He looks at me, confused.
“With Skylar, I mean. I don’t think that being a doormat is going to get you anywhere.”
“I-I don’t know what—”
“You need to be more decisive. Try to keep up with her attitude.”
Carter worriedly studies my expression for a moment.
“I don’t want to be insensitive.”
“What do you mean?”
He heaves a deep sigh. “I don’t think she really hates me.”
“I agree.”
“I think she just needs someone to take it all out on.”
“How do you know so much about my daughter? You’ve only known her a few weeks!”
“It’s easy to see certain things, Coach K.”
Did I already mention that I like this kid?
“I’m just trying to help.”
“By letting her treat you like that?”
“It’s her way of dealing with it. I don’t mind.”
“Are you a masochist?”
He smiles. “Maybe a little. Or maybe I just know that it’s worth it.”
I watch him carefully. “Aren’t you a little too young to be so mature?”
“Are you two done?” My daughter steps back into the room.
“Doing what?”
“I don’t know, whatever you’re doing. Leave my tutor alone.”
“Ooh…your tutor,” I say, winding her up.
“Stop it, Kerry. Seriously.”
“I’m not doing anything.”
Skylar glares at me, before turning towards Carter.
“Come with me. I’ve found a band you have to listen to.”
“O-okay,” he stammers. “It’s not more of that screaming stuff, is it?”
My daughter rolls her eyes, then storms out of the room.
“It’s probably best if you follow her,” I tell him, pushing him gently on the back.
