Page 83 of Catching the Coach
Marie
Jesus, Kara. a psychologist helps everyone, not just the ‘Nuts’ as you so delicately put it.
I snicker, Kara loves busting Maries balls over becoming a psychologist, but she does it out of love. We’re both tremendously proud of her. While her family is supportive of her following her dreams, they don’t quite agree WITH her dream. Tony wants one of his kids to take over the restaurant, but so far, none of them have really shown any interest.
My phone buzzes with another text pulling me from my thoughts.
Kara
So, what are you going to do Luce?
I sigh, making a decision.
Me
I’ll tell him… tonight, after he gets home from his game.
Marie
We’ll be here if you need us. Just be honest and open with him. There is nothing you need to be ashamed of.
Easier said than done.I think to myself.
I know it’s been 11 years, but the embarrassment and shame I felt that day still leaves a residual mark on me, making my already dismal appetite disappear.
Me
Thanks…
A knock sounds at my door making me jump. “Uh, come in?” I look at my clock, and see I have another few minutes of lunch left.
My door opens and Kessler’s handsome face peeks around the corner. “Mind if I come in?” he asks, looking just as tired as I feel, dark circles shadowing his eyes.
“No, please,” I say, motioning him in. I stand from my chair and walk around my desk, perching on the corner. He comes the rest of the way in and I spot an iced coffee in his hands.
He closes the door behind him and walks to me, holding out the coffee. “I thought you’d need this to get you through the rest of your day.”
I take the coffee from him and immediately suck down a third of it. Sighing I look up at him. “Thank you, I needed that.” I set the coffee down and take a step towards him. He opens his arms to me and I close the gap between us, tucking myself against him. I inhale his scent and let out another sigh, feeling myself relax a fraction.
His arms close around me and I feel his chest expand with a sigh of his own.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper into his chest.
“You have nothing to be sorry about,” he tells me
I pull back and look up at him. “Kara told me you texted her.” His eyebrows raise and I hold a hand up. “She didn’t tell me what you guys talked about, she just said you were worried.” I drop my gaze to his chest. “I, I.” I stop, swallowing the words I want to say. This isn’t the time or place for it. I look up at him and give him a small reassuring smile. “Everything will be ok. I promise.”
Kessler pulls me into his arms and gives me a hug and kiss on the head. “Ok,” he says into my hair. “I have to get going. I just wanted to bring you this on my way to the field. I’ll miss you tonight.”
We have practice so, unfortunately,but not really,we’ll be missing Kessler’s game tonight. I wouldn’t have gone if we didn’t. I don’t want to be anywhere near the Devils when they’re in town.
I nod into his chest not trusting my voice at the sudden rush of emotion. He steps back, gives me a kiss on the cheek, then he’s gone.
And I’m left with the feeling that all is not right.
* * *
That feeling carries over into practice later that night.
