There’s a pause before Coach speaks, “What do you mean? He never came for his session?”
“Unfortunately not,” I start. “There’s a lot of issues. He refuses to respect my practice, he shows up late or not at all, he won’t listen to my cues. It’s just not working out. I think you should find someone else that can connect with him better.”
“No, Scarlett, please. We need you. He needs you. He’s taken a huge hit mentally since the injury. Let me figure something out. I’ll raise your pay. Just give me a chance to fix this.” He pleads.
I’m unsure. “Coach… I don’t know. Are you sure that I’m really what he needs?”
“I’m positive. Come into the office at nine tomorrow morning. I’ll have a solution. And please, call me Warren.”
“I’ll be there, Warren.”
…
I arrive a good fifteen minutes early, gradually gaining curiosity of what Warren’s idea is. I really don’t see how this is going to work. Like, at all.
I walk through the facility, keeping my pace brisk to get to his office and get this conversation out of the way.
Upon arriving at the office door, I see none other than Levi sitting outside. Stopping in front of the door, I knock, hearing a faint, “Come in.”
As I enter, the office looks just as chaotic as the first time I was here. The wooden desk, covered with paperwork, trophies lining the shelves from the years of success this team has had.
Warren’s sitting back in his chair as I enter, running a hand through his wavy brown hair as he scours his laptop. He’s young for a coach, probably mid to late thirties. Though, as it stands now, he looks like he’s aged a few years – probably due to thestress of none other than Levi Carter. He glances up, meeting my eyes he stands to greet me with a handshake, “Scarlett, thank you so much for coming in.”
“It’s no problem at all,” I reply, taking a seat across from him.
Warren leans forward, onto the desk interlacing his fingers.
“Firstly,” He trails off, thinking over his words before continuing, “I’m really sorry about Levi. I know he’s really struggling with his injury and he’s taking it out on you during your sessions.”
I offer a small smile, shrugging softly as he continues, “And we feel that we’ve come up with a solution.”
Nodding, I urge him to continue. To see what plan he thinks will really work to get Carter on board.
“I think we need to…” He waves his hands, searching for the words, “Let’s say, get Levi out of his comfort zone.”
My brows draw together, confused. “What exactly does that mean?”
“Levi is too comfortable here. He feels as though he has more options regarding his recovery here. But to be honest with you Scarlett, Sloane and I think that this is what’s best for him. We’re not ready for him to give up on it yet. He needs this as much mentally as he does physically.”
I nod, taking a second to process what Warren is saying. “So, what did you have in mind?”
Warren turns his laptop around to face me, a holiday rental open in front of me and my eyes snap back up to his.
“You…” I trail off, at a loss for words. “What?”
“I know,” He starts, “I know that this is probably confusing and out of nowhere. But I've spoken to your superior, Grace, and you’re cleared to take this on if you’re comfortable doing so. And we’ll also raise your pay for the time you’re out there.”
Warren looks hopeful as I contemplate my options.
“Where is the house?”
“Lake Chelan. It’s a beautiful area, and the house is gorgeous. Definitely large enough that you and Levi won’t need to spend any more time together than you need to.”
I consider my options. I really don’t see a solid reason why I shouldn’t take this on. It’s more money, more experience in the field of rehab, and a good opportunity to put Levi Carter in his place.
“I’ll take it on. I’ll go to the lake house.”
A grin breaks out on Warren’s face. “Amazing. Let me go get Levi.”
