Page 209 of So This Is War
“Is it decaf?” Eli asks. “I won’t sleep if it’s caffeine.”
“It’s peppermint hot cocoa,” I say as Pacey, Halsey, and OC all sit down as well.
Halsey offers me a sympathetic look while taking one of the cups of hot cocoa.
“Is this going to be something dramatic?” Silas asks. “Because I don’t enjoy being pulled away from my girl.”
“Yeah, this better not be a bologna emergency,” Pacey says.
“Guys, I think it’s serious,” Halsey says, looking concerned.
They all look at Halsey.
“Do you know something?” Eli asks.
“Did he tell you something he didn’t tell us?” Silas asks.
“This hot cocoa is fantastic,” OC says after taking a sip.
“He told me just tonight, something he’s been holding in. I’m assuming what you called us here for has to do with that?” Halsey asks.
“Yes,” I say and let out a deep breath. “I, uh . . . I’m in love with Coach Wood’s daughter. And I mean that, actually in love, no bullshit, no joking.”
Their mouths fall open as they stare back at me.
“I thought maybe you were just fucking her,” Eli says. “But in love?”
“Yeah, I mean, it was obvious something was going on,” Silas says. “He’s had that stupid smile on his face for the past few weeks.”
“And he’s missed some dinners we’ve invited him to,” Pacey says.
“Is that why you haven’t been able to help me with Grace?” OC asks.
“I’ve been preoccupied.” I drag my hand through my hair. “To keep it short, Coach asked me to hire his daughter to teach her a lesson about what her life would look like if she left college. He virtually blackmailed me into it, and I followed along because, well, I didn’t feel like I had an option. She needed a place to stay, so I offered her the nanny bedroom in my apartment. One thing led to another, and despite trying to keep my feelings to myself—since she’s the girl I’ve been pining over for the last year?—”
“Wait, the girl you told me about, that’s Coach Wood’s daughter?” OC asks.
“Yes,” I say. “That’s her. And well, we fell for each other. And we’d been trying to figure out a way to tell Coach Wood but hadn’t. And then today, fuck.” I pinch my brow. “Wylie came home from a business trip where she was hired for this amazing opportunity, and in her excitement, came to the arena to find me. She found me in the shower, and well, we, uh, we started fucking in the locker room.”
“Jesus Christ,” Halsey murmurs.
“Fuck,” Silas says. “Did Coach Wood find you?”
I slowly nod, and all the guys mumble under their breath.
“Yeah, and it’s not good. He yelled at Wylie, said some pretty awful shit, then threatened to kick me off the team, bench me, trade me, everything under the fucking sun.”
“Can he do that?” OC asks.
I shake my head. “No, Andie was there thankfully, and she reassured me that I’d just be fined and issued a warning for having sex on the team’s property. But Coach Wood is fucking pissed, and he told me to my face that he hates me, and that . . . that I’m overrated, and the team doesn’t need me.”
“That’s not fucking true,” Pacey says. “Without you, so many more goals would get through the defense.”
“There’s no way in fuck you’re overrated,” Eli says. “He didn’t mean that.”
“I know,” I say. “Doesn’t mean it doesn’t sting, but I can get over that. I’m not sure Wylie will get over some of the things he said to her.” I shake my head. “I need to make this right, and I don’t know how.” I look up at the boys. “I need your help.”
Silence falls over the table for a moment, and surprisingly, Silas is the first one to speak up. “I know this is not a solution, but I do want to say I’m happy for you, man.”
