A figure runs across the field as I get to the bench where Harper’s waiting. She has a net bag of balls at her feet. One of the physical trainers that’s not Declan is beside her, discussing an injury one of our athletes acquired over the summer.
I wait for the straggler to find his place among the rest of the team while I poke through my tablet to find the roster that Harper sent me last week. Yes, I’m shitty and didn’t even look at it. I appreciate trusting my assistant coach enough to know that she has everything under control. One of these days, I’m going to make it clear to her that I have her in mind for my successor.
Ah, there it is. I haven’t even saved it from my email. Lazy fuck. That’s what I am.
No, I’ve been preoccupied. A smile touches my lips as I turn to face my team. “Welcome to another year as a unicorn,” I greet them. “For those who don’t know me, I’m Coach Alka Lennon, and this is Assistant Coach Harper Ciampi. First, we’re going to go through this roster to make sure everyone is here while I get to know these new names and faces. Simply say present and give me a wave if I don’t see you right away. Jeff Doherty.”
“Present, Coach.”
I give him a smile. He’s a returning player. I don’t recognize the next name. “Greer Ikaika. Did I say it correctly?”
“You did,” Greer says from my right. He gives me a wave. “Present, Coach.”
The next four names are returning students, then my breath leaves my body entirely as I stare at the next one. Chills break out over my body. The world around me darkens, so the only thing that’s clear is one single name.
Roux Kipler
Sounds fade away, and the only thing I hear for a minute is the bloodwhooshingin my ears. I look up, searching the faces in the crowd for a familiar one. I find him. He’s watching me frombetween two of my best players with very concerned, very anxious eyes. He swallows.
“Roux Kipler,” I say, my voice much lower than it should be.
“Present, Coach,” he says, just as quietly.
“Kipler?” someone asks. “Like Elixon Kipler?”
Roux nods. “He’s my older brother.”
“That’s fucking awesome, man.”
He nods again. “It is and he is.” His eyes don’t leave mine.
He’s here. He’s fucking here. Standing right in front of me. On my… team. Aw, fuck!
Seconds pass as I stare at him. The rest of the team begins to fidget as they look between us, but I can’t look away. I’m caught between needing to take him in my arms and kiss the hell out of him and giving in to this panic because this isnothow he’s supposed to be here. On my team!
“Alka,” Harper says, and I jolt. She takes my tablet from me, gently coaxing it out of my hands. “Get a drink.”
Nodding, I stiffly turn away and drop onto the bench, picking up my water bottle and taking a long drink from it. I watch from where I’m sitting, my eyes never leaving Roux. I’m sure I look like I’ve lost my mind.
The team moves, bringing their bottles of water to the bench before running onto the field. Roux stops next to me, his eyes locked on mine as he bends to set his water by my feet. “Ruby,” I whisper.
He smiles. “I’m sorry,” he whispers back. “I tried to tell you, but…” He shakes his head.
“Go. We’ll talk after.”
He nods and gets to his feet. I watch as he runs onto the field. I sit right here on this bench for the entirety of the practice, watching my boyfriend.
What the fuck am I going to do about this?
CHAPTER 21
ROUX
Touch in the box,” Coach Harper calls.
There are already four cones set out with the two furthest on the penalty line and the next two five feet toward the goal. The team randomly splits into two at either side of the field. I linger with my teammates as one of the guys gets into the box to take his turn.
It’s difficult to concentrate on soccer when Alka isright there. I swear I can feel him watching me. I shift my weight on my feet, desperately trying not to look over my shoulder, but my skin prickles as if there’s a ghost breathing down my neck. I can feel their ethereal breath on my neck.
