Page 75 of Clear Shot

“Because it’s new. We just bought a house—we close the day before Thanksgiving—and I know the money is freaking her out. She doesn’t come from much, despite having a brother in the league. To her, that was all about presents and stuff. Now thatshe has access to the money I make, it makes her nervous. But that’s not really an issue. It’s more about me being able to show her I care even when I can’t be there. We didn’t take a traditional route to marriage, so I don’t want to just say, well, she married a pro athlete. She knows what she’s getting into.”

He nods. “Good for you. But also bad for you.” He pauses. “This was all about the visa, right? And now you’re catching feelings?”

I don’t respond and one side of his mouth quirks up.

“Come on. Don’t bullshit a world-class bullshitter.”

“It was but it wasn’t,” I say slowly. “Johan brought it up and Felix, Jordan and I were all sitting there. Felix was a little reluctant but Jordan literally offered to take one for the team, so to speak. And I knew right away that if it was going to be anyone it would be me.”

“Because you already had a thing?”

“Because wewantedto have a thing but decided neither of us were in a position to do that, so we opted to just be friends.”

“And there are feelings.”

“Yes.”

“Her too?”

“Yeah.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“Coach, we skipped dating and got married. We barely know each other.”

“There’s sex?” he asks bluntly.

“Oh, yeah. There wasn’t before, but yeah…”

“And how did it happen?” He holds up a hand when I frown. “I’m not talking about details—I want to know the emotions or general conversation that led to it.”

“Uh…during the hurricane. She made the first move. I was trying to be a gentleman but then all bets were off.”

He nods as if that explains everything. “And there’s been a conversation about making this a real marriage versus a business deal?”

“Absolutely. We’re both in.”

“Okay, so then my advice from what I told you before I knew all of this really hasn’t changed. Pay attention. Spoil her when you can. Be engaged when you’re home—and I’m not talking about sex.”

“I want to buy her those shoes,” I say, “but is that dumb?”

“Shoes?”

I explain about the Louboutins.

“Oh. Yes. This is an excellent idea. You know her size?”

“I asked Johan and he asked Sloane to ask Claudia. I’ll know soon. The answer may even be in my texts—I haven’t checked yet.”

“Excellent. This is exactly what I’m talking about—showing her you pay attention and you care.”

“Thanks, Coach.” I start to get up.

“But, Aiden?”

I turn. “Yeah?”

“Nothing worthwhile is easy. Don’t ever forget that. My wife and I have had some very dark times. Mostly early on, but they happened. And you will too. Especially considering your… mental health.” Coach is one of the only people who knows about my depression.