. Does anyone take shit seriously around here? Am I expecting too much? Yes, my college days were a while ago, but I definitely feel like we had a lot more structure and processes that had to be followed. Fuck!”
He runs his hand through his hair and down to his neck, and I follow the movement because it’s easier than looking into his eyes. Eyes that I know are begging me for answers. About this, about us.
“I haven’t been here long enough to really make an assessment, but I agree that things are slipping through the cracks because of the staff turnover.”
Wes nods, seemingly agreeing with me, so I continue, “I know you only see yourself as an interim coach, but you could really make a difference. Despite pretending otherwise, it’s obvious you care. And the guys need that.”
I peer up at his reaction and find him staring back at me with a look that’s difficult to decipher. It’s sort of a cross between appreciation and disgust, if you can show those at the same time. Wes sure can.
“And if I don’t want the role?” he asks, but it’s not in the bitter tone I would have expected.
“No one is forcing you. I just happen to think you’d be great at it. Or any role you took on in life.” I shrug because I’m not really sure what I’m saying.
Wes sinks into his chair and drops his face into his hands. He’s quiet for a moment until he looks up at me with a look of pure anguish. “Thank you, Luce. I appreciate the update on Archer. I’ve got it from here.”
In other words, you’re dismissed.
Pulling open the door, I’m out of the room in record time, without another word. I don’t want to say any more in case it’s something I regret. But when I’m a few steps down the hall, I hear Wes curse out loud and stop, suddenly pissed off. Why did I walk away? Wes is the one guy I’ve felt like myself around. The only guy that’s ever let me speak my mind and been proud of it. It’s time he got a bit of that now. Turning quickly, I stalk back toward his office, ready to give him a little dose of no-bullshit Lucy.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Wes
God,she’ssoinfuriating.Why can’t she just tell me I have a kid without me having to ask her? Without me having to make up stupid excuses to see her, hoping she’ll spill. “Fuck this.”
My chair rolls back, crashing into the wall, as I push it away to stand and rush to the door. “Lucy, stop!” I call out, pulling the door open right as Lucy barges in, yelling “I’ve had enough!” and crashing straight into me.
I try to stop myself from propelling forward, but I’m too late, and we both almost fall from the impact. My hands grip her shoulder and the doorframe to steady us before I take a step back. An unwarranted scowl is on my face.
“What, Wes? What do you want? I don’t care about your work issues right now. I—”
“I don’t give a shit about that either. I want you to finally tell me about Katie.”
Confusion flashes over Lucy’s features before it’s replaced by anger. “I have a daughter, Wes. Is it really so hard for you to wrap your head around that?”
“No, that part is crystal clear. It’s the rest that’s messing with me.”
“Therest? You’re going to have to spell it out for me because I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Is she mine?” I demand, my hands flexed at my sides.
“What?”
“Is. Katie. Mine?”
“What?” she repeats.
Is she kidding me? Pinching the bridge of my nose, my face scrunches as I speak through gritted teeth. “For fuck’s sake, Lucy.”
“Is that a joke?” she says with her head tilted to the side, a look of bewilderment crossing her features.
