“No.” I scuff my shoe on the floor. “I just wanted him to have something. From before all of this.”
Barrett watches me for a second. The reading glasses make him look like someone’s dad, which I guess he sort of is, to half the guys on this team.
“He’s good for you Mackie, you know that? I had my doubts at first but... he’s good for you.”
My throat closes up and I look at the ceiling because I am NOT going to cry in Barrett’s office. I am not. “Yeah, well. Jury’s still out on whether I’m good for his blood pressure.”
Barrett laughs and shakes his head. “I’ll let you know about this.” He holds up the envelope, which means I’ve been excused and he needs to get back to his spreadsheets.
I stand up to leave. I’m in the hallway, passing the weight room, when I see the door at the end of the hall. The video room.
After the season, we said. But the team flies out tomorrow morning, and tonight the facility will be empty.
I sit in my car in the facility parking lot with the engine running.
Me
change of plans
Zach
Mackie no
Me
Zachy yes
also you don’t even know what I’m going to say
tonight. Video room. The building is empty by 9
Zach
This is not a good idea
Me
It’s a great idea because you’re getting on a plane at 6 AM and I don’t want to wait
Zach
you’re unbelievable
Me
10 PM. Bring the laces.
Zach
if we get caught
Me
we won’t
Zach
if we DO
