I shake my head. “No sir.”
His jaw visibly tightens, then relaxes. “Good.” He shifts his attention to his playbook, and I know I’m dismissed.
I stand up and move to the door, coming to a stop when he speaks one more time.
“See that it stays that way, Yami.”
At home, after I’ve mindlessly eaten one of the preprepared meals I have stocked in my fridge for days like this — days where my brain seems incapable of functioning — I sit on my couch and stare at my phone where a message from Isabelle waits.
IZ: OMG. I’m so sorry about earlier. I couldn’t text sooner because Mom and I had plans. Are you okay? That was so freaking weird, I had no idea we were going by the stadium or that you would be in with Tony. I was gonna stay in the car but I had to pee so I went in with Mom. But why were you in Tony’s office????
It would be easier if I just brushed it off. Told her everything was fine, the conversation with Coach was no big deal. But there’s enough half-truths and outright lies flying around right now, I won’t add one between the two of us.
KAI: Hey, don’t worry about it. I had no idea I’d be in his office either. He wanted to talk to me after practice. Grilled me about you, about our past.
IZ: Shit. What did you say?
KAI: The truth. That we’re just friends.
The three dots bounce. She’s typing. But nothing shows. Then they start bouncing again. Fuck, she’s typing and deleting.
KAI: Seriously Iz. Don’t worry. Everything’s fine.
IZ: I hate that you’re in this position. Seriously, of all the freaking baseball coaches, mom had to fall in love with yours? It’s like some cosmic joke or something.
I lean forward, my thumbs flying over my phone screen. No way in hell can I let her think that, for even a second.
KAI: Listen. It’s no joke, it’s the best fucking surprise ever. Yeah, it was a little awkward at first, but getting to see you again? To hang out and talk to you? That’s worth everything to me.
IZ: Kai…
KAI: Can I call you?
IZ: No. Unfortunately, I’m currently hiding out in the bathroom, but Tony and Mom are waiting for me so we can eat a late dinner.
KAI: Damn. I hope he doesn’t give you any shit. If he does, let me know.
IZ: He won’t.
IZ: Besides I’m not worried about him being upset with me. You’re his star pitcher. I’m just his wife’s daughter.
KAI: He cares about you Iz, I bet that’s why he questioned me.
IZ: I know he does, but I hope he doesn’t make things weird for you.
IZ: Speaking of weird… My message the other day. Don’t think you have to say anything, but I just wanted you to know there’s no pressure if you’re thinking that wasn’t a smart idea. I mean I hope you don’t regret it, but it’s all good if you changed your mind and that was a one and done kinda thing. Seriously.
KAI: You’re cute when you ramble, even over text.
KAI: I was gonna respond. I just didn’t know if I should put what I wanted to say, in writing. In case your mom was there when you read it.
IZ: Oh.
KAI: Yeah. Oh. If having sex with you was a bad idea, I don’t care. I don’t regret it, and trust me, I want a repeat. I can’t stop thinking about a repeat. About all the things I wanna do to you, with you, for you.
IZ: Like…
KAI: I said I didn’t want to put it in writing so I guess you’ll have to wait to find out.
