I ignored his words, blowing my whistle to rally everyone in. My personal life needed to take a back seat. It was game time on Cougar turf, and losing wasn’t an option.
We barely scraped by with the win, and I had two players on my offense now out with an injury. Rodney slapped a hand on my shoulder, a look of relief flashing across his face.
“Film on Monday.”
I nodded, knowing we needed to study our mistakes and adjust. I’d probably be watching it by myself tomorrow aftervisiting Ray. I tried to make it out there as often as I could, but some days it made things worse. When he was confused and disoriented.
“And I appreciate your discretion, Preston,” Rodney added as we entered the hallway to the locker room. “It’s hard for a man like me to admit weakness.”
“It’s not weakness.” I stopped to meet his eyes. “It’s something no one can control. You are choosing to fight it. That’s not weakness.”
“Doctors are saying fighting may be a lost cause.” He lifted a shoulder. “Not really my style to bow out.”
If I knew one thing about working with him, it was that he always faced an adversary with a strong fist.
“You do what you need to. I’m here to back you up. No questions asked.”
“Thanks. I know I can always count on you.” He reached for the door, letting the celebration of the locker room echo in the hall.
I aimed to follow, but I spotted Trinity coming toward the tunnel.Alone.
“Go ahead.” I cleared my throat. “I’ll catch up.”
Once he disappeared inside, I spun on my heels, striding in her direction.
She shifted seamlessly into professional mode when she saw me. “That was a close one. I already told Holland what I expect over the next couple of days with his ankle.”
All business, I see.
Coming to a stop, she crossed her arms, standing a few feet away. I hated the way she’d avoided me since Wednesday night.
“Thanks. I’ll make sure to follow up.” I paused before asking, “Will you be home tonight?”
She frowned, but answered, “Yes.”
“Could we…” I glanced down the empty hallway. “Could we talk? I can come over as soon as I finish up here.”
She eyed me, skeptical and guarded. “Is that really a good idea, Preston?”
“Probably not.” I shoved my hands in my pockets. “But I think we should have a conversation about what almost happened.”
“Nothing happened,” she quipped.
“Trinity.”
“Preston,” she mimicked.
I scrubbed a hand over my face. “Just five minutes. That’s all I need.”
She nibbled her lip before her first line of defense began to evaporate. “Okay, fine. I’ll wait up.”
“I’ll see you in a bit.”
She dipped her chin, slipping past me and down the hall to Julia’s office.
I spent the next hour making my rounds in the locker room, touching base with Krew, then handled a few things in my office. Everyone else had already left, I was sure to head to Laces Out to celebrate.
I had just shut my office door when I heard the clicking of heels. I glanced over my shoulder to see Sierra grinning as she glided toward me.
