It wasn’t going to matter what I said, because Cutter was going to take whatever I said the wrong way.
“Why don’t you tell me what happened, and I’ll see what I can do to help?” I motioned for Cutter to sit on the bench, but he shook his head and continued pacing.
“I came downstairs to get something to drink. Toni and Brendan were in the kitchen. I could tell they were arguing, so I sort of just waited for a moment to interrupt them.”
In other words, he was eavesdropping like any other teenager would do.
“I heard Brendan say he’s sending us to boarding school, that it’ll help me get into Harvard.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I don’t want to go to Harvard, Coach. And he said Nova will go to one, too, but she’s just a little kid and ...” He looked at me with tears streaming down his face. “Do you think we could go to the same boarding school so she can stay with me? Who’s going to protect her if I’m not there?”
My heart broke for Cutter.
“Like, my mom’s dying, and now I gotta leave my friends and team ... and my sister because my mom’s dying ...”
I went to him and pulled him into my arms. He sobbed against my chest, his fists gripping my T-shirt. Cutter’s knees gave out, and I managed to get him to the bench before he crumpled to the ground. There were no words to comfort him, because nothing was going to be okay in his world. It was one thing to move—moving happened all the time; it was a fact of life—but losing your only parent wasn’t part of the deal.
Scout came over and rested his head on Cutter’s leg, knowing he needed a bit more attention. He hiccupped as his sobs eased, and angrily wiped at his wet cheeks.
“I’m sorry.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for, Cutter. I can’t even imagine what you’re going through right now.”
“I hope my mom makes it through the summer.”
“Me too.” I did, but not for the reason Cutter wanted her to. He knew how important the travel season was when it came to recruiting, especially this summer and next.
I put my arm around his shoulders and gave him a little shake. “I’ll talk to Antonia and see if we can work something out for the summer.”
“I thought Brendan liked me,” Cutter said quietly. “Guess not.”
“I’m sure Antonia’s husband likes you. This was probably just a shock to him, that’s all.”
Cutter shook his head. “They’re not married, and according to my mom, he needs to shit or get off the pot. Whatever that means,” he said, mumbling the last part.
She had said “boyfriend,” hadn’t she? Why did I say “husband”?
“Eavesdropping again?”
He shrugged, which was all the admittance I needed.
“Does your mom or Antonia know you’re here?”
Cutter shook his head. “I ran out when I heard what Brendan said.”
“Understandable.” I stood and made my way to the counter to grab my phone. “I’m going to go change, and then I’ll take you home. It’s too dark for you to walk on the road.”
“Coach?” Cutter called as I reached the door leading into my house. I glanced at him. “If Toni says we have to move, can I live with you? At least until I graduate and go to college.”
His question gave me pause, and I found myself nodding before I could stop myself. “If it comes to that, yes, we’ll figure something out.”
“Thanks.”
“Anytime, Cutter.” I left him and Scout in my gym and ran inside to put some sweats on. While we didn’t have any snow on the pavement, the nighttime temperatures were still dipping into the twenties.
I’d never disliked someone I hadn’t met before, but I really couldn’t stand Brendan. At first, it was because he was with Antonia, and I stupidly thought I stood a chance. But now it was more. How does one arbitrarily decide a kid is going to boarding school without even talking to the child? In my book, that was just wrong.
Back in the garage, Cutter and Scout were involved in a rousing game of tug-of-war. Scout would win eventually because he cheated.
“Are you ready?”
