Page 27

CALEB

Driving over to Amelia’s last night was definitely not on my to do list. It’s not something I ever wanted her to see from me, but I had no choice. I’m so drained from hearing the same thing over and over from him and his fucking temper. I just needed to be near her, hear her voice…is that pathetic?

When she told me I was her inspiration, I almost told her that I loved her. I was going to confess, screw it, let it all out on the table, and accept the rejection. At least she would know.

“Want to come to a pottery class with me after school?” I asked Amelia, watching her dig through her locker, searching for the scrunchies she always lost.

I shook my head, pulling out the spare I kept in my pocket, handing it over. “Here.”

“Thank you! You always seem to have these, I’m starting to think you’re stealing mine.” She teased, slamming her locker shut, gathering her curls into a bun. “And, pottery?”

I chuckled and nodded.“Mhm. I’ve been going for a few months now.”

She tilted her head, surprised. “Whaaat? You never told me that.”

Yeah, I hadn’t told anyone. Not even Tia. It was something I had kept to myself. It was my safe place. It was only a few blocks from my house, so I just booked classes online and walked there whenever I had time.

The reason I started was because my dad had been down my neck again, now that the season started again.

I thought he was tough on me before, but now?

It was worse, I’m almost a senior and coaches are actively scouting and visiting our school.

It’s intense and the pressure is real but my father isn’t making it any better.

I’m usually calm under pressure when he’s not in my ear.

I understood why he pushed me to do better, I truly do. But I wished he would treat me the way other dads treated their sons. I saw other dads giving their sons high fives after games, ruffling their hair, a pat on the back. All I ever got was a “Do better next time.” That was my gold star.

Was I a bad son? That’s what I always thought. I always believed that was why he treated me this way. I was just a disappointment, I guessed.

“It’s something I do that helps calm me down.”

She didn’t say a word, just silently understood me and pulled me into one of those hugs I’d never get over.

One hug from her felt like a whole pottery class. Suddenly, I didn’t need to go anymore today.

She was always my safe space.

“Hayes, my office,” Coach Banks calls out from the locker room door.

I toss my helmet in the locker, making my way over to his office.

He’s sitting in his chair, leaning back, watching our last game on his computer.

I step inside, dropping into the chair I’ve sat in a million times, hearing the oh so familiar creak of the leather.

“What’s up?” I say, leaning back trying to gauge his mood. I can never get a read on him. Is he pissed? Happy? The world would never know.

“Driftwear’s hosting a celebratory event after the signing next week.” Coach finally glances up, pausing the game. “Invite your girlfriend, they’d love to meet her.”

I nod, thankful that we’ve made a good impression and squashed the rumors. I couldn’t have done it without her, she made this possible for me. “Thanks for letting me know. I’ll tell her.”

“Mhm, now go shower. You fucking stink.” He grins, gesturing me out of his office and I can’t help but laugh.

Question. Are you free next weekend? Driftwear’s hosting an event to celebrate.

Amelia

Hmm, let me check my calendar.

My phone buzzes finally. This woman left me on read for an hour.

Amelia

I’m free. Sorry I thought I hit send. Got distracted by a cute dog video.

Oh. I thought you broke up with me.

Amelia

Don’t worry, I will after the wedding. Lol.

I’m not looking forward to that.