“Are you sure this is helpful? Can we work on my presentation or something?”
“No. You’re not getting out of this.”
“You’re making me rethink this whole being together thing. I forgot how… bossy you could be.”
“You didn’t forget a damn thing. You’re just stubborn as hell, and if you need help, I’ll make the list for you.” I yanked the pen out of her hands and wrote in all caps CHARLOTTE BEATS CHAD LIST.
SMART AS HELL
COMPETITIVE TO THE POINT IT’S SEXY
BEST PLAYLIST MAKER
THE BEST TEAMMATE ANYONE COULD ASK FOR
“Hayden,” she said, interrupting me. “You think I’m smart?”
“Of course I do.” I scoffed. “You’re strategic and forward-thinking about everything. I remember how you’d set a calendar reminder for Christian and me to help us remember our parents’ birthdays and anniversaries, along with their favorite places to eat. People don’t do that, Charlotte. It’s detailed. Important. You inspired me to keep a list about those I care about so I never have to ask them what they want for a gift.”
“Really?” She leaned onto the table, her eyes dancing with glee. “I inspired you?”
“Fuck, why do you look so surprised? You’re extraordinary.” I laughed and ran a hand over my face. “You told me once you carried an EpiPen everywhere with you because one of your teammates was extremely allergic to bees and she was forgetful. You make playlists for people as your love language. I still listen to—”
“Rainy Daze and Weird Vibes?” she answered, her voice soft. “The one I made for you seven years ago, back when Nina broke up with you?”
“Yes. That one. You knew all my favorite artists and helped pull me out of that slump.” I wished I could dive into her mind to unpack why she didn’t realize she had everything going for her. “You’re fucking incredible. Own it and stop this insecure shit.”
“Wow, Coach Porter. Do you motivate all your players this way?”
“By telling them the truth? Always.”
“With this much profanity?”
“Finish the activity.”
Charlotte grinned, her nose scrunching, and it was adorable. Despite being direct and a little forceful with my words, it worked. She filled out the rest of the paper with her very neat handwriting, and pride filled me.
I loved this part of being a coach. Helping others find their value and be proud of who they were fulfilled me in a deep way. Becoming a father had also formed a huge need to build confidence. I wanted Gwen to think, believe, and know she could do anything.
“I’m not one to talk about myself, but this feels… good.” She clicked her tongue. “I’m not sharing my list until you do one too though. It seems only fair.”
My gut twisted. My evil elf was turning my words against me. “I’m not interviewing for a job though. I know what I can do.”
“You know why you’re awesome? Tell me then, Coach.”
“This is about you, Charlotte.” I covered her hand with mine, gliding my thumb over her wrist. “You go in and make it the hardest, most contentious decision that interview panel has ever made. You make them sweat choosing Chad, because I tell you what, they will notice you.”
“What if I do all that and it still doesn’t happen?”
“Then you keep doing the work that matters to you, and another opportunity will open up. When you give your heart and soul to something, it rewards you. It’ll give back to you, Char. You’re meant to coach and shape the minds of student athletes. I know that as much as I know Gwen will change the world. Let me believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself.”
She sniffled and sat back against the booth, her gaze moving toward the window. Moisture filled her eyes, and my chest felt like someone jabbed me.You made her cry, idiot.
“Char—”
“I kinda want to throw myself at you and kiss your face for saying all that.”
“Then do it.”
