Preston
It was Tuesday, which meant weight training and a full pads practice. Tuesdays and Wednesdays were our harder days, targeting our strength and executions, which also meant at the end of the evening, I was ready to get the hell away from the field. Me, Wesley, Theo, and Shaw were tucked into a corner table at Laces Out, winding down and talking strategy.
Rodney took a rain check, and I battled with wanting to break the news to them. To prepare them for the upcoming season, but at the end of the day, I understood his need for privacy. It wasn’t my story to tell, but I’d respect his wishes because I respected him.
The fact he’d asked me not to tell Trinity had been weighing on me since Saturday. Judging from what I knew, she’s had a tough go in the relationship department with both of her parents and this news would add to the list of things that would break her heart.
I felt like shit that I’d be keeping this secret, but it wasn’t like Rodney had any idea I was toeing the line between a decenthuman being and plain insanity when it came to his daughter. So I couldn’t blame him.
“Your mom got the girls?” I asked Wesley as he grinned down at his phone.
“Yeah.” He flipped his phone around. “Kyndall is making brownies.”
Kyndall was smiling, brownie batter scooped up on a spoon as Hazel pouted next to her.
“How did someone as ugly as you make such pretty babies?” Theo smirked.
“Have you seen their mom?” Shaw snickered. “Don’t get me wrong, the woman is a certified bitch.” He held his hand up to Wesley. “No offense.”
Wesley scoffed. “Like I care. I’m well aware.”
“But. She wasn’t ugly,” Shaw finished.
“I’d rather not discuss my ex-wife,” Wesley grumbled.
“I’ll drink to that.” Theo saluted as he held up his beer.
I sat back, glancing toward the crowded restaurant, when a pair of legs caught my attention. I’d know them anywhere at this point. I’d been watching them stand on my field for weeks. Trinity laughed as she checked on a table, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear when she turned my way. She must not have seen us come in because she froze when our eyes connected.
Hey there, Angel.
“Y’all got the right idea.” Trinity smiled as she ambled toward us. “A drink sounds phenomenal.”
Shaw patted the seat next to him. “Take a seat, darlin’.”
I glared at him, which only caused him to chuckle.
“Thanks for the offer, Coach Calloway, but I still have an hour of my shift left. Can’t drink on the clock.”
“We aren’t on the field, Trinity. You can call me Shaw.”
She flickered her eyes to me before moving them back to him. “Okay, Shaw. Anyone need anything?”
“Nah, thanks, though,” I answered for the group.
Wesley’s phone buzzed, and he cursed.
“What now?” Theo deadpanned.
“Atticus is out for the match tomorrow. Julia signed them up for the birthing class.”
“So we take them with four,” he shot back.
“Or we get a sub.” Wesley scrolled his phone.
“Who would we even get last minute?” I scoffed.
“What about you?” My gaze whipped to Shaw, who was looking at Trinity.
