Page 154 of The Coach

“No, not an athlete.”

Mom’s head tilts. “Like… a coach? A trainer?”

I let out a nervous laugh. “Something like that.”

Carl narrows his eyes. “He’s not one of those personal trainers who calls himself a coach, is he? Some gym bro influencer type?”

I burst out laughing. “No,definitelynot.”

Carl sighs, running a hand down his face. “Alright. Fine. We’ll be nice. But, Ivy?—”

Carl leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Well, the Stallions are playing in New York next weekend. You should come over and watch the game with us. We can talk more then.”

I hesitate, but nod. “Yeah…they are.”

Carl gives me a look, his voice firm but full of something undeniably protective. “If this guy hurts you? I don’t care what sport he’s in. I’ll make sure he never plays again.”

I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. “I know, Carl.”

Mom reaches toward me, squeezing my hand. “Sweetheart, we just want to meet the man who’s going to be in our grandbaby’s life.”

“You will,” I say, swallowing down the nerves rising in my throat. “I promise.”

And the weekend after next?

They’ll finally meet Jackson Knox.

The crisp autumn air is filled with the scent of popcorn and freshly cut grass as I settle into the bleachers beside Lauren and Jacob. The Friday night lights glow over the high school football field, the energy buzzing through the small-town crowd.

Lauren nudges me with her elbow. “You okay? You look distracted.”

I exhale, scanning the field. “Yeah. Just thinking.”

Jacob leans forward, resting his arms on his knees. “Thinking about what? Or should I say who?”

Lauren smirks. “I’ll give you one guess.”

I roll my eyes but don’t deny it. “Shut up and watch the game.”

The Riverbend Hawks are lined up for kickoff, and the crowd erupts as the ball soars through the air. My younger cousin, Karsten, is on the team, and I spot him down on the sidelines, adjusting his helmet.

“Proud cousin moment?” Lauren teases.

“Always.” I smile.

But then—my stomach twists.

Kyle.

He’s standing near the concession stand, talking to some guy, but his eyes? They me find me, and lock right on me.

I stiffen.

Jacob notices. “Who’s that?”

“No one,” I say too quickly.

Lauren follows my gaze and scowls. “Ugh. He’s still lurking? Honestly, what the fuck is his deal? He needs to get a life.”

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