Page 10 of Defensive Indifference

I glance to Coach for permission to speak this time. When did I turn into a scolded child?

“Yes…yes, sir. I already planned to apologize because she deserves it, not because my image is under the microscope.”

“Good, good. Shall I send the guard for Katie?”

His no-nonsense way of getting to the bottom of things throws me, which I suspect is the purpose of the conversation. Still, I work not to blow it. His kindness probably only stretches so far. “I’m not sure. I doubt she’ll want to leave Spencer’s house at this point, not with what’s happening. If she does, I’m sure Spencer will be with her. Or me.” On second thought, maybe not with me since I seem to bring undue attention to everything, and Spencer and I can’t be with her every second.

“If you change your mind, I’m only a call away. Don’t hesitate. I, too, have a sister and would want her protected if things were unsteady and dangerous.”

Dangerous? For the first time, the realization that my father could have been in dealings with very dangerous men hits me fully. A public trial and any real consequences for mobsters could spell more trouble than the loss of my career.

“Actually, um…given the severity of the charges and the accused associates, maybe that is a good idea. At least when Spencer and I are at practice or games, just to be sure.” I twist my fingers together, acutely aware that my life has done more than turn upside down. It may have become front page newsworthy…ah, yes…now it makes more sense.

“Certainly, and speaking of my sister, I’m sending her down to work as an assistant for you. Primarily, she’ll be safeguarding your image and, in turn, the image of the Sharks. She will report to me if there are issues, but mostly she will be here to help you and your family through this difficult time.”

By the glare on Coach’s face, I for sure do not get a say in this. I’m getting a babysitter whether I like it or not.

“She has worked wonders for many players across our teams, and I have no doubt she will make your life and your sister’s much easier through this situation.” Mr. Dawson leans closer, eyes level with mine. “But I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that she will not be dating any players from any of my teams, am I clear?”

I raise my hands in defense. “Crystal clear.”

He doesn’t move, not even a flinch. “I must also inform you that I am the most reasonable of my brothers, and that Eleanor is the apple of our eye. Rye and Iverson would kill you.”

Coach tenses, but there isn’t a gun in the world that could be held to my head long enough for me to consider looking at his sister as anything more than a business professional, especially not now.

“Sir, I can assure you, I’m not interested in dating my boss’s sister. I’m certainly not interested in taking advantage of your kindness in sending her to help us.”

Mr. Dawson sits straight and adjusts his tie. “Good, now that that’s out of the way, I think you have an apology to deliver. Eleanor will arrive tomorrow. In the meantime, lay low. Only attend practice this afternoon, then disappear until she arrives to aid you. I’ll have someone contact Katie about the guard.”

Looks like my freedom was just stripped away by my boss, but at this point, I’ll take the direction. Clearly, I’m not great at figuring things out for myself. Besides, how bad could Eleanor Dawson be?

Chapter Six

Evalina

This week has been a barrel full of fun, and if you add the notice of increase on my apartment rental, it’s an all-out blast. The last thing I need after losing my business and my patience with a baseball player this week is being notified I will be paying nearly a hundred dollars more a month for our not-so-great apartment.

When Annie strides into the lobby carrying this morning’s donuts, I fold the notice and slip it into the wastebasket. It took nearly two hours for my bakery to calm down yesterday after Koa Keaton’s public display of idiocy, and another hour to clean up the mess left behind by reporters and patrons who, if they ever heard of a trash can in their lives, chose to ignore that they existed in four easily accessible places, including one right beside the exit.

“Let’s hope today isn’t as eventful as yesterday. I think there was more donut on the floor than in people’s bellies.” Annie pushes her glasses up her nose and drops the trays on the counter. “How are you today?”

“Surviving. Do we have any orders?” Tying my long, black hair into a ponytail, I grab a rag and get ready to wipe down literally anything to avoid another conversation about Koa, the destruction of the building, and every other thing that seems to be going kablooey in my life.

“Just one for this afternoon. I’ve already packed it.”

Like clockwork, Nick pushes through the door with a smile and a spring in his step. “Morning, ladies.”

“Good morning, Nick.” Annie offers a small wave and disappears into the kitchen.

“Looks like I beat the rush again. I’m getting good at this,” he teases, but we both know it doesn’t matter how good he gets at timing his visits, soon enough there won’t be a Sparkly’s.

I try to plaster on a smile, but he pegs it as fake right away. “I heard about the commotion here yesterday. I can’t believe that jerk had the nerve to accuse you of selling him out.” He shakes his head and bites into the donut I hand him.

“It is what it is. I’m glad it’s over.” I can’t hide my sadness from Nick any better than I can hide it from Annie. He’s become as much a fixture around here as the books on the back wall. He fits, he’s part of the place, and he knows when I’m upset.

“Hey, Lina, I’m sure it’s going to work out somehow. You’ll find an amazing place soon and you’ll be so popular, this place will be nothing more than a fleeting memory.” He offers a reassuring smile and takes his coffee. “I’ll see you in the morning?”

“Yeah. For a while longer, at least.” I can’t help but smile when he winks at me, giving me a small boost of joy to get me through the day.