Page 180 of The Coach

“Another athlete knocking someone up? Classic.”

“I bet it’s just some gold digger. Small town teacher? C’mon.”

I feel like I might throw up.

And then comes the final blow when Lauren nods toward the window. “Um. Speaking of everyone putting two and two together…”

I follow her gaze, my heart stopping.

Because right outside the school gates?

There arereporters.

A camera crew.

People holding microphones, scanning the parking lot.

No. No, no, no.

My hands are shaking as I fumble for my phone. I shoot Jackson a photo, and send a message.

Me: What do we do?

Jackson’s reply is almost instant.

Jackson: Stay where you are. I’m handling it.

My head is spinning.

I came to work today just wanting a normal Monday.

Now? I’m the center of a media frenzy.

Lauren places a firm hand on my shoulder. “Babe. Breathe. You’re not alone in this.”

But as I glance back at the window, at the reporterswaitingfor me to step outside?—

I’m not so sure.

Then, Jackson calls.

“Hey babe.”

“Hey.”

“Well, we couldn’t hide forever. You okay?”

“Fine.”

“I’m sorry…it has to be like this,” he says. “This is exactly what I didn’t want to happen.”

“Well, maybe if the team sucked this year you wouldn’t be such a big deal.”

He laughs. “You’re funny. No, we will not be sucking this year.”

I sigh. “I’ll be fine. Dealing with a few reporters is no big deal when I’m putting up with unruly kids all day.”

“I just wish I could be there, physically.”

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