Page 66 of Catch
“Do you think you can beat the Rams? They’re in the number one spot in your division.”
I shrugged and nodded. “They’re tough and have a great offense. We’re hoping to give them a run for their money.”
Nikki picked up the cue that we were done. “Good luck, Coach, and congratulations.”
I shook her hand and followed Grayson to the middle of the field where I shook hands with the losing team’s coaches. I understood their crestfallen looks and the numbness that came from losing a game you had to win. We ended the season with 11 wins and 6 losses and still had to fight for a wildcard spot in the playoffs.
Bill and I walked down the hallway to the locker room. “I’m so proud of this team,” Bill said.
We walked into the locker room and everyone was waiting to spray us with champagne. I was drenched by the time I got out of there. Bill, Marcus, and I had a press conference in twenty minutes. It was enough time to take a quick shower and get the alcohol off me. I grabbed a change of clothes and raced to the women’s locker room. Two trainers were there changing into their street clothes.
“Congratulations, Coach!” they both said.
“Thanks!” I grabbed a fresh towel and got cleaned up in record time. I almost slipped and fell when I jumped out and saw Parker leaning against the counter. I clutched the towel closer. “What are you doing here?” I forgot to lock the door in my haste, but noticed it was locked now. “There are people down here.”
“You mean Emily and Tess?” Parker thumbed behind her. “They were leaving when I walked in. You should be more careful about locking the door down here. Anybody could wander in. You’re not being very safe.”
Parker and I had agreed to cool it until the season was over. It was hard, but fair since I advised Grayson and Matt to do the same. I kept telling myself that I’d waited over fifteen years for her. I could wait another few more weeks. We talked on the phone daily, FaceTimed late at night, and texted every chance we got.
“Is everything okay? Where are the kids?”
“With my parents.” She walked slowly toward me and stopped when I took a step back. “I came here to congratulate you and to let you know we filed the paperwork this morning.”
I groaned. “Why didn’t you wait until we were done with the season?”
She looked me up and down appreciatively and did nothing to hide it. Her eyes lingered along the hem of the towel. She took a step closer. This time I stood where I was. I was seconds from pulling her into my arms and skipping the press conference altogether, but I still had to do my job. She looked amazing, though, in a tight black sweater, gray slacks, and black boots. Her hair was pulled up in a bun with sexy tendrils framing her face. She was so sexy.
“We both agreed it was time. The kids are adjusting to the news that we won’t be in the same house, but they understand that Grayson will be around all the time and available whenever they need him.”
I was surprised they didn’t wait. Somebody at the courthouse would see the paperwork and talk to the press. It was inevitable. As much as I wanted to be in this moment, I had to get upstairs. “Listen, I have about ten minutes to get ready. I can’t talk to you right now.”
“I’ve learned the best way to get your attention is to be in your space. I’d say I’m sorry, but I’m not,” she said.
I blew out a deep breath. “I’m going to change now. This towel is dropping to the floor in three, two…”
She held up her hand. “I’m only leaving because the next time I see you naked will be because you want me to.”
It was unnerving how quickly she got to me. I flipped the lock and dropped the towel. I got ready as quickly as possible. I sneaked in right as Bill was introducing us and sat as if I timed it perfectly.
“I have to give a lot of the credit to both coordinators, Coach Marcus Atkins and Coach Sutton McCoy,” Bill said.
It took everything I had to stay in the moment. Bill teased me at my lack of focus and we all laughed. Nobody cared. We were going to the playoffs, and everyone wanted to celebrate. The reporters were happy for us, and after twenty minutes of never-ending questions, Bill called it. We had a busy day tomorrow. Film was at ten and Bill told us he didn’t want to see anybody there earlier than that.
I whistled for Crowbar and zipped home. My energy level was high. I changed into sweats and a T-shirt, heated spaghetti, poured a glass of wine, and curled up on the couch with Crowbar. My phone dinged and I ignored it. I finished my glass of wine and moved to water. When my doorbell rang, I thought for sure my neighbors Tom and Lottie Griffith with their deep tans were there to let me know they were back from Florida.
Parker stood in my doorway. “I tried calling, but you didn’t answer your phone. Oh, my God. I sound just like my parents.”
I didn’t know what to do. I clutched the doorknob and looked down at the welcome mat. I was tired of fighting. Her, myself, the past, the future. I knew exactly what I wanted. “Come in.”
“I parked around back and nobody followed me,” she said.
I nodded and walked to the kitchen, switched back to wine, and held up the bottle. She smiled. I grabbed another glass and poured a healthy amount into both glasses. “It’s fine. The news is out or will be tomorrow.”
“Sutton, it’s going to be okay. It’s very amicable. We know we need to be there for our children. He’s happy. I’m happy. And the weight of all of this has been lifted. From his shoulders, from mine. It’s time for me.”
Her fingers were devoid of any jewelry and that scared me. I walked to the other side of the counter to put three feet between us. Even though the papers had been filed, was I okay being the rebound girl? Is that what I was?
“Can I get you some spaghetti?” I asked.
