“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“It has nothing to do with confidence. He’s already turning out to be a hard ass, and he was extremely clear that his daughter wasn’t an option.”
“We tried to break things off and wound up in each other’s orbit again. We’re going to see what there is to see.”
He shakes his head. “You really do like playing with fire, man.”
“Maybe. Anyway, what did Coach want to talk to you about?”
He drums his fingers on the steering wheel. “He told me he wants me to be the team captain.”
“That’s great!” I say sincerely, then pause when he doesn’t react. “Isn’t it?”
“I don’t know,” he admits. “He said some things I didn’t like.”
“Such as?”
“He wants me to keep an eye on my teammates and let him know what they’re up to. Basically, he wants me to be a rat, keep him informed who’s sleeping around, who’s drinking too much, shit like that. A spy wearing the C on his jersey.”
“Jesus.” I let out a low whistle. “That’s not cool at all. Jayne mentioned him blackmailing some of his players at his old job.”
“Fuck that and fuck him,” he grumbles.
“How did you respond?”
“Told him I’d think about it.”
“My relationship with Jayne is going to fall under the category of things you should have told him.”
“I would never tell him something like that, but we’re roommates. When and if he finds out, he’s also going to figureout that I knew and didn’t tell him. I mean, don’t get me wrong—I’m not afraid of him. If he thinks he’s going to bench me or punish me somehow, good luck with that. I literally could go back to the Vipers today if I called them. I had seven teams trying to sign me so I’m not worried about my future. But I don’t want to get caught up in drama—this is my career, you know, and people talk.”
“Yeah, I get it. I’m sorry if my decisions could potentially blow back on you. If you prefer, I can keep her away from the house. That way, you have plausible deniability.”
He’s quiet for a minute but then shakes his head. “Nah. That’s bullshit. It’s your home too. Just do me a favor and give me a head’s up if things start to go sideways.”
“It sounds like you’ve already decided to say yes.”
“I don’t know how else to protect everyone,” he admits. “If Coach is looking for dirt, or ways to fuck with us, and I say no, we have no way of knowing what whomever he chooses is up to.”
“How is this a thing?” I demand. “I mean, what’s up with this guy? I’ve only ever played on two other teams as an adult. The Rebels and then the Phantoms but this can’t be normal, can it?”
West hesitates. “It’s not. I’ve played on quite a few high-level teams, both in the Juniors and in the pros, and I’ve never seen a coach like this. I’m hoping he’s just trying to establish some sort of dominance, so we know he’s not a pushover. Maybe once the season starts and he gets to know us, he’ll loosen up.”
I hope so too because this entire situation could make my life miserable.
Chapter
Eighteen
Jayne
For some reason, I’m nervous before our next date. Nervous probably isn’t the right word. I’m excited and restless, eager for five-thirty to come and for Bodi to pick me up. We close at five but I usually stick around a little while to help Kelly close up. Today she shooed me into the ladies’ room the moment the clock struck five so I can change and get ready.
I didn’t want to wear the same boring skirt and blouse I wore to work today, not like our first date, so I change into a pair of beige capris that hug my curves and a fitted off-the-shoulder pink top with ruffles. I have matching low-heeled pink sandals to round out the look, and for the first time in a while, I put in a pair of contacts.
I don’t wear them often because they make my eyes itch if I’m wearing makeup, but I’m going to try tonight. I’ll have my glasses in my purse so if I have to pop them out—they’re disposable anyway—I can.
I just want him to see me looking a little dressed up since I so rarely do it.
