Page 52 of Stand Your Ground

Why did it still feel fucking terrifying to consider telling her about Coach?

Another thought hit me like a brick after that one: would she feel more comfortable opening up to me if I let her in first?

“You think telling her would help?” I asked Doctor Arman, voice rougher than I meant.

“I think you might be surprised,” he said. “Maybe don’t decide who she is for her. I don’t know much about her, but if she’s been a mentor to you like you said, then I think this could unlock a missing piece of the puzzle for her. And in turn, help both of you.”

Doctor Arman’s words buzzed around in my head like a trapped fly as I left his office. I didn’t know why it was easy toadmit every sexual shortcoming I had to Liv, but the thought of confessing the origin of my insecurities made me want to run out in traffic.

I pulled my phone from my pocket when I exited the office building and headed toward my Range Rover Sport in the parking lot. The group chat with the guys had a dozen missed texts.

Daddy P:Save the date, benchwarmers. Having a party at our house on February 21.

Tanny Boy:… to celebrate marrying the love of my life. There, I filled in the gaps for you, Daddy P.

Brittzy:Lmao I was about to ask if Chef Patel was forcing this on you so she could try out a new grilling recipe. No way would you willingly host a party.

Daddy P:It’ll be outside. By the pool. Casual attire.

Tanny Boy:Please, try to contain your excitement, Goalie. We need all your energy for the playoff race.

Su Man:Who the fuck added me to this chat?

Daddy P:Like it or not, you’re part of the group now, Aleks. Think your wife could make an appearance?

Su Man:She wouldn’t miss a chance to dance with Ava.

Su Man:Date saved. I’m leaving this chat.

Brittzy:Aw, come on, Su Man! Don’t act like you don’t love it. Especially when we rope you into golfing and roast you.

Tanny Boy:Never misses on the ice. Only misses on the green.

Su Man has left the group.

Brittzy:What a pylon.

I chuckled, thumbing out a reply once I was in the Range. I rolled the windows down, thankful for the short reprieve the Florida winter brought us from the extreme heat. It rarely gotcold, especially by Canadian standards, but it cooled enough to enjoy the outdoors without sweating your balls off, at least.

Me:Sorry, was in therapy. You know I’m there, Daddy P.

Tanny Boy:Did Doc fix your game yet?

Brittzy: You saw him try to make a breakout pass and hit the ref in the ass last week, right?

Tanny Boy:That wasn’t a pass, that was a cry for help.

Daddy P:Therapy won’t fix weak wrists and bad edgework.

Me:Joke’s on you. I’ve got strong wrists AND unresolved childhood trauma. That’s a winning combo, baby.

Brittzy:Maybe you should put “strong wrists” in your dating profile. Never heard anything that could drop panties faster than that.

Me:The panty dropping starts with my impeccable fashion sense. “Casual attire” means vintage college hoodie, socks with holes, and Crocs, right, Daddy P?

Tanny Boy:Is that what you wore to practice this morning?

Brittzy:Nah, that was the hoodie with the mysterious stain on the sleeve. Real versatile piece.