Ironic I can’t follow my own advice.
I hadn’t thought of Hank or his game once since going to the hospital—I had no idea who’d won, and I didn’t care. I’d follow up with Blair later or check out highlights once things settled down. My guys mattered more.
“I’m going to put all the drinks in the cooler. You set the food out and try and find as many pillows as you can in the closet by the door.” I pointed down the hall.
Dean did as I asked as I unloaded all the water bottles. As I made a trip to the garage, I glanced over at the sorority house, imagining what Becca was up to. It had been over a day since we’d returned from my sister’s, and we hadn’t spoken since. I missed her.
I missed her smile and her warmth, the way she listened with her whole body and offered advice. She’d know what to do for the team right now, and my heart thudded faster at the possibility she didn’t feel anything for me.
“Coach, you good?” Dean tilted his head as he eyed me. “You have an odd expression on your face.”
“Just thinking about my holiday.”
“I’ll never forget this one, as long as I live.” He rubbed his palms over his eyes and sighed.
“Hey, we have to believe he’ll be okay.” I waved at the three cars parking on the street near my house.More guys.“He’s a stubborn son of a bitch. Remember when he refused to let you have a better record in the gym? Or when he twisted his wrist but didn’t tell anyone because he wanted to practice? He might be a party animal, but he’s tough.”
“He is.” Dean nodded, his shoulders relaxing a little bit. “I’ll think of those memories.”
“You do that.”
Everyone parked, food was set out, and fifteen guys sat in my house. It was a tight fit, but it felt right. I took it in, watching as two players I’d never seen interact before joked around. I smiled. This was a proud moment.
“Hey!” Dean stood up, and the room fell silent. “Dexter’s mom just texted me.”
My pulse raced in my ears. We all leaned forward.
“He’s showing signs of brain activity, and they’re thinking about waking him up tomorrow. All of his tests came back good so far.”
Cheers and sighs of relief echoed through the room. I sat at the kitchen table, thankful that his progress continued in the right direction. Dexter had a long road ahead of him, but I’d take baby steps.Thank God.
The thought of Dexter… no. I wouldn’t think about alternatives. He’d be okay.
It was then I noticed the letter on the table.
HARRISON.
My name was scribbled in purple sparkly pen.Becca.A smile formed on my lips as I opened it. Knowing her, it could be anything. A poem, a song, a picture she’d drawn. A dumb quote about yonic things. Hell, she was full of surprises. I flipped the paper open, desperate to read it. To get a piece of her.
Harrison,
I realized I don’t have your number, otherwise I would’ve texted you. It seems silly I don’t have your number after everything we went through, but here we are. I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this week. From helping with the window to being my blizzard buddy, I will remember this holiday with great fondness.
We didn’t exactly part on good terms, and that’s okay with me; I know you had an important game to watch, and we eventually had to go back to our normal lives. Please don’t feel bad about wanting to avoid “the talk.” I’m okay. We can smile at each other if we cross paths on campus, and I am not holding any resentment toward you. We never made any commitments or false promises. If you were worried about how to tell me it was over, please don’t.
This week was one of the best of my life, even though we could’ve died in the cold. So thank you.
Becca
PS The window guy is coming tomorrow. Yay!
What the actual fuck?
Was she… breaking up with me? I read the letter again and determined that, yup, this was how Becca broke up with people. In adorably awkward letters. If I wasn’t so upset and confused, I would’ve framed this. It was so heartfelt, so her.
“Coach, you okay?” One of the younger players arched his brows until they disappeared into his hairline.
“Why?”
