The clock on Coach’s wall is so… fucking… loud.
Or maybe the problem is just that he’s silent.
Deadsilent.
I’ve now officially let him in on my deepest, darkest secret. And while some might assume I’d feel relief after coming clean, nothing could be further from the truth.
I can’t even look at Coach right now. I’m afraid of what I’ll see if I do.
Anger, distrust, disappointment.
Having grown up with Vin Golden as a father, the only opinion of his that held any value to me was what he thought of me on the football field. Beyond that, his lack of morals and values made it tough to expect him to find much pride in the kind of man I turned out to be.
But that’s different with Coach.
He’s a man of integrity, a man who holds his family and friends close to his heart. And now, I’m completely devastated that I may have just let him down.
He sighs from the seat behind his desk, and I settle against the wall, shoving both hands inside my pockets.
“I’m glad you told me.”
I nod but still can’t meet his gaze. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. You were a kid, West.”
He falls silent again, and I think back to that night I met Kasey, how young and reckless we were.
“While I do wishoneof you had told me before now, I can understand why you wouldn’t. Especially given that you’ve been playing for me so many years.”
“I wanted to tell you.Manytimes,” I add. “There was a point where I stayed quiet because that’s what Kasey needed. Then, there were times I stayed quiet because that’s whatIneeded. I guess it just… never felt like the right time. I kept imagining how it would play out, you feeling like I’d broken your trust, and I… I couldn’t live with that.”
He nods, letting out another breath. “My trust in you isn’t broken, West. I’m not even angry. I’m just a little shocked. And… maybe a little sad.”
I peer up at him then, confused by that last part.
“It couldn’t have been easy for youorKasey to deal with something like that alone.” He pauses, seeming to reflect on something. “Kasey went through this dark phase about the time you’re speaking of. I couldn’t put my finger on what was wrong, couldn’t pull her out of it, but now I suppose I understand what she was facing. Just wish I could’ve been there for her, foryou. I mean, granted, I might’ve started by giving you both a swift kick in the ass, but in retrospect, I just wish I’d been there to help.”
The sincerity on his face makes me wish I’d trusted him with this sooner. If I had, I wouldn’t have tortured myselfall these years, wondering what the fallout would be when he discovered the truth.
He’s on his feet, crossing the room the next second. Then, he brings me into a hug. It takes a moment for reality to set in thatthisis Coach’s response to finding out my secret, but I’m embracing him back the next second.
“Thank you for understanding. And I’m sorry Pandora just blasted that all over social media.”
He pats my back as he pulls away. “That’s not on you, but I sure as hell hope someone pulls that bitch’s card one of these days. What she’s doing to you, Blue, your family and friends? It isn’t right.”
“I’m working on it.”
“Good.” He shoves both hands in his pockets, then sighs. “Shit, I should probably call and check in on Kasey. Can’t imagine she’s happy this got out tonight.”
“Probably not,” I shoot back, pushing a hand through my hair. “But… for what it’s worth, once she finally opened up to me about our situation, and how she decided to handle it, I did my best to be there for her. As much as she’d let me.”
His expression tightens, and I try to imagine what this must be like, hearing what Kasey went through mostly on her own. As her dad, I’m sure he wants nothing more than for her to feel supported, protected.
“Thank you for that. I’m sure you helped her.” He squeezes my shoulder just as a knock hits the door to his study. “Come in.”
The knob twists, then Meg and Blue walk in. Based on the redness and tears in Meg’s eyes, I can guess Blue filled herin on the same story I just shared with Coach. And I shouldn’t be surprised when Meg’s first order of business is to hug me. She kisses my cheek before pulling away, and there’s so much emotion in her eyes it nearly hasmetearing up.
“I’m so sorry this had to come to light the way it did, but I’m glad you were finally able to free yourself from this. Blue told me how worried you’ve been about how Coach and I would react. Kasey, too.”
