Page 48 of False Start
He leans in closer and whispers in my ear, tone chilling. “You must be really good in bed because I don’t know how anyone would spend more than a night with someone like you.” He looks me up and down, a look of disgust crossing his face.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I challenge.
“Come on, look around. All the other girls at least look good when they take their clothes off. I’m not so sure you can say the same thing.”
His last comment has my heart stopping and ice shooting up my veins.
This man, who doesn’t even know me, is hitting on every single one of my body insecurities and stomping all over me. Tears build up behind my eyes and it’s taking everything in me to keep them from falling, from showing him how much his words affect me. I’m shaking at how angry and upset I am, but I have to hold it in.
I can’t show him my weakness.
He keeps pushing his way into my space, until I’mcrowded against the wall. “Maybe I should get a taste for myself. See what all the fuss is about.”
I try to move away, but he steps in front of me, blocking me from escaping. He hasn’t put his hands on me, but I’m afraid that if I stay like this any longer, he might.
“Oh come on,sweetheart. I want a taste of what everyone else is having. I’m sure I can show you a really good time.”
Before I can respond or even push him away, I hear footsteps behind me, and Eric is stepping back from my space.
“Everything alright over here?” Hannah's voice echoes as she approaches. The second she turns the corner and sees us, her body goes rigid as she inhales a sharp breath.
“Everything’s fine, Hannah. I’m just having a chat with Kailyn. We were just finishing up, though.” Winking at me, he picks up his box and takes off down the hall, leaving me standing there feeling humiliated.
I close my eyes, take a breath in and reset myself. I can’t let him affect me, not now when I have a job to do. When it’s all over and I’m home by myself, then I can fall apart. Until then, I need to have my head in the game.
“Hey, Han! Ready for tonight's game?” I try to inject as much cheer into my voice as I can, but even I can hear the shakiness that comes out.
She opens her mouth to say something, but then closes it immediately, like she wants to say more, but she’s unsure how to bring it up. With one more look over my shoulder, she relaxes her shoulders and looks back at me with a soft smile.
“We’re all set on the bench and the rest of the team is ready to go. Coach is about to make his way to the locker room for pregame speeches.”
“Good. We should go join them then.”
Before I can start walking away she grabs my hand and spins me toward her. “If you need anything, I’m always here for you. I know it’s been a weird and stressful transition with everything, but you’ve been amazing to watch and learn from. I’m kind of in awe of your strength, knowledge, compassion and empathy with everyone here. Plus, it’s been nice to make a new friend. So if you ever need someone to talk to or sit with, I’m right here. Especially when it comes to him.” We stay connected, her eyes softening as she looks at me.
Feeling a bit vulnerable after Eric’s comments, I pull her into a tight hug, which she returns just the same. “Thanks, Han. I’m really glad we became friends.”
She squeezes me one more time before we separate. “Me, too. Now come on, we don’t want to be late.”
Hannah walks off towards the locker room while I remain outside for just a second longer, wanting to compose myself. As I take in a few calming breaths, I replay the last few words she spoke. It makes me think that she’s had her own issues with Eric, which has me sick to my stomach at the thought that he’s treated others even worse than the verbal assault he handed me.
I file that in the back of my mind to talk to her about him later, wanting to put this moment behind us for now and focus on the job ahead.
Chapter 19
Kailyn
Imake it into the locker room and stand by the wall just as Coach walks in and gathers the team for his pregame speech.
“Hey, are you okay? Hannah said Eric was being Eric, and she was concerned for you.” Emilia approaches, frantic in her steps.
The way that these girls have rallied behind me and made me feel safe and seen has truly been a blessing that I was missing. I feel Hannah come up on my other side and lean her head on my shoulder and I can’t help the tears that build up again. I give her a soft smile that has her snuggling closer to me.
I lean my head on Hannah’s as I grab Emilia’s hand in mine. “Ask me again when tonight is over.” That’s all the answer she needs as she squeezes my hand and we turn our attention to the center of the room as Coach starts talking.
“Alright, boys. You all know tonight we’re playing our biggest rivals. You’re playing well together, and I couldn’t be more proud of the team you’ve turned into. I’m not gonna drone on up here, all I’m gonna say is keep your heads in thegame, listen to each other, and for the rookies, follow the vets lead. They know what this rivalry with Florida entails, so what they say can be the key to making sure you last each shift and play well.” Coach eyes each person in the room as they all nod along with him.
I’m glad to work for a Coach that truly respects and loves his players. It’s evident in every action he takes and the words he says that he truly cares about his players and staff. “With that said, play your hearts out and have a great game. Blaze on three. One, two, three.”
