“You’re wrong. I can have whatever I want.”
“You’re too cocky for your own good.”
“That’s your opinion. Your control ends when I walk out of this facility. So, suspend me for the rest of the season because it’s all you can do. But know that when the Angels are labeled as losers, after how hard we’ve all worked this season, that’s on you. I’m willing to play, but you’re too busy being in your fee-fees.” I hold his gaze, using the words he’s used on us a million times during games when we lost control. “So, with that, I say, do your worst.”
He shakes his head. “Get out of my office.”
“Gladly.”
I turn and walk to the door, then stop with my hand on the handle. “I’ve had a crush on Kendall from the moment we met. I’ve watched her date other men, get engaged to my twin brother, and even move to another country. Now that she’s back,I’m not passing up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be with her. There is nothing you can do to me or say that will make me change my mind. She’ll have to end it.” I look back at him. “So, with all the disrespect in the world, Coach, gofuckyourself.”
I leave, slamming the door behind me before he can respond.
Callan walks toward me with concern written all over his face. “Patterson, what was that?”
“Coach is suspending me for the rest of the season,” I tell him, still moving down the hallway toward the exit.
Callan grabs my arm and stops me. “What? Why?”
I don’t answer.
“Patterson.” His voice is low. “Talk to me. We need you tomorrow night.”
“It’s because of Kendall.”
He stares at me, processing.
“He caught us fooling around. In the conference room.”
He lets go of my arm and takes a step back, and the look on his face is something I wasn’t prepared for. Disappointment.
“You didn’t think about the team at all,” he says. “We’re fighting for a playoff spot, and you’re one of the best players we have. Fuck, Cross. You’re a selfish prick.”
I let out a long breath, knowing this is the consequence of my actions. “I’m sorry.”
“Are you?” He shakes his head. “We needed you, Patterson. We still need you. But apparently, your dick is in control here. Use your brain.”
The words hit harder than anything Coach said. Because Callan isn’t wrong. I’ve been so focused on Kendall, on hiding, on protecting what we had, that I forgot about everyone else who was counting on me.
“The guys are going to have questions when you don’t show up to the game tomorrow.”
“I know.”
His voice softens slightly. “I’ve seen the way you look at her. I’m not blind. But, Patterson, this could cost you everything.”
I don’t have a defense. He’s right.
“Exactly,” I tell him. “Somehow, I don’t give a shit. What we have is what people search their entire lives to find.”
Callan holds my gaze for a long moment.
“I’ll make it right,” I tell him. “I promise.”
“How?” he asks as I continue walking.
“I don’t know yet. I’ll think of something.”
When I turn around to look back at him, he’s shaking his head. “Hope she’s worth it.”
