I’ve fucked up. Again.
“Is she angry because I’m here?” Carter asks, approaching me awkwardly.
“No, she’s just pissed off with me, as usual. Don’t worry. How come you’ve come along?”
“I thought I’d give it a try.”
“That’s good.”
“Even though…”
“What?”
“I didn’t know if Skylar would be here.”
“So?”
“I’m not really cut out for sport, Coach.”
“No one is born ready, Carter.”
“I can’t even kick a ball.”
“Then maybe you’ll be good with your hands.”
“I have no idea.”
“Can you run?”
“I think so.”
“Well, let’s start with that, then. Go and join in with those two over there. They’re doing laps of the gym. Everyone else will be here soon, and we can get started.”
“Okay.”
“Pay attention to everything I say. Don’t push yourself too hard and it’ll all be fine.”
“Yes, Coach.”
“In the meantime, I’m going to try and sort things out with my daughter.”
“Good luck.”
“Thanks. I’ll need it.”
Carter runs towards the others on his skinny little legs. He trips over a couple of times during the first lap; I can’t even imagine what’s going to happen when he’s out on the field.
I’m going to need a lot of luck, dear Carter; but looks like you may just need some, too.
Jordan
Ipark the car and scurry towards the gym. I’m a little late already; to be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to come along to this training session at all. Not after everything that we said to each other at my house; not after last night; not after my message. Things may be a little confused between us at the moment, but I’m still the headmistress of this school. I was the one who wanted to take part in this tournament. It was me who hired him to coach the team; I have to show up. I need to make sure that we win. I’m doing it for the cash prize – it’ll help the kids. I’m not doing it for me, like a hopeless teenager who’s fallen for a man’s charm once again. I’m also definitely not doing it because I’m deluded, or convincing myself to dream again.
When I reach the back door to the gym, I see smoke wafting around the corner of the building.
“What are you doing?”
Skylar jumps up immediately.
