Page 62 of Not On Your Life

Maddie

“Hey coach,” Diedre hollers from across the court after practice Tuesday afternoon. “I bet I could beat you one on one.”

My eyebrows rise. Is this a competition or a kind of truce? “You’re on.” I’ll take either one. “What do I get when I win?”

She purses her lips and glances at the other girls. She picks up a loose ball, twirling it in her hands. “Ifyou win, we’ll let you be our coach.”

Her comment rocks me. My jaw goes slack. Is she saying shewantsme to be the coach? Like, for good? I glance at Callie and Megan, who are nodding. Something shifts in my chest with their offer.

Do I want to be their coach? Permanently? Coaching was never part of the plan, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been thinking about it more than ever lately. After the time I’ve spent getting to know these girls, how can I walk away? But how will I ever live with myself if I don’t?

“And if you win?” I ask, not quite ready to dive into the minefield of my inner turmoil.

“Then you have to go to prom.”

I rear back. “Why would I go to prom?”

Diedre grins.

I don’t like that gleam in her eyes.

“Oh, did I forget to tell you? Principal Thompson needs more chaperones, and I volunteered you.”

“Gee, thanks.” One moment I think I’m connecting with them, and the next, they throw me under the bus.

“You’re welcome.” She beams and steps back to the line. “My serve.”

I turn, trudging to my position. Do I throw the game so the girls won’t be surprised when I slip away and never come back? Or do I play my hardest to show these girls I’m here for them when no one else shows up?

What doIwant? I haven’t even looked for a new job in weeks, ever since I met these girls.

I spin and face Diedre. The determination on her face is a reflection of my own. She’s gifted, and all she and the other girls need is someone to hold the spotlight while they shine.

Can I do that?

At some point when I was lost in my thoughts, Diedre served the ball, and it dropped on my side.

“That’s one!” she hoots.

“That’s the only point I’m going to give you for free.” I tighten my ponytail and get in my stance.

“Sure.” She rolls her eyes. “Ready now?”

“Ready.”

Diedre serves again, and I return it. She hits it, and we volley back and forth. She sends the ball sailing over the net in the opposite direction I predicted, and I lurch to the right. My ankle continues to the left. My foot slips and my knee hits the ground hard, but I can only register the pain in my ankle. An inappropriate curse for the environment slips off my tongue.

“Miss Maddie?” The girls crowd around me, concern in each of their eyes.

It’s… uncomfortable. I’mclearlyfine.

“Are you okay?” Diedre asks. Even she seems worried.

“Yeah, I’m good.” I wince. “Just checking the lines on the court.” I pat the wood floor with my hand. “They’re still there.”

Not one of them appears to believe me. In fact, they are all looking at me like I just passed the border into crazy town. Teenagers these days.

“We should get you up,” Callie says.