“Do you want me to stop?” He seems genuine in his question, but somehow that makes me all the more agitated.
“No. It’s fine. I just want to know what happened with you and mom.”
“It didn’t work out. End of story.”
I groan and stand. “Forget it.”
The only bright spot is I have my date with Lacey to look forward to. I can’t remember the last time I went on an actual date, and I don’t want to screw it up.
“Vaughn,” Dad calls after me.
I stop and look back at him. He hesitates as if considering his words.
“I received a couple more videos of Pacific from earlier in the season. Including their game against Springfield.”
I stare back at him. I shouldn’t be surprised he’s pulled us back to soccer. I guess that’s the only safe topic in this house.
“It might give us some more insights on their defense and how they’re going to cover you. They shut down Rex pretty well,” he adds.
Thomas Rex is Springfield’s best player. Possibly the best in the state. I haven’t played against him since freshman year, but there is a good chance we’ll face off at the State Championships.
I stop at the sink to rinse off my plate. “I have plans tonight.”
He cuts me with a hard look that tells me he disapproves. He probably thinks we’re going out to party.
“It’s not a big deal. Some of us are going to the movies,” I assure him.
“Semifinals are in two days.”
“I know.” Guilt tries to seep in, but I fight it. I have worked my ass off all season.
“Listen to me. I have been in your shoes. This is not the time to lose focus.”
I want to roll my eyes but know it won’t get me out of this conversation any faster.
He stands and comes to the other side of the counter.
“You don’t get an unlimited number of chances. Some players never make it this far.” He shakes his head. “You take it for granted because we’ve had a few good years, butthings can change in an instant. You don’t want to look back and wonder if you could have done more.”
I know what he’s saying is true, but we’re a great team. Maybe the best one I’ve ever been a part of. Including the past two years when we won the State title. And we’ve worked hard. Sitting at home tonight isn’t going to make me any more prepared. I’m ready. I’ve put in the work.
“I’ll be home early,” I promise him.
Chapter Twenty-nine
Lacey
“I think we should go in,” Claire says, giving me a somber look.
I don’t have to glance around to know everyone else is looking at me with the same expression.
“Yeah, of course,” I pipe back, far cheerier than I feel.
I follow my friends into the movie theater. Claire and Austin, Austin’s sister, Rowan, and Torrance. Her friend bailed. And it looks like my date did too.
“It’s not like him to flake.” Rowan’s brows pinch together. “Do you want me to text him?”
He already has his phone out, but I shake my head quickly.
