“Bennett. My office. Now.” He tips his head at the door and a cold dread slithers through me.
Shit.Now what?
I followed all the rules, did everything right. What the hell’s the problem?
Heart lodged in my throat, I shuffle behind him down the hallway. The trek to his office feels like an eternity. Finally, we’re outside his door. He unlocks it and gestures to the empty chair.
“Take a seat.”
I do as I’m told, sinking down and folding my arms over my chest. The AC kicks on, blowing hard on my neck and I shiver.
Coach takes off hisCoastal Crushersball cap and tosses it on the desk. Leaning back, the ergonomic chair creaks beneath his weight. He levels his gaze on mine.
“Our first away game of the season is tomorrow.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“You’re not going.”
My gut clenches as I squint across the desk at him. “Seriously?”
“Seriously.”
I huff out a breath, anger coursing through my veins.
I can’t fucking believe this.
“Why? I’m doing everything right.”
“Optics, Bennett. You’re still suspended. The team doesn’t want the liability, especially on the road.”
I slam my hand down hard on the desk, rattling the stapler and the jar of pens next to his computer.
“That’s bullshit and you know it.”
Keller frowns. “This is what I’m talking about.”
He’s so calm it’s annoying. The guy never gets flustered.
Meanwhile, I’m breathing hard, chest heaving. An awkward pause stretches between us.
I do a quick shoulder roll, trying to ease the tension between the blades. Then I take another deep breath, blow it out.
“I’m sorry.” My voice is low, subdued. Trying to appease the coach.
“I get it. I’d be pissed if I were in your shoes too.” Keller shoots me a sympathetic look. “Stay home, train hard. We’ll be back in two days. By then, the league will likely have released you for play.”
I hear what he’s saying, but I still don’t like it. Unfortunately, there’s not a whole helluva lot I can do about it.
So I nod and play nice. No sense screwing things up with Keller.
“You got it, Coach.” I wipe my slick palms on my shorts and stand up, eager to leave. I’ve had enough humiliation for the day.
Coach Keller’s eyes flick to mine. “For what it’s worth, Bennett, I like how you’re training right now. You’re working hard. Keep it up and you’ll be scoring again in no time.”
“Thanks.” I mutter the word, but the feeling of gratitude’s definitely not there.
Then I dart out of the office before I say something I regret.
