And the first place I find that’s a little secluded, I pull over.
Climb into the back seat with my dog.
Hug her as tight as I can without hurting her.
And force myself to not grab my phone and message Goldie.
She’d get it. She’d listen. She’d understand.
And she’s fucking leaving too.
32
From the Instagram direct messages of Goldie and Fletcher
CoachGoldie: Did you tell my brother I can’t pack myself and order him to get half the Pounders to come finish putting my boxes in storage?
RugbyFletch: Good afternoon, Coach Goldie. How’s the rest of your smushed cookie today?
CoachGoldie: Dodging the question as always, I see.
RugbyFletch: I dropped into your friend’s DMs and told her you were sad she didn’t come to your game today. Friends should be there for friends. You’re welcome.
CoachGoldie: And more dodging the topic. She couldn’t make it because she was on a date with your dad, btw.
RugbyFletch: *GIF of a crown spinning and sparkling* Fuck. I think you dropped this.
CoachGoldie: Thank you. Also, it was lovely to see you and Silas bonding today.
RugbyFletch: *side-eye emoji*
CoachGoldie: I got a text from Campbell’s mom. Whatever the twoof you said to his dad made an impression. He apparently apologized profusely, told Campbell he played very well even before the goal, and took Campbell out to lunch at his favorite macaroni and cheese place.
RugbyFletch: It was all Sweet Pea.
CoachGoldie: Make sure Sweet Pea knows she made a major difference in a little boy’s life today. I hope she understands what a massive gift that was to him and how it’ll likely impact father and son for the rest of their lives.
RugbyFletch: Has anyone ever told you you’re an asshole?
CoachGoldie: Apologies to Sweet Pea if I made her cry.
RugbyFletch: She accepts your apology.
CoachGoldie: You okay?
RugbyFletch: On top of the whole goddamn world.
CoachGoldie: This world, or an imaginary world where you don’t think about how you wish someone had stepped in and done for you and your father what you did for another kid and his dad today?
RugbyFletch: You know what’s most annoying about you?
CoachGoldie: My irresistible charm and innate attractiveness?
RugbyFletch: No, I like that part.
CoachGoldie: *suspicious emoji*
RugbyFletch: You say the same things my ex tried to say, but you say them better.
