Page 108 of Racing Heat

I feel like I’ve just been stabbed in the chest. Just as soon as I was able to live my dream, it’s being taken away. I can’t believe they actually fired me.

“Okay, thank you for letting me know,” I say. The tears are threatening to fall, and I just want to get off the phone with whatever dignity I have left.

“It wasn’t an easy decision, but there had to be consequences for the infraction that you and Mr. Ford committed.”

I hate the way he’s saying infraction and how he’s used it more than once.

“Was Jase fired as well?” There’s a silence on the line, and I wonder if he heard me. “Did he get fired too?” I ask, rewording the question.

“I’m not sure I should tell you.” I know he’s not being a jerk. That he’s just trying to make sure he makes the decision that the rest of the organization would want him to.

“Okay.” I wonder if Jase would tell me if I called him.

He sighs into the phone. “Fine, I’ll tell you, but it’s not going to make you feel any better.”

“I’m sure it won’t. I just want to know.”

“We’re putting a letter of reprimand in his file. But he stays.”

The words “he stays” repeat over and over again in my head. How in the hell can he be staying? He had just as much sex as I did. He broke the same clause just as much as I did. How in the fuck is that fair?

I go to open my mouth, but there are no words.

“Look, Cassie, let me just be August for a moment. I’m sorry about this. I really am. It’s nothing personal; it’s just business. I’m sure this will sour our friendship or the group we hang out with. But I had to do this. He was the more valuable piece to the Blaze.”

Those words sting more than being told that Jase kept his job. He was the more valuable piece. Well, fuck if that isn’t the worst thing I’ve heard since August showed up in the restaurant.

“I understand,” I reply. My voice is so small and soft that I’m not even sure he heard me. But then August speaks again.

“Cas, I’m sorry. I mean it. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know.”

“Yeah, can you get me a new NWSL team?” My voice sounds so hollow as my brain rushes to process my options.

“I don’t think I can do that, but I’m sure when the draft opens up again in the spring you may be able to join another team.”

“If all the of the college prospects aren’t taking up all the open spots.”

“There’s always an open tryout,” he reminds me.

“Yeah, sure there is.” I sink onto my couch. “Thank you for letting me know. I’ll clean out my locker tomorrow.”

“Thank you,” he replies. “And I really am sorry. It’s not the decision I wanted to make. In fact, I didn’t want to get rid of you at all. You were a valuable part of this team.”

“Then why did you?” I ask him.

“Because we can’t be the organization where coaches sleep with their players. Do you have any idea how bad that looks?”

I nod. “Yeah, it’s not the best look.”

“We’re still trying to make a name for ourselves. This was a necessary consequence.”

“I understand.”

“Goodbye, Cassie.” He clicks off the line and I fall to the floor crying.

I’m not sure how long I’m down there, but eventually it’s time to pick myself up. I promised the girls I would tell them the outcome, so I text Mac.

Cassie:I was fired. 60 days is all you have left of me being your neighbor.